Bookkeeping Jobs 2025: How to Start Your Accounting Career in Australia
Ready to kickstart your accounting career? Discover bookkeeping jobs in Australia for 2025, with salaries from $55,000–$85,000+, flexible roles, and expert tips for locals and international applicants.
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Contents
Why Bookkeeping Remains a Strong Career in 2025
Bookkeeping is a thriving career choice in Australia for 2025, offering stability and flexibility for those eyeing a future in accounting. Small businesses, startups, and freelancers rely heavily on bookkeepers to manage their finances, especially with the rise of digital tax reporting and compliance requirements. The role's versatility—offering remote, part-time, freelance, and full-time opportunities—makes it a perfect entry point into the broader accounting industry. Despite automation, human oversight remains critical, as one Australian bookkeeper noted on Reddit: "Plenty of work out there! The 'smart' systems aren't that smart and still need human checks." This demand is particularly strong among small to medium enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of Australia's economy. Curious about other flexible careers? Explore our guide to remote jobs in Australia or visit our career blog for more inspiration.
What Bookkeepers Do in Australia
Bookkeepers are the unsung heroes of financial management, handling critical tasks that keep businesses running smoothly. In Australia, their duties include recording financial transactions, reconciling bank statements, managing ledgers, handling accounts receivable and payable, and preparing Business Activity Statements (BAS) for tax compliance. Proficiency in accounting software like Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks is essential, as these tools streamline processes and ensure accuracy. Job listings on Seek consistently highlight the need for software skills and attention to detail. Interested in related fields? Check out our guide to accounting jobs in Australia for a deeper dive into the industry.
Qualifications Needed in 2025
You don't need a university degree to become a bookkeeper in Australia—a TAFE Certificate IV in Bookkeeping or Accounting is enough to get started. This qualification covers essentials like financial reporting and BAS preparation. If you plan to offer tax or BAS services, you'll need BAS Agent Registration, which requires additional training and supervised experience. Employers value knowledge of Australian accounting standards, meticulous attention to detail, and proficiency in tools like Xero or MYOB. Getting certified in these platforms is a big plus, as one Reddit user advised: "Finish your Cert IV, get your Xero advisor certification, and you're set" (Reddit). Want to polish your credentials? Use our Resume Builder to showcase your qualifications effectively.
Where to Find Bookkeeping Jobs
Bookkeeping jobs are plentiful across Australia, catering to various industries and work styles. Online job boards like Seek, Indeed, and Jora list thousands of roles, with Seek alone featuring over 7,000 bookkeeping positions. Accounting firms, small businesses, tradies, and eCommerce companies frequently hire, often for part-time or freelance work. Freelance platforms like Upwork, Airtasker, and Fiverr are great for remote gigs, while bookkeeping agencies connect professionals with clients nationwide. For more job-hunting tips, explore our guide to Gumtree jobs in Australia or browse our career blog for local opportunities.
⚠️ Scam Alert:
Beware of fake job listings. Verify employers on platforms like Seek or Upwork and never pay for job applications.
How Much Can You Earn?
Bookkeeping salaries in 2025 depend on experience, location, and work model. Entry-level bookkeepers earn $55,000–$65,000 annually, while experienced professionals make $70,000–$85,000 or more. Freelancers charge $35–$60 per hour, with registered BAS agents commanding premium rates, sometimes up to $80/hour, as noted in a Reddit thread. According to SEEK, the average salary falls between $70,000 and $85,000, with hourly rates averaging $30.66 per PayScale. Interested in other high-paying careers? See our guide to high-paying jobs in Australia for more options.
| Role | Salary Range (AUD/year) | Hourly Rate (Freelance, AUD/hour) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Bookkeeper | $55,000–$65,000 | - |
| Experienced Bookkeeper | $70,000–$85,000+ | - |
| Freelance/Contractor | - | $35–$60 |
| Registered BAS Agent | Varies, premium rates | Up to $80 |
Tips to Land a Bookkeeping Job
Breaking into bookkeeping requires strategy and preparation. Here's how to stand out:
- Get Certified: Complete short online courses in Xero or MYOB to boost your employability.
- Gain Experience: Volunteer for small businesses or intern to build hands-on skills, as suggested on Reddit.
- Optimize Your LinkedIn: Use keywords like "BAS agent," "bookkeeper," or "Xero certified" to attract recruiters.
- Apply Strategically: Target bookkeeping firms or SMEs needing part-time help via Seek or direct outreach.
Need a standout resume? Try our Resume Builder to craft a professional profile, or check out our tips for administrative assistant jobs for related career advice.
Career Progression Path
Bookkeeping is a springboard to diverse accounting roles. A typical path includes starting as a bookkeeper, advancing to BAS Agent, then moving to Payroll Manager or Accountant with further study, such as a Bachelor of Accounting. Many bookkeepers also choose freelancing or launch their own practices for greater flexibility. "Bookkeeping is very flexible—compared to being an accountant, you can take clients as you like," shared a user on Reddit. Interested in other career paths? Explore human resources jobs or apprenticeships in Australia for alternative routes.
Tips for International Applicants
For those outside Australia, breaking into the bookkeeping market requires planning. Most roles don't offer visa sponsorship, but you can pursue a Student Visa to study a Certificate IV and work part-time, as outlined by the Australian Government. Bookkeepers may qualify under the Skilled Occupation List (ANZSCO code 551211) for visas like Skilled Independent (subclass 189), per Visa Bureau. Australian-recognized certifications in Xero or MYOB are key, and remote freelance roles for Australian clients are a viable entry point. "Consider remote freelance roles for Australian clients—it's a great way to start," advised a Reddit user. For more on international opportunities, see our guide to nursing jobs with visa sponsorships.
Is Bookkeeping Right for You?
Bookkeeping in Australia for 2025 is a fantastic entry point into the accounting world, offering flexibility, competitive salaries, and opportunities across industries, especially for SMEs. Whether you're a local in Sydney or an international applicant dreaming of working Down Under, the right training and tools can set you up for a rewarding career. With demand for skilled bookkeepers on the rise, now's the time to dive in. Reflect on your goals: if you're detail-oriented, tech-savvy, and ready to hustle, bookkeeping could be your perfect fit. For more career inspiration, explore virtual assistant jobs or visit our career blog to discover your next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a degree to become a bookkeeper in Australia? No, a TAFE Certificate IV in Bookkeeping or Accounting is sufficient to start.
- What software should bookkeepers learn? Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks are the most in-demand accounting tools.
- Can international applicants get bookkeeping jobs in Australia? Yes, through student visas for part-time work or remote freelance roles, with Australian certifications.
- How much do freelance bookkeepers earn? Freelancers typically charge $35–$60 per hour, with BAS agents earning up to $80.
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