Before we get into the average accountant salary NZ professionals can expect, you have to remember that figures will vary based on factors like location, experience, and specialisation. The average accountant in New Zealand earns approximately $92,000 per year, significantly above the national average income, which ranges from $56,000 to $70,000. However, entry-level roles for accountants in New Zealand typically earn between $55,000 and $75,000. In contrast, more experienced accountants or those with professional qualifications can earn over $110,000. The strong earning potential of qualified accountants in sectors such as finance, business, government, and international trade helps boost their salaries.
| City | Average Salary (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Auckland | $95,000–$120,000 |
| Wellington | $90,000–$115,000 |
| Christchurch | $85,000–$100,000 |
| Hamilton | $80,000–$95,000 |
| Dunedin | $75,000–$90,000 |
Accountant Salaries by Experience and Role
As with other jobs, the accountant's salary in New Zealand increases with experience and responsibility level. Entry-level positions are well-paid, but mid-level and senior accountants, especially in specialised roles, can see their salaries jump.
Here’s a breakdown of typical salary progression by experience:
- 0-4 years: ~$53,000
- 5-10 years: ~$71,000
- 10-15 years: ~$85,000
- 16-20 years: ~$95,000
- 20+ years: Often $100,000+ depending on specialisation and sector
Remember that accounting roles vary widely in scope across industries so while a junior financial accountant may focus on reconciliations and reporting while, a management accountant offers strategic insights.
of accountants in New Zealand earn above the national median income.
Specialised roles, such as forensic accountants and investment analysts, tend to demand premium skills to complement the advanced skills, education, and experience required.
- Qualifications: Degrees, chartered status, and postgraduate diplomas all boost earning potential
- Industry: Corporate roles typically pay more than nonprofit or public sector jobs
- Location: Salaries in Auckland and Wellington tend to be higher
- Size of Employer: Large firms or multinational companies offer more room for growth and bonuses
- Specialisation: Tax, forensic, and corporate finance roles often attract higher pay
Chartered Accountant Salary NZ: How Qualifications Affect Pay
Chartered Accountant (CA) status through CA ANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand) is one of the best ways for accountants to increase their earning potential.
While accountant salaries are above the average in New Zealand, the chartered accountant salary NZ is even more impressive.
Average Salaries for Chartered Accountants in NZ:
- Newly qualified CA: ~$75,000–$95,000
- Mid-level CA with 5-10 years’ experience: ~$110,000–$140,000
- Senior Chartered Accountant: ~$150,000–$176,000+
- Chartered Accountant in leadership roles (e.g. CFO): $200,000+
After all, the CA designation demonstrates a high level of professional expertise, business acumen, and adherence to international standards. Not only will this enhance your employability in New Zealand and Australia, but it can also open doors to international roles in global financial centres.
Becoming a Chartered Accountant requires a recognised bachelor's degree, completion of the CA programme, and a period of supervised work experience. This process can take several years, but the return on investment in terms of salary and career prospects is substantial.
- A recognised degree in accounting or a related subject
- Completion of the CA ANZ programme
- Ongoing professional development to maintain your status
Accounting Qualifications in New Zealand
Undergraduate Programmes
- Bachelor of Accounting
- Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Major)
- Bachelor of Business (Finance or Accounting)
- Bachelor of Management Studies (Accounting)
Postgraduate Programmes
- Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting
- Graduate Diploma in Accounting
- Master of Professional Accounting (MPA)
- Master of Commerce (Accounting or Finance focus)
- Honours Year in Accounting or Business
Professional Certifications
- CA ANZ (Chartered Accountant)
- CPA Australia
- CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst – finance-focused)
How Location Impacts Accountant Salary NZ
Where you work in New Zealand will affect the kind of salary offered. This is mainly due to regional economic conditions, industry presence, and the cost of living.
Typically, larger cities, such as Auckland and Wellington, which are home to larger economic hubs, offer the best salaries for accountants in New Zealand.
Average Salaries by Location:
- Auckland: $95,000 to $120,000
- Wellington: $90,000 to $115,000
- Christchurch: $85,000 to $100,000
- Hamilton: $80,000 to $95,000
- Dunedin: $75,000 to $90,000
These salaries also reflect the differences in demand, with larger corporate employers and access to accountancy work, such as financial services or management consulting, more prevalent in certain areas.
