Complete Guide to Accounting Internships in Australia

Complete Guide to Accounting Internships in Australia

Last updated: June 2025 | By Platinum Professional Training

Are you struggling to land your first accounting job in Australia? You're not alone. With over 87% of our students successfully finding employment and more than 10,000 graduates since 2008, we understand exactly what it takes to transform from graduate to employed accountant.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Australian Accounting Job Market 

The Australian accounting job market presents unique challenges for new graduates and international students. Despite strong demand for accounting professionals, employers consistently report the same frustration: graduates lack practical, real-world experience.

The Reality Check:

  • University degrees provide theoretical knowledge but limited practical skills
  • Employers want candidates who can hit the ground running
  • International students face additional barriers without local experience
  • Traditional graduate programs are highly competitive with limited spots

What Employers Actually Want:

  • Experience with Australian accounting software (MYOB, Xero, Tax Assist)
  • Understanding of Australian tax law and BAS requirements
  • Practical experience with real client scenarios
  • Confidence in handling day-to-day accounting tasks
  • Interview skills and professional communication

Current Market Opportunities: The accounting industry is experiencing strong growth, particularly in small to medium practices. There's genuine demand for qualified candidates who can demonstrate practical skills alongside their academic qualifications.

Types of Accounting Internships Available 

Traditional University Internships Most universities offer internship programs, but these are often limited in scope and highly competitive. Students may spend months in application processes with no guarantee of placement.

Corporate Graduate Programs Large corporations offer structured graduate programs, but these typically require top academic performance and extensive interview processes. Positions are limited and competition is fierce.

Small Practice Placements Many small accounting firms offer informal internship arrangements, but these often lack structure and may not provide comprehensive training across all accounting functions.

Professional Training Internships Specialised training organisations like Platinum Professional Training offer structured internships as part of comprehensive career preparation programs. These combine formal training with practical experience in real business environments.

How to Choose a Quality Internship Program 

Not all internship programs deliver the same results. Here's how to evaluate your options:

Essential Questions to Ask:

  1. Is the company a registered CPA public practice? Real accounting experience comes from working in genuine practice environments with actual client scenarios.
  2. What's their job placement success rate? Ask for specific statistics, not vague promises. Quality programs track and report their outcomes.
  3. Will you work with real client data? Theoretical exercises don't prepare you for actual workplace demands. You need experience with real business scenarios.
  4. Do they provide ongoing career support? The best programs offer job coaching, interview preparation, and career guidance beyond the internship period.
  5. Are they a Registered Training Organisation? RTO status ensures quality standards and accountability in training delivery.
  6. What software and systems will you learn? Ensure the program covers industry-standard software used in Australian accounting practices.

Red Flags to Avoid:

  • Promises that sound too good to be true
  • No clear success metrics or job placement rates
  • Limited or no interaction with real client work
  • Unclear training structure or outcomes
  • No ongoing career support after completion

The PPT Difference: Real Results, Real Experience 

At Platinum Professional Training, we've built our reputation on delivering measurable results for our students. Here's what sets us apart:

Proven Track Record:

  • 87% job placement success rate
  • Over 10,000 students trained since 2008
  • Students find employment within 2 weeks to 6 months of completion
  • Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code 41438)
  • Approved by FairWork Australia

Real CPA Public Practice Experience: Our internships are conducted through our sister company, Platinum Accounting Australia, a registered CPA public practice. This means you work with:

  • Actual client accounts and business scenarios
  • Real-world compliance requirements
  • Industry-standard software and systems
  • Experienced CPA qualified supervisors
  • High-volume client data for comprehensive experience

Comprehensive Training Approach:

  • Flexible online study options
  • Self-paced learning (up to 6 months part-time)
  • Free internship included with all programs
  • Interview coaching and resume assistance
  • Ongoing career support and job referral network

What Our Students Say: "I started with Platinum Accounting Australia in 2016 by joining their Assistant Accountant Training and Internship Program. At the time, I had limited technical skills and almost no confidence with accounting software or tools like Excel. Today, I run my own accounting practice, entirely through word of mouth." - Rita Kapadia

