When managing finances, it’s common for people to assume all accountants do the same job but that’s not true. There are many different types of accountants, and each one specialises in a unique area of finance. Knowing the types of accountants in Australia helps both individuals and businesses choose the right professional for their needs. Selecting the correct type of accountant can save time, reduce errors, and improve financial stability. You can also explore why having the right accountant matters in detail in our guide on why your business needs an accountant.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔ The main kinds of accountants in Australia
✔ What each accountant does (with clear examples of what accountants do)
✔ Essential accountant services you may need
✔ Tips to choose the right professional
✔ Benefits of hiring a qualified accountant
Let’s dive in.
The Role of Accountants Explained
Accountants help individuals and businesses manage finances accurately and efficiently. Their responsibilities include:
- Recording daily financial transactions
- Maintaining clear and accurate financial records
- Preparing income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports
- Offering financial planning and budgeting advice
- Ensuring compliance with Australian financial regulations
These examples of what accountants do highlight how important they are for maintaining organised, compliant, and reliable financial systems.
Whether you’re choosing a personal accountant or searching for the best small business accountant, the right accountant can help prevent mistakes, save money, and support long-term financial growth.
How Many Types of Accountants Are There?
There are several types of accountants in Australia, each with specialised responsibilities. Below are the most important categories that both individuals and businesses should know.
1. Public Accountants
Public accountants work with individuals, small businesses, and organisations through accounting firms. They prepare financial statements, manage tax obligations, and offer financial planning advice. Many are members of CA ANZ, CPA Australia, or IPA.
They provide accessible, flexible accountant services for businesses that do not need a full-time internal accountant.
2. Management Accountants
Management accountants work inside companies. They focus on budgeting, forecasting, analysing performance, and supporting internal decision-making.
They help businesses:
- Control costs
- Improve profitability
- Enhance operational efficiency
- Plan for long-term growth
These types of accountant roles are ideal for businesses that need detailed financial insights.
3. Government Accountants
Government accountants work in federal, state, and local government departments. They manage public funds, prepare reports, analyse budgets, and ensure compliance with regulations.
Their job ensures taxpayer money is spent responsibly, supporting public trust and transparency.
4. Internal Accountants
Internal accountants are employed within a business to maintain financial records, manage payroll, track expenses, and create internal budgets and forecasts. They also design internal controls to prevent fraud and errors.
This type of accountant is essential for businesses needing daily financial oversight.
5. Forensic Accountants
Forensic accountants investigate financial fraud, irregularities, and disputes. They work with legal teams, insurance companies, and law enforcement to uncover hidden transactions, misconduct, or financial mismanagement.
They provide highly specialised accountant services to support legal cases and protect businesses.
6. Chartered Accountants (CA)
Chartered Accountants are highly qualified professionals trained through CA ANZ. They handle complex financial tasks, including audits, financial reporting, business advisory, and risk management.
Many individuals and businesses trust CAs for strategic financial guidance.
7. Certified Practising Accountants (CPA)
CPAs are recognised for their broad expertise in accounting, finance, strategic planning, and business advisory. They provide services in tax, budgeting, data analysis, auditing, and corporate finance.
CPAs are commonly found across both the private and public sectors in Australia.
Tips for Choosing the Right Accountant
Finding the right accountant becomes easier when you know the different types of accountants and what they offer. Use these tips:
✔ Identify Your Financial Needs
Choose an accountant who specialises in your requirements — tax, bookkeeping, business advisory, or compliance.
✔ Check Qualifications
Look for CPA, CA, or IPA credentials to ensure proper training and professionalism.
✔ Review Experience
Accountants with industry-specific experience provide more accurate, practical solutions.
✔ Compare Services and Pricing
Understand what is included in their packages and choose based on value, not just cost.
✔ Ask for Reviews
Feedback from other clients helps you assess reliability and communication style.
Top Benefits of Hiring a Professional Accountant
Hiring an accountant offers powerful benefits:
- Saves Time – Let experts manage bookkeeping and compliance.
- Accurate Financial Insights – Ensure decisions are made with clear data.
- Supports Business Growth – Get advice on budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow.
- Compliance Assurance – Avoid penalties by following ATO rules correctly.
- Professional Guidance – Make smarter financial and investment decisions.
Empower Your Finances With the Right Accountant
Now you clearly understand what are the different types of accountants, how they work, and which type of accountant might best suit your personal or business needs. Whether you require accounting help, financial planning, business advisory, or bookkeeping support, choosing the right accountant in Australia can simplify your financial life and help you grow with confidence.
At Elite Plus Accounting, we provide simple, reliable, and fixed-fee accounting solutions tailored to small businesses. We believe in transparency, honesty, and results that you can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of accountants are there in Australia?
Australia has several types of accountants, including public accountants, management accountants, government accountants, internal accountants, forensic accountants, Chartered Accountants (CA), and Certified Practising Accountants (CPA).
What is the difference between CA and CPA accountants?
CA (Chartered Accountants) focus heavily on auditing, advanced reporting, and strategic financial management, while CPAs (Certified Practising Accountants) offer broader skills in tax, budgeting, business advisory, and corporate finance.
Which type of accountant is best for small businesses?
Public accountants or small-business specialised accountants are usually the best choice. They offer bookkeeping, BAS, payroll, tax planning, and business advisory—ideal for SMEs that don’t need a full-time internal accountant.
What does a management accountant do?
Management accountants help organisations with budgeting, forecasting, analysing performance, reducing costs, and improving profitability. Their work supports internal decision-making and long-term planning.
When should I hire a forensic accountant?
A forensic accountant is needed when there is suspected fraud, financial disputes, insurance claims, business misconduct, or litigation support. They investigate irregularities and provide legally supported financial reports.
Are accountants worth the cost for small businesses?
Yes. A good accountant saves time, prevents costly errors, ensures compliance, manages cash flow, and provides strategic advice that helps grow the business.
get in touch
Connect with Our Experts
Our dedicated team of accountants and bookkeepers is here to guide you toward the best financial solutions. Reach out today and speak with one of our experienced professionals to get started on the right path.
Recent Blogs
Professional restaurant bookkeeping provides clarity, control, and confidence. Discover how investing in expert bookkeeping delivers ROI through improved efficiency, reduced financial stress, and better long-term outcomes.
Read More
Duplicate payments, late settlements, and incorrect coding are common accounts payable issues that quietly erode business performance. Learn how to identify these errors and implement controls that improve accuracy, visibility, and efficiency.
Read More
As payroll complexity increases, choosing the right payroll model becomes critical. This guide compares in-house and outsourced payroll across cost, accuracy, and operational risk.
Read More