4nations international logo
  1. Home
  2. Skill Assessment
  3. Accountant Skill Assessments | The Complete Checklist

Accountant Skill Assessments | The Complete Checklist

Looking to advance your career as an accountant or migrate to Australia? 

The Accountant Skill Assessment is a crucial step in ensuring your qualifications and experience align with Australian standards. But what does this assessment really involve? 

Whether you’re a seasoned accountant or just starting out, understanding the assessment process is like navigating a detailed map to your destination. From verifying credentials, English proficiency and gathering the right documents to understanding costs and assessment types, each step is a piece of the puzzle.

By reviewing the checklist for accountant skill assessment in this blog, you’ll gain confidence, boost your chances of a positive outcome, and clear the path to your professional success.

What is an Accountant Skill Assessment?

An Accountant Skill Assessment is a process used to evaluate the qualifications, skills, and experience of individuals seeking to migrate to Australia or gain employment as accountants. This assessment evaluates whether your qualifications, skills, and experience meet Australian standards for the accounting profession. It plays a critical role in visa applications, particularly for Skilled Migration Visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), where it confirms that your skills align with Australian requirements. 

Read More: What is the average processing time for skilled migration visa application?

Types of Accountant skill assessment

Boundless Future Awaits! Simplified Immigration Solutions Here

1. Full Skills Assessment

A Full Skills Assessment is a thorough evaluation of your educational qualifications and English language proficiency to ensure they meet Australian standards for your profession. This assessment requires you to provide proof of your educational credentials, such as diplomas or degrees, and evidence of your English language ability, like test scores.

2. Skilled Employment Assessment

A Skilled Employment Assessment is optional and focuses on your work experience in the field. It assesses whether your previous employment is relevant and adequate for your profession, requiring a ‘suitable’ outcome to meet Australian standards. This assessment typically follows the Full Skills Assessment and is needed only if it is relevant to your visa or job application.

Who is the assessing authority for accountant skill assessment?

The assessing authority for Accountant Skill Assessment in Australia is CPA Australia (CPAA). They are responsible for evaluating the skills and qualifications of individuals in the accounting profession, as per Australian migration and employment requirements.

ANZSCO Occupations Assessed by CPA Australia

CPA Australia examines some accounting nominated occupations under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). Some of these occupations are:

Occupation ANZSCO Code
Accountant (general) 221111
Corporate Treasurer 221212
External Auditor 221213
Finance manager 132211
Management Accountant 221112
Taxation Accountant 221113

Maximise your chances of a positive skill assessment. Our team will provide strategic guidance on how to best present your qualifications and experience, increasing the likelihood of a positive assessment outcome. Book a consultation today.

How to get Skill Assessment for Accounting in Australia?

Verify Your Assessment Criteria

To determine if your qualifications are suitable for an Australian Accountant Skill Assessment, there are three main criteria:

Degree Comparability

Your qualification must be equivalent to at least an Australian bachelor’s degree. This means your overseas degree needs to match the level of an Australian bachelor degree according to the guidelines set by the Australian Government’s Department of Education, Skills, and Employment.

Educational Knowledge

Once your degree is deemed comparable, it must also be relevant to your chosen profession. This involves checking if your studies cover the necessary competencies for the specific ANZSCO code related to your job.

Occupation Required Competencies

Accountant (General) – 221111

Corporate Treasurer – 221212

Finance Manager – 132211

Management Accountant – 221112

  1. Accounting Systems and Processes
  2. Business Law, Economics
  3. Financial Accounting and Reporting
  4. Finance and Financial Management
  5. Management Accounting
  6. Quantitative Methods
Taxation Accountant – 221113
  1. Accounting Systems and Processes
  2. Australian Taxation Law*
  3. Business Law
  4. Economics
  5. Financial Accounting and Reporting
  6. Finance and Financial Management
  7. Management Accounting
  8. Quantitative Methods
External Auditor – 221213
  1. Accounting Systems and Processes
  2. Audit and Assurance
  3. Business Law
  4. Economics
  5. Financial Accounting and Reporting
  6. Finance and Financial Management
  7. Management Accounting
  8. Quantitative Methods

English Language Requirement (Only for Full Skill Assessment)

The following accredited tests must be completed in order for you to satisfy the English language competence criterion for your skills assessment application:

Test Minimum Scores Required Verification
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)

Listening: 185, Reading: 185, Writing: 185, Speaking: 185

Authorise access through Cambridge Candidate website
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Listening: 7.0, Reading: 7.0, Writing: 7.0, Speaking: 7.0 IELTS Academic One Skill Retake (OSR) is accepted for skills assessment but may not be accepted for some visas.
PTE Academic Listening: 65, Reading: 65, Writing: 65, Speaking: 65 Include Score Report Code and Registration ID
TOEFL iBT Listening: 24, Reading: 24, Writing: 27, Speaking: 23 Valid only for tests taken before 26 July 2023 and after 5 May 2024
Note:
  • Validity of Test Results: Results are valid for three years from the test date. Ensure they are within this period at the time of your skills assessment.
  • Exemptions: No exemptions to the English language proficiency requirement.
  • Online Tests: ‘At-home’ or ‘online’ tests are not accepted.
  • Provisional Assessments: CPA Australia will no longer provide provisional skills assessments service as of June 15, 2024, due to changes in Temporary Graduate visa programs.
     For more details, refer to the Department of Home Affairs website.

Gather Relevant Documentation

Guidelines

  • Submit clear, high-quality scans of your original documents.
  • Remove or black out sensitive personal information like credit card numbers before submission.
  • Providing fraudulent or misleading information may lead to refusal of your application without a refund and could be reported to the Department of Home Affairs.
  • Missing or incorrect documents can delay your application.

