How to become an accountant

Thinking about a career that’s both stable and future-proof? Accounting could open the door to your next big opportunity!

If you’re wondering how to become an accountant, you’re in the right place. This profession blends analytical thinking with meaningful outcomes, offering a wide range of opportunities to grow, specialise and make meaningful contributions to businesses of all sizes.

With flexible training options and clear pathways into the industry, there’s a solid route to success. And this guide will walk you through every step! So keep reading to learn how to turn your interest in accounting into a rewarding professional journey.

Why choose a career in accounting and finance?

Accounting is one of the most valuable and dependable careers out there. While it’s often seen as a numbers game, this rewarding career goes far beyond simply crunching numbers.

As an accountant you become a major player in helping businesses understand their financial position, plan strategically for the future and stay compliant with constantly changing regulations.

It’s also a profession that offers dozens of long-term rewards. Whether you’re aiming for stability, career advancement or the freedom to work across different industries, accounting delivers. Here’s a taste of why it continues to be such a popular career choice:

• • Excellent job security: Accounting is one of the most stable professions you can choose. Afterall, every business needs someone to manage their finances, so accountants are always in demand, no matter the industry or economic climate.
  
  • Clear career progression: With accounting, there’s a well-defined path to growth. You might start in a junior role, but with experience and further qualifications, you can move into senior positions such as financial controller, CFO or specialised advisory roles. It’s a career where your hard work and upskilling really pay off.
  
  • Flexibility to work across industries: Accountants are needed everywhere, which means you can tailor your career to your interests or values. Whether you want to work for a global brand, support local businesses, or even start your own practice, accounting gives you that flexibility.
  
  • Strong earning potential: Entry-level roles start with competitive salaries, and as you gain more experience, your earning capacity increases significantly. Specialising in areas like tax, auditing or financial analysis can open doors to even higher-paying positions, especially in larger firms or corporate settings.
  
  • Highly transferable skills: The skills you develop as an accountant—critical thinking, data analysis and strategic planning, for example—are valuable well beyond finance. These capabilities are in high demand across countless roles and industries, giving you options if you ever want to explore a new direction in your career.

How to become an accountant: Your step-by-step guide

If you’re thinking about a career in accounting, there’s a clear path to get you there. It all starts with pursuing the right training and building the right skills. 

So let’s take a look at the key steps to becoming an accountant in Australia, and how MCI Institute’s flexible online courses can help you get there.

1. Complete a relevant qualification

To get started in accounting, you’ll need a strong foundation in financial principles. MCI Institute’s Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping is a nationally recognised course that gives you the practical skills employers are looking for. You’ll cover areas like:

• • Preparing financial reports
  • Managing operational budgets
  • Processing business transactions
  • Setting up accounting systems

2. Pursue further education (optional but beneficial)

Although a cert IV can land you secure entry-level roles, many aspiring accountants go on to complete a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. A bachelor of accounting can deepen your expertise and improve your long-term career prospects, especially if you're aiming for roles in corporate finance, auditing, or senior management.

The great thing is, the skills and knowledge you gain through MCI Institute’s certificate-level training can provide a pathway into further study, giving you a strong head start.

3. Gain practical experience

Workplace experience is a big part of becoming a successful accountant. It helps you apply your learning in real situations, build professional relationships, and understand how businesses operate day to day.
Look for opportunities such as:

• • Entry-level roles in finance or bookkeeping
  • Internships during or after your studies
  • Volunteer accounting support for community groups or clubs
  

4. Get recognised by joining a professional body

As you progress, you may want to join a professional accounting body. These memberships aren’t mandatory for every role, but they can significantly boost your career prospects, especially if you’re aiming for senior or specialised positions.

In Australia, the key professional bodies include:

• • Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
  • CPA Australia
  • Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)

The skills you’ll need to succeed in accounting

Now that you know the steps to becoming an accountant, let’s talk about what it takes to excel in the profession. You’ll need to build a solid foundation of both technical and interpersonal skills to strand out in the field. Let’s break them down:

Core technical skills

• • Proficiency in accounting software: Accounting software like MYOB, Xero, and QuickBooks is essential for managing tasks like payroll, bank reconciliations, and reporting. Being confident with these tools shows employers you're efficient, accurate, and ready to contribute from day one.
  
  • Understanding of financial reporting standards: Knowing how to apply Australian Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is essential for producing accurate, compliant reports.
  
  • Taxation knowledge: From GST to BAS to end-of-financial-year reporting, understanding Australian tax laws allows you to prepare returns and provide valuable insights to individuals and businesses.
  
  • Data analysis: Numbers tell a story. Being able to interpret financial data helps you identify trends, spot red flags, and support strategic decision-making.
  
  • Attention to detail: Accuracy is everything in accounting. Even small errors can lead to big consequences, so a sharp eye is a must.

People skills that make a big difference

• • Clear communication: You’ll need to explain complex financial concepts to clients or colleagues who may not have a finance background. Being able to simplify and clarify is a major asset.
  
  • Problem-solving: Being an accountant means tackling challenges head-on, like figuring out why the numbers don’t add up or sorting through tricky tax issues. It’s all about thinking critically and finding practical solutions when things don’t go to plan.
  
  • Adaptability: From changing regulations to new software systems, the accounting world doesn’t stand still. Being open to change helps you stay relevant.
  
  • Time management: Juggling deadlines, especially during EOFY or tax season, is a major part of the job. Staying organised keeps everything on track.

Your pathway to a successful accounting career starts with MCI Institute

Accounting offers opportunities that few other fields can match. With MCI Institute’s flexible online courses, you can develop the expertise and confidence needed to stand out and advance in this ever-important profession.

From foundational training to career growth, our nationally recognised programs adapt to your goals and lifestyle. Explore our accredited accounting courses and start shaping your professional journey today! 

Plus, with flexible online learning, you can build your expertise and your network on your own terms. Why wait? Explore MCI Institute’s nationally recognised courses and start building your future today!