PEAK ACCOUNTING BODY SPOTLIGHTS DECLINING PIPELINE OF ACCOUNTING SKILLS AS BUDGET ACTION

2 February 2026

The peak body for Chartered Accountants has used its Pre-Budget Submission to urge the Federal Government to address the declining pipeline of critical accounting skills and talent - a key risk to Australia’s productivity.  

Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA ANZ) has outlined how targeted Government investment in accounting education, skills, and talent will ensure Australian businesses and the economy are well supported, now and into the future. 

“Chartered Accountants play a critical role in the stability of local and global economies, as well as financial markets, which are core to national productivity,” CA ANZ CEO Ainslie van Onselen said.    

“Addressing the accountant shortage presents a real opportunity to strengthen our ability to meet the evolving needs of businesses, economies and capital markets.” 

Australia faces an estimated shortfall of around 6,000 accountants by 2030, while demand for accountants, auditors and finance roles is forecast to rise to approximately 28,000 by 2029.     

“To address this, we have called for accountant, audit and finance-related roles to remain on Australia’s Occupation Shortage List,” Ms van Onselen said.   

“Retention on the Core Skills Occupation List is also crucial, as it will allow employers to continue sponsoring skilled workers on temporary visas to fill genuine domestic talent gaps."  

CA ANZ has also highlighted the cost of university degrees as a contributing factor to the talent pipeline challenge. 

Between 2020 and 2026, annual Commonwealth contributions to accounting study have almost halved, dropping by $882, and maximum student contributions have almost doubled, increasing to $6,244.  

“Since 1 January 2021 the Job-ready Graduates Package has reduced the cost of studies in areas considered critical for Australia’s workforce needs, such as teaching, but the cost of accounting study has increased. This has contributed to the ongoing shortage in the profession,” Ms van Onselen said.   

“Reducing accounting degree fees will make university study costs fairer and more affordable, reduce student debts, and increase access to accounting careers. Combined with increasing Commonwealth support, this can help students interested in joining the profession. 

“We are also asking for accounting traineeships to be added to the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List to unlock incentives for participants and employers. We anticipate these steps will help address the skills gap and support a more diverse, inclusive profession.”     

CA ANZ’s Group Executive of Advocacy, Government and Public Affairs, Damian Ogden, said the submission offers practical and actionable recommendations for the Government, given the current need for targeted, cost-effective policy solutions.