Opportunities to further your career within the Accounting & Finance industry

With a continued skills’ shortage across the Accounting and Finance job market, recruiting and retaining highly skilled Accounting professionals should be a key focus for all accounting leaders and business owners. Top candidates are sought after for their solid work history, qualifications, technology knowledge, strong technical, communication, and business partnering skills. Candidates are looking for career development, a leader that “walks the talk”, a good work-life balance, and healthy office culture.

Salary information and career progression

A career in Accounting and Finance can encompass several disciplines, so average salaries can vary significantly. The following is a guide to salary ranges across key positions:

Recent Changes

Due to full employment levels in New Zealand, there is a demand for people across most areas and Accounting is no exception. The main challenges candidates currently face during their job hunt is that companies are not moving quickly enough to complete the recruitment process and at times, might not be able to meet their needs regarding work-life balance. There is a changing attitude towards how candidates approach searching for Accounting jobs, and in-demand candidates will often receive multiple offers and sometimes counter-offers.

Future Prospects

Career prospects for roles in Accounting and Finance are changing. Recent media coverage has indicated that the role of the traditional Accountant will disappear, leaving little doubt that technology will take over some of the more technical accounting functions. This also suggests that roles in this sector will evolve over time, meaning that Accounting professionals will need to develop skills in business partnering, technology, and analytical areas to increase their agility and flexibility.

Salt’s advice for getting a job in the Accounting & Finance industry

• Employers' Requirements

  When applying for a job in Accounting and Finance, the ability to communicate financial information in an easy-to-understand language is crucial. Candidates must also be able to demonstrate an ability to adapt to change, be technically agile and know how to solve problems through process improvements and good business acumen.

• CV Requirements

  The areas that an Accounting professional should ensure are outlined on their CV are their key skills, competencies and achievements. Specific and relevant experience to the role in question is essential with a clear outline of tasks or responsibilities. Similarly, any areas in which you have a particular strength or focus within Accounting should also be highlighted. Outlining your technical accounting skills, accounting systems/technology skills and qualifications is important also.

• Interview Preparation

  If a candidate’s application is successful, the first step will usually be a behavioural interview. If that goes well, they will be invited for further interviews, which may include psychometric testing or a prepared presentation. Two verbal referees from previous managers will also be requested. Some organisations may also require you to complete technical accounting tests to assess your knowledge.

• Educational Requirements

  The majority of Accounting roles require a tertiary degree, and/or specific accounting qualification, such as a CPA, CA or CIMA. Non-qualified Accounting roles, like those in accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit control, and payroll, do not require these qualifications.