Graduate Accountant (Public Practice) Guide - Hire or get hired

Your complete guide to the Graduate Accountant (Public Practice) Role: Duties, salary & hiring tips

Purpose of the Graduate Accountant (Public Practice)

The Graduate Accountant supports the accounting team by assisting in the preparation of financial statements, tax returns, and reconciliations. This role provides hands-on training and professional development within a public practice environment.

Graduate Accountant (Public Practice)'s duties and responsibilities

• Preparation Support:
Assist in preparing client BAS, tax returns, and financial reports.

• Reconciliations:
Perform bank and ledger reconciliations under supervision.

• Administrative Tasks:
Maintain client records and file documentation accurately.

• Learning & Development:
Attend training sessions and work toward professional qualifications.

• Team Collaboration:
Support senior accountants and respond to client information requests.

Requirements and qualifications for a Graduate Accountant (Public Practice)

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or near completion
• Strong interest in pursuing CA/CPA qualification
• Excellent attention to detail and eagerness to learn
• Good time management and teamwork skills
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software

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Qualified accountants remained the hardest to hire in 2024, with 40% of businesses citing them as the most difficult to fill, followed by transactional finance (17%) and payroll roles (14%). In-demand roles such as finance managers, systems accountants, and specialists in data analytics and sustainability reporting indicate a shift in workforce priorities.

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SALARY REPORT

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2025 EMPLOYMENT & SALARY REPORT

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