Personal Identification

  • Passport or National ID Card: Photo page proving your identity.
  • Name Change Document (if applicable): If your name has changed, provide official evidence of this change.

English Language Proficiency

  • If you’ve completed Accounting Professional Year Program Certificate and Transcript program, submit your certificate and transcript.
  • Submit results from an accepted English language test (like CAE, IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT). Ensure these can be verified.

Academic Qualifications

  • Degree Certificates and Transcripts: Submit official certificates and transcripts showing your academic achievements. These documents verify that you have the qualifications necessary for the assessment.
  • Translations: If these documents are not in English, you must provide official translations along with the original documents. This helps ensure that all information is accurately understood.

Ensure your accountant skill assessment is completed correctly. We’ll review your documentation and application for accuracy, provide feedback on any necessary adjustments, and ensure everything is in order before submission. Contact us toady.

Professional Body Qualifications (if applicable)

  • Membership Certificate: If you are a member of a professional accounting body, include your membership certificate as proof.
  • Examination Results/Mark Sheets: Provide results for all levels of exams you have taken, including any exemptions you have received. This verifies your professional qualifications.

Syllabus for Non-Accredited Qualifications (if applicable)

  • Official Syllabus: Submit the syllabus for any non-accredited qualifications, detailing subject content. If unavailable or not in English, include a statutory declaration and a detailed summary of subjects.

Chinese Degree Verification (if applicable)

  • Verification Service: Use an authorised service to confirm your Chinese qualifications and provide an English translation. Send these directly to the specified email.

Skilled Employment Documents (if applicable)

Your work history is evaluated by CPA Australia to make sure it fits Australian standards and corresponds with the ANZSCO occupation of your choice. You can gain more points for your skilled migration visa by taking this assessment.

Criteria:

  • Relevance: Employment must relate to your ANZSCO occupation and have occurred in the 10 years before your skills assessment application.
  • Experience: Must be after you completed a degree equivalent to an Australian bachelor’s degree, paid, and continuous for at least 20 hours a week.
  • Duration: At least one year total, with a minimum of three months per role. You cannot count overlapping periods for concurrent jobs.

Documents Required:

1. Employer Testimonials: Signed on company letterhead, including:

  • Official contact details.
  • Authorised signatory’s name, position, and contact information.
  • Complete start and end dates, job duties, employment terms, weekly hours, and salary.
  • If no letterhead is available, a statutory declaration may be accepted.

2. Pay Slips: Provide at least three pay slips for each role claimed, ideally from different times (start, middle, end).

3. Self-Employment: Include:

  • Official business registration, practising certificate, and tax returns.
  • Testimonial from the business, showing work details, hours, and salary.
  • Client references on letterhead.

For self-employed applicants, ensure all provided documents confirm the same information and are of high quality.

Global Opportunities Beckon! Discover Seamless Immigration Services

How long does it take to process CPA Australia Skill Assessment?

A CPA Australia competency evaluation takes about 20 business days to process on average. This schedule covers the time from the time you submit your initial application until all of your supporting documentation is examined. This processing time frame, however, may differ based on certain conditions, the volume of applications, and whether further information is needed.

Can we fast track CPA Australia skill assessment?

Yes, you have the option to speed up the processing, which usually takes ten business days. Full assessments of skills and applications for extra ANZSCO codes can use this accelerated process. Do not forget that processing times exclude weekends, public holidays, or the period when the office closes at the end of the year. 

How Much does Accountant Skill Assessment Cost?

Skills Assessment Fees

Assessment Onshore Applicants (AUD) Offshore Applicants (AUD)
Skills assessment application $545 $495
Skills assessment (additional ANZSCO code) $250 $227
Skilled employment assessment $250 $227
Skills assessment update and skilled employment assessment $340 $309
Skills assessment appeal and skilled employment assessment $340 $309
Skills assessment administration fee (withdraw application, or reissue of previous outcome) $80 $73
 

Appeal and Update Fees

Assessment Onshore Applicants (AUD) Offshore Applicants (AUD)
Skill assessment and employment assessment $180 $164

Fast Track Fees

Assessment Service Onshore Applicants (AUD) Offshore Applicants (AUD)
Fast Track skills assessment application $650 $590
Fast Track skills assessment (additional ANZSCO code) $300 $273

How long is CPA Australia skill assessment valid for?

Once you receive your CPA Australia skills assessment outcome, it is valid for three years. This three-year period starts from the date of the initial assessment outcome. During this time, you can use the assessment for various purposes, such as applying for visas or job applications. However, if you need additional assessments, such as for different ANZSCO codes or skilled employment, these do not extend the original validity period. 

Then, Can I renew my CPA skill assessment?

Renewing an existing skill evaluation is not permitted. As CPA Australia does not provide a renewal option for expired assessments, the procedure must be restarted and a fresh application submitted.

Conclusion

Assessing and improving your accountant skills is a continuous process that requires dedication and effort. By utilising this comprehensive checklist, you can identify areas for development and work towards becoming a more proficient and successful accountant. Remember, investing in your skills today will pave the way for a rewarding and fulfilling career in the field of accounting.

For assistance with your assessment or any questions you might have, our team is equipped to provide the guidance and support you need to excel. From navigating the complex requirements of the accountant skill assessment to providing expert advice on documentation and application processes, we ensure you have the support you need every step of the way. Contact us today to benefit from our experience and expertise, and let us help you achieve your professional goals with confidence.

Disclaimer: This is a Guide only and is intended to provide general information. Users of this guide are strongly encouraged to consult with a migration agent or lawyer before taking any course of action related to information, ideas or opinions expressed in this Guide.
Share:
Related Posts

Send Us A Message

Related Posts

Google Rating
4.6
Based on 113 reviews
js_loader

Book Consultation

Fill in the Form for your free consultation