Accounting Bodies – Skills Assessment for Accountants (CPA, CA, IPA)
Migration Skills Assessment for Accounting, Finance and Business Professionals in Australia
For accounting and finance professionals seeking to migrate to Australia, skills assessments are conducted by one of three authorised accounting bodies:
- CPA Australia
- Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA ANZ)
- Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)
These bodies assess whether your accounting, finance, or business qualification meets Australian standards for skilled migration.
A positive outcome is essential for skilled visas such as 189, 190, 491, and employer-sponsored pathways.
ABEE’S Consultancy (MARN 2217775) provides structured guidance to help applicants understand accounting assessment requirements and prepare their documentation accurately.
Who Needs an Accounting Skills Assessment?
Applicants intending to nominate one of the accounting or finance-related occupations typically require an assessment from CPA, CA ANZ or IPA.
Common roles include:
Accountant (General)
Management Accountant
Taxation Accountant
External Auditor
Internal Auditor
Finance Manager
Corporate Treasurer
Financial Investment Adviser
Financial Analysts
Because accounting occupations require strict academic comparability, the skills assessment stage is critical for visa success.
Accounting Bodies Overview
1. CPA Australia
Assesses both qualification comparability and whether your degree covers the required knowledge areas.
2. Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA ANZ)
Similar to CPA Australia, with strong focus on core accounting curriculum.
3. Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)
Assesses applicants for accounting and related business roles under similar criteria.
All three bodies have nearly identical requirements for skilled migration.
Key Assessment Criteria
All accounting bodies evaluate two main aspects:
1. Academic Qualification Assessment
Your qualification must be:
- Equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree (or higher)
- Relevant to accounting, finance, business, or commerce
- Completed from a recognised and accredited institution
2. Core Knowledge Areas
To pass the assessment, your qualification must cover specific accounting competency areas, including:
- Accounting Systems & Processes
- Financial Accounting & Reporting
- Management Accounting
- Economics
- Finance
- Business Law
- Accounting Theory
- Auditing
- Quantitative Methods
- Information Systems
A gap in one or more areas may require additional subjects or further study before a positive result can be issued.
Documents Required for Accounting Skills Assessment
Identity Documents
- Passport
- Photo
- Name change documents (if any)
Qualification Documents
- Degree certificate (Bachelor, Master, or both)
- Academic transcripts
- Subject descriptions or syllabus (if required)
English Language Ability (If Applicable)
Applicants from certain countries must provide English test results (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL/OET), depending on the accounting body’s requirements.
Employment Evidence (If Submitting Experience)
While accounting assessment focuses mainly on academic qualification, some applicants choose to include:
- Work reference letters
- Job descriptions
- Payslips or salary proof
- Employment contracts
(Employment assessment is optional for certain accounting authorities.)
Accounting Skills Assessment Process – Step by Step
Step 1: Determine Which Body to Apply To
CPA, CA ANZ, and IPA all assess accounting occupations, but requirements may vary slightly.
We provide clarity on which authority is best for your qualification and visa pathway.
Step 2: Prepare Qualification Documents
Applicants must ensure transcripts, certificates, and subject lists are complete and clearly presented.
We explain how to prepare and organise these documents for assessment.
Step 3: Identify Core Knowledge Coverage
Accounting bodies examine whether your degree includes all required core subjects.
We help you understand which subjects align with the required knowledge areas and whether additional evidence is needed.
Step 4: Submit Online Application
Applicants complete an online application through CPA, CA ANZ, or IPA and upload the required documents.
Step 5: Assessment & Verification
The accounting body checks:
- Qualification equivalency
- Core subject coverage
- English language ability (if applicable)
- Additional documents
Step 6: Receive Outcome Letter
A positive skills assessment confirms:
- Your degree is equivalent to Australian accounting standards
- You meet the competency criteria for the nominated accounting occupation
This outcome is then used for skilled migration visas.
Common Reasons Accounting Assessments Are Unsuccessful
❌ Core knowledge areas not covered in qualification
❌ Qualification not equivalent to an Australian degree
❌ Missing transcripts or incomplete subject documentation
❌ Incorrect or outdated course syllabus
❌ English evidence insufficient (for applicants required to submit it)
❌ Choosing the wrong assessing authority
Professional guidance helps prevent such issues and ensures a smoother process.
How ABEE’S Consultancy Supports Accounting Applicants
✔ Guidance on Selecting the Correct Assessing Authority
Explaining whether CPA, CA ANZ, or IPA is most suitable for your qualification and occupation.
✔ Document Preparation Guidance
Clarifying how to prepare degree certificates, transcripts, subject descriptions, and English documents.
✔ Core Knowledge Area Review
Explaining how your subjects align with required competency areas and identifying potential gaps.
✔ Application Lodgement Support
Guiding applicants through the online application process for accounting bodies.
✔ Support for Additional Document Requests
Explaining how to respond if CPA, CA ANZ, or IPA requests further information.
✔ Post-Assessment Skilled Visa Guidance
Explaining the skilled visa options available for accounting professionals, such as 189, 190, 491, and employer-sponsored pathways.
Start Your Accounting Skills Assessment Today
A successful accounting skills assessment is essential for accountants seeking skilled migration to Australia.
ABEE’S Consultancy provides structured guidance to support you throughout your assessment and migration journey.
📞 Contact ABEE’S Consultancy Today
Begin your pathway toward a professional accounting career in Australia.