One way to kick-start your accounting career in Australia is to register with an online classified job board. There you will be sure of finding the latest jobs as they become available, so you can get your application and resume in amongst the first. Being one of the first applicants somehow seems to give you an advantage, as you are seen to be eager and prompt, both desirable attributes in an employee.

Much of the Australian finance industry is located in Sydney, with the Reserve Bank, the Australian Stock Exchange, and the Futures Exchange all based there. Add to that the several international firms that have Sydney as the base of their operations and it adds up to around 65% of the finance industry. Martin Place is the hub, with a mini-centre in Northern Sydney, just across the Harbour Bridge.

Melbourne is another large finance sector and offers career employment in broking, banking, investment banking and fund management. There are at least 600 financial institutions in the CBD and two of Australia’s largest banks have their headquarters in Melbourne. The thriving economy in Melbourne has seen the upsurge of many small to medium businesses and emerging industries.

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Other capital cities should not be left out of the picture as all have at least some opportunities for employment in an accounting career. Perth particularly has experienced a demand for qualified accountants and senior executives with up to six years of experience.

It is desirable that those intending to come to Australia should register with a job board as early as two years before their arrival date. But don’t apply for specific jobs until one month before arrival. While most jobs in accounting are long-term, there are some short -term or temporary jobs available to cover peak periods.

If you are hoping to advance or continue your career by coming to work in Australia from another country, you might find things a little different here. While Australia is known for its casual culture, businessmen and women must still be presentable and dress in suits, work from around 8 a.m. till 5p.m. and have half an hour for lunch. Working overtime is common and some business executives conduct their business over an extended lunch hour. Fridays can see business going on for longer than usual over drinks in the evening, especially in Sydney. Once you get the hang of how things operate, then you will have no trouble in getting the career you always wanted and enjoying life into the bargain.