Top 5 Practical Accounting Skills Employers Expect in 2025

Are you job-ready for the accounting industry of 2025?
With the accounting profession rapidly evolving due to cloud technology and AI, employers are no longer looking for graduates with just theoretical knowledge. Instead, they expect practical, hands-on skills that can add value to a business from day one.

If you’re an accounting graduate, international student, or career changer, understanding what skills are in demand will give you a competitive advantage in the job market.

Below, we explore the top 5 practical accounting skills employers expect in 2025 and how you can develop them to secure your first accounting role.

1. BAS and GST Reporting

Business Activity Statements (BAS) and Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance are essential responsibilities for accountants in Australia. Employers want staff who can prepare and lodge BAS, reconcile GST, and ensure compliance with ATO requirements.

Why it matters:

BAS reporting is critical for all businesses registered for GST.
Accurate reporting helps businesses avoid penalties.

How to gain this skill:
Practical training programs like Platinum’s Job Ready Program teach students to prepare BAS and GST returns using real accounting data, not just simulations.

2. Payroll and Superannuation Management

With evolving workplace regulations and the shift to Single Touch Payroll (STP), payroll knowledge has become indispensable. Employers seek graduates who can manage payroll processing, superannuation contributions, and employee entitlements without supervision.

Key tasks employers value:

Setting up employees in payroll systems like Xero and MYOB.
Calculating PAYG withholding and superannuation.
Handling leave, allowances, and termination pay correctly.

How to gain this skill:
Hands-on accounting internships or programs like Platinum’s High Achiever Program include practical payroll processing exercises, enabling students to manage payroll for real business scenarios.

3. Tax Return Preparation (Individual & Business)

Employers are increasingly looking for accountants who can assist with preparing tax returns for individuals, sole traders, and small businesses. While you don’t need to be a tax agent to start, having a working knowledge of tax concepts and software is a huge advantage.

Why this is in demand:

Most public practice accounting firms deal with tax clients daily.
Understanding the tax process reduces the need for extensive in-house training.

How to gain this skill:
Training with a registered tax agent, like Platinum Accounting Australia, provides real-world experience with tax software and ATO compliance requirements.

4. Month-End and Financial Reporting

Corporate accounting roles demand an understanding of month-end processes, financial statements, and management reports. These are skills often missing in university graduates but crucial for career progression.

What employers expect you to know:

Journal entries, reconciliations, and adjusting entries.
Preparing profit and loss statements and balance sheets.
Variance analysis and budgeting.

How to gain this skill:
Platinum’s Job Ready Program covers corporate month-end reporting with practical exercises using real business data, so you can confidently step into accounting assistant or junior accountant roles.

5. AI Tools and Cloud Accounting Software

The rise of AI in accounting means that repetitive tasks are increasingly automated. However, employers now want accountants who can use cloud software and AI-powered tools to interpret data, generate insights, and add strategic value.

Examples of in-demand tools:

Xero and MYOB for bookkeeping and payroll.
AI features for reconciliations and data analysis.
Excel macros and reporting dashboards.

How to gain this skill:
Look for training programs that integrate AI-ready tools and cloud-based accounting platforms into their curriculum. Platinum’s Ultimate Success Program includes training on automation features and the future of accounting technology.

Why Practical Skills Matter More Than Ever

A degree is no longer enough to secure a job in accounting. Employers prioritise candidates who can demonstrate workplace readiness—the ability to handle real client files, prepare accurate reports, and work independently.

According to industry surveys, graduates with internship experience and hands-on skills are twice as likely to get hired compared to those with only academic knowledge.

How Platinum Professional Training Can Help

At Platinum Professional Training, we bridge the gap between theory and practice. Our accounting training and internship programs are designed to:

Equip you with all 5 practical skills mentioned above.
Provide real client experience with CPA-supervised training.
Offer resume, interview coaching, and local references to boost your employability.

Take the Next Step

Want to master these skills and stand out to employers in 2025?
Explore our Job Ready Accounting Program or High Achiever Program to see how we can help you land your first accounting role.