For example, Auckland has a high concentration of international businesses that offer higher salaries while also requiring advanced qualifications or international experience.
Rural or smaller regional areas typically offer lower pay but come with a lower cost of living and better work-life balance. However, urban centres usually offer more rapid career progression.
than their counterparts in smaller regional centres.
Beyond the Numbers: What Accountants Actually Do
Modern accountants play a critical role in financial planning, business development, and compliance, which is why they're essential to big and small organisations across New Zealand and beyond.
Common Responsibilities Across Accounting Roles
- Preparing and analysing financial statements
- Managing budgets, payroll, and cash flow
- Conducting audits and ensuring compliance with tax laws
- Advising on business performance, cost control, and risk
- Forecasting future financial trends and investment strategies
- Supporting management in decision-making and long-term planning
- Interpreting economic data and advising on international finance and trade
Whether in corporate finance, forensic accounting, or as a financial advisor, accountants must employ critical thinking, understand market shifts, and provide guidance on a range of topics, including mergers and acquisitions, as well as tax strategy.
- Public Practice (Audit & Tax firms)
- Corporate Accounting (Finance teams in large businesses)
- Government Departments & Nonprofits
- Consulting and Advisory Services
- Banking and Investment Firms
- Startups and Tech Companies
Types of Accounting Jobs and How Much They Earn
With so many roles in the world of accounting with different skills, qualifications, and responsibilities, no two accounts are really paid alike.
Here are how different accounting jobs are paid in New Zealand:
| Job Title | Salary Range (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Accounting Technician | $44,000 – $70,000 |
| Financial Accountant | $75,000 – $100,000 |
| Management Accountant | $80,000 – $110,000 |
| Tax Accountant | $70,000 – $100,000 |
| Auditor | $75,000 – $120,000 |
| Forensic Accountant | $90,000 – $130,000 |
| Investment Analyst | $92,000 – $132,000 |
| Financial Trader | $96,000 – $256,000 |
| Chief Financial Officer | $160,000 – $250,000+ |
Accountant Career Progression: From Graduate to CFO
A career in accounting offers a lot of growth opportunities, with the salaries following suit. Accounting is a profession that rewards both experience and education, which means ambitious accountants can upskill and climb the ladder.
Career Stages and Typical Salaries in NZ
- Graduate/Junior Accountant ($55,000–$75,000): Starting roles after completing a bachelor's degree or diploma
- Intermediate Accountant ($75,000–$90,000): Handles budgeting, reporting, and manages client accounts with 2–5 years of experience
- Senior Accountant / Team Lead ($90,000–$120,000): Oversees junior staff, leads complex financial analysis and internal reporting
- Finance Manager / Financial Controller ($120,000–$160,000): Manages the finance department, audits, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO) ($160,000–$250,000+): Executive role responsible for a company’s financial strategy, reporting, and long-term fiscal goals
Professional development, such as earning a Chartered Accountant (CA) designation, pursuing a master's degree, or completing specialised qualifications in tax, audit, or international finance, can all help.
How NZ Accountant Salaries Compare Internationally
Accounts in New Zealand earn a competitive salary, but how does the accountant's salary compare to professionals elsewhere in the world.
The Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ) designation enables them to work abroad in countries where the demand for financial professionals is consistently high.
- Australia ($90,000 to $130,000 AUD ≈ $98,000 to $142,000 NZD): Salaries are similar to NZ but often slightly higher due to a larger economy and demand for senior accountants in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
- United Kingdom (£50,000 to £80,000 GBP ≈ $105,000 to $170,000 NZD): Chartered accountants in the UK, especially in London, can earn strong salaries with added opportunities in finance, consulting, and global corporations.
- Canada ($75,000 to $110,000 CAD ≈ $90,000 to $132,000 NZD): Accountant salaries in Canada are comparable to those in NZ, and international certifications are widely accepted in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
- United Arab Emirates (Tax-Free $100,000 to $160,000 NZD equivalent): The UAE offers high-paying, tax-free salaries, especially for accountants working in multinational companies and global finance roles.
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