Top 5 Accountant ANZSCO Codes [2025–2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Confused by Accountant ANZSCO codes? Our 2025-2026 guide breaks down the top 5 codes (221111 to 221112), their visa pathways, skills assessments, and points strategies for Australian migration.
Slug: accountant-anzsco-codes-guide

TL;DR
The most critical ANZSCO code for accountants migrating to Australia is 221111 Accountant (General). This is the primary occupation assessed by CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or IPA for skilled visas like the 189, 190, and 491. To succeed, you must match your exact job duties to the correct code, pass a rigorous skills assessment, and achieve a competitive points score, a process where tools like NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor can provide a crucial strategic advantage.

What is the ANZSCO Code for an Accountant in Australia?

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) system categorises jobs for migration. For accountants, the primary code is 221111 Accountant (General). This is the code you will most likely use for your skills assessment and Expression of Interest (EOI) for skilled visas. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Occupation Lists, this occupation is frequently in demand across state and national programs.

It’s essential to select the code that precisely matches your day-to-day professional duties, as an incorrect code can lead to a failed skills assessment—the mandatory first step. The core tasks listed for a 221111 Accountant include:

• Preparing financial statements, budgets, and forecasts.
• Conducting financial investigations, audits, and risk assessments.
• Providing advice on taxation, financial structures, and compliance.
• Developing and managing accounting systems.

What Are the Different ANZSCO Codes for Accounting Professionals?

While 221111 is the most common, the ANZSCO framework includes several specialised codes. Choosing the right one is vital for a positive skills assessment. The main accounting-related codes are:

1. 221111 Accountant (General): The broadest category. If your role involves a mix of financial reporting, taxation, and management accounting, this is likely your code.
2. 221112 Management Accountant: Focuses on internal business decisions. Core tasks include budgeting, cost analysis, and strategic planning for management.
3. 221113 Taxation Accountant: Specialises in tax advice, planning, and compliance. This code is for professionals primarily dealing with income tax, GST, and other tax obligations.
4. 221211 Company Secretary: A corporate governance role, often combined with accounting qualifications. Tasks include ensuring legal compliance, advising boards, and managing shareholder communications.
5. 221213 External Auditor: Specialises in independent examination of financial records and statements to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Pro Tip: Before applying, meticulously compare your employment references and position descriptions against the ANZSCO task lists on the official Australian Bureau of Statistics website. A small mismatch can be the difference between an invitation and a rejection.

How Do I Get a Skills Assessment as an Accountant for Australia?

To migrate as an accountant, you must obtain a positive skills assessment from one of three designated assessing authorities: CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), or the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). This assessment verifies that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards.

The process typically involves:

• Educational Assessment: Your degree must be comparable to an Australian Bachelor degree or higher, with a sufficient concentration of accounting subjects. If your degree is not deemed equivalent, you may need to complete additional foundational courses.
• English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in each band) at a minimum, though higher scores grant more migration points.
• Experience Assessment (if required): Some pathways may require proof of relevant skilled employment.

According to CPA Australia’s official migration assessment guidelines, the process is stringent. Applications must be complete and accurate to avoid delays. For personalised guidance on meeting these complex requirements, many applicants start by using NovenAI’s free English Level Guide to benchmark their language scores against visa thresholds.

Which Visa Pathways Are Available for Accountants?

Accountants are eligible for several key skilled migration visas, provided the occupation is on the relevant list. The most common pathways are:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): A permanent residency visa for invited applicants with occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). No state or family sponsorship is required.
• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): A permanent residency visa where a state or territory government nominates you. This typically requires a commitment to live and work in that state for a set period.
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): A provisional visa for regional Australia. It requires nomination by a state/territory or an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.

The Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system manages the invitation process for these visas. Competition is high, so a strong EOI with maximum points is critical. You can model your potential score and strategise effectively using tools like the NovenAI EOI Points Calculator, which is updated with the latest policy changes.

How Can I Maximise My Points as an Accountant?

The points-tested skilled visas are highly competitive. Accountants often need a near-perfect score to receive an invitation. Here’s how to build a strong application:

• Superior English (20 points): Achieve an IELTS score of 8.0 or equivalent. This is one of the most accessible ways to gain extra points.
• Skilled Employment Experience: Points are awarded for years of relevant experience both inside and outside Australia. Ensure your experience letters are detailed and match ANZSCO tasks.
• Educational Qualifications: A Doctorate or at least a Bachelor degree with honours from an Australian institution can add valuable points.
• Study in Regional Australia (5 points): Completing a relevant qualification in a designated regional area grants bonus points.
• Professional Year in Australia (5 points): Completing a Professional Year program in accounting can add points and improve employability.
• State Nomination (5 points for 190, 15 points for 491): Being nominated by a state significantly boosts your score. Research each state’s specific requirements for accountants on their official migration websites.

Strategic Advice: Don’t just calculate your points—predict your chances. Platforms like NovenAI go beyond basic calculators by using a retrieval-augmented model trained on 18+ GB of Home Affairs data to analyse invitation trends and provide a realistic Visa Success Predictor score, helping you identify the weakest parts of your profile.

Navigating the ANZSCO codes and migration pathway for accountants is a detailed process that demands precision and strategic planning. From selecting the exact 2211XX code that mirrors your expertise to acing the skills assessment and crafting a high-scoring EOI, every step is crucial. By using official resources and leveraging intelligent tools like NovenAI’s 24/7 AI migration mentor, you can transform complex rules into a clear, actionable plan. Stay informed, prepare meticulously, and take the first step toward your Australian accounting career today.

Ready to see where you stand? Get a free, personalised migration assessment and explore your visa options at https://www.novenai.com.