How to become a Bookkeeper

Maintains and evaluates records of financial transactions in account books and computerised accounting systems. Ensures financial records comply with regulatory and legislative requirements. May prepare and lodge business activity statements on behalf of organisations.

Main tasks

• Keeps financial records, including invoices, and maintains and balances accounts
• Verifies recorded transactions, and reports on irregularities and business tax entitlements
• Prepares and produces financial statements and budget and expenditure reports, and analyses ledgers and accounting software packages using account books
• Provides government authorities with tax file numbers, superannuation payments and business activity statements

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Accounting (FNS60222); Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40222); Diploma of Accounting (FNS50222); Diploma of Banking Services Management (FNS50922); Advanced Diploma of Business (BSB60120); Certificate III in Accounts Administration (FNS30322); Certificate III in Business (BSB30120); Certificate IV in Business (BSB40120)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $72,800 a year
• About 88,300 people work in this job group now, and about 93,500 are projected by 2035. (+5.9%)
• Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Bookkeeper?

Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Accounting; Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping.

How much does a Bookkeeper earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $72,800 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Bookkeeper a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 88,300 to about 93,500 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Bookkeeper?

Not always. 27% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Accounting; Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping.

Will AI change the work of a Bookkeeper?

Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04