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Assistant Accountant salary guide Australia 2026
The typical Assistant Accountant salary in Australia is $64,000, with pay ranging from $62,000 at entry level to $78,000 for experienced professionals.
Overview
What does an Assistant Accountant earn?
The median salary of Assistant Accountants in Australia is $64,000. Most positions fall within the $62,000–$78,000 bracket, with entry-level roles starting around $62,000. Progressing towards $78,000 usually requires professional qualification through CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants ANZ, alongside specialised reporting skills.
Optional — pick a state first
Median for Assistant Accountant, nationally across Australia.
10th $62,000
25th $64,000
50th (median) $78,000
75th $89,000
90th
Figures above update by state/city. For a full breakdown by seniority, see the table below.
Location
Assistant Accountant salary by city
Location plays a notable role in finance remuneration across Australia. Capital cities like Sydney and Melbourne typically offer higher base salaries to match local living costs, though regional hubs in Queensland and Western Australia remain competitive.
What drives salary
Factors that affect Assistant Accountant pay
Several key factors influence what you can earn as an Assistant Accountant. Your progress towards professional accreditation and your day-to-day technical experience both shape your earning potential.
Holding or actively studying towards a CA or CPA qualification gives you a clear edge. Employers frequently offer higher pay brackets to candidates who are committed to full accreditation.
Managing complex balance sheet reconciliations in fast-paced environments commands higher compensation. Employers value candidates who can handle heavy transaction volumes without sacrificing accuracy.
A firm grasp of local compliance and statutory reporting frameworks directly boosts your value. Businesses rely on your understanding of domestic standards to keep their financial records accurate.
Experience in demanding sectors like fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) or large commercial enterprises often translates to stronger salary offers. Sector-specific knowledge reduces onboarding time and improves operational efficiency.
Moving beyond basic bookkeeping to deliver variance analysis and meaningful management commentary increases your earning power. Finance leaders reward team members who can interpret trends within raw numbers.
Comparison
How Assistant Accountants compare to related roles
An Assistant Accountant typically earns more than a Bookkeeper or Payroll Officer, reflecting the broader compliance and month-end reconciliation responsibilities the role demands. Stepping up to a Financial Analyst or Auditor commands the next pay tier because those positions require advanced forecasting, data modelling or statutory audit assurance.
| Role | Range | Relative | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | $97,000–$149,000 | $120,000 | |
| Payroll Officer | $74,000–$96,000 | $84,000 | |
| Auditor | $68,000–$97,000 | $79,000 | |
| Bookkeeper | $65,000–$85,000 | $76,000 | |
| Assistant Accountant You are here | $62,000–$78,000 | $64,000 |
Employment Hero Job Data
Salary figures are derived from Employment Hero proprietary data. All figures represent base salary only and exclude bonuses, superannuation and other benefits. Last updated October 2026.
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