"Within two years, I was able to secure both my BAS Agent and Tax Agent licenses, and now I'm proudly running my own business independently." - Khaled Ali

Step-by-Step Application Process 

Step 1: Free Career Assessment Contact PPT for a complimentary assessment of your current skills and career goals. Our CPA qualified consultants will:

  • Evaluate your existing knowledge and experience
  • Identify skill gaps and improvement areas
  • Recommend the most suitable training program
  • Provide realistic timeline expectations

Step 2: Program Selection Based on your assessment, choose from our tailored programs:

  • Foundation Program: For those new to accounting
  • Advanced Program: For graduates with basic accounting knowledge
  • Ultimate Success Program: For comprehensive senior accountant preparation

Step 3: Flexible Online Training Begin your self-paced online study covering:

  • Australian accounting software (MYOB, Xero, Tax Assist)
  • BAS preparation and compliance
  • Tax return preparation
  • Financial reporting and analysis
  • Client communication skills

Step 4: Real-World Internship Start your free internship at Platinum Accounting Australia working on:

  • Live client accounts (with confidentiality protections)
  • Daily bookkeeping and compliance tasks
  • Tax return preparation under supervision
  • Business advisory scenarios
  • Client interaction experience

Step 5: Interview Preparation Receive comprehensive interview coaching including:

  • Technical skills testing practice
  • Behavioural interview preparation
  • Resume optimisation
  • Professional presentation skills
  • Salary negotiation guidance

Step 6: Job Search Support Access ongoing career support including:

  • Job opportunity notifications through our network
  • Reference letters from CPA qualified supervisors
  • Career coaching and guidance
  • Interview feedback and improvement
  • Long-term career development advice

Interview Preparation That Actually Works 

Technical Skills Testing: Most accounting interviews include practical tests. We prepare you for:

  • MYOB and Xero software demonstrations
  • Excel spreadsheet exercises
  • Tax calculation scenarios
  • BAS preparation tasks
  • Client scenario problem-solving

Behavioural Interview Success: Employers want to see practical experience, not just theoretical knowledge. We help you:

  • Develop compelling examples from your internship experience
  • Articulate your problem-solving approach
  • Demonstrate client service understanding
  • Show continuous learning commitment
  • Present professional confidence

Common Interview Questions We Prepare You For:

  • "Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult client"
  • "How would you handle a BAS discrepancy?"
  • "Explain how you'd prioritise multiple client deadlines"
  • "Describe your experience with [specific software]"
  • "What interests you about our accounting practice?"

Post-Interview Success:

  • Professional follow-up communication
  • Feedback analysis and improvement
  • Salary negotiation strategies
  • Contract review guidance
  • Ongoing career development planning

From Internship to Employment Success 

Immediate Outcomes (2-4 weeks): Many students receive job offers during or immediately after their internship period. Our extensive industry network means employers often contact us directly for qualified candidates.

Short-term Success (1-3 months): Students who complete our program demonstrate immediate workplace competency. They require minimal additional training and can contribute meaningfully from day one.

Long-term Career Growth (6-24 months): Our graduates consistently report faster career progression compared to traditional university graduates. The practical experience and professional confidence gained through our program accelerates advancement opportunities.

Career Pathways Available:

  • Assistant Accountant positions in small to medium practices
  • Bookkeeper roles with progression opportunities
  • Corporate accounting positions in various industries
  • Tax specialist roles in public practice
  • Independent practice development (with additional licensing)

Ongoing Professional Development: PPT maintains relationships with graduates, providing:

  • Advanced training opportunities
  • Professional networking events
  • Career transition support
  • Licensing pathway guidance
  • Business development mentoring

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Mistake 1: Expecting Academic Qualifications Alone to Secure Employment University degrees provide essential theoretical foundation but employers demand practical skills demonstration.

Mistake 2: Underestimating the Importance of Local Experience International students particularly need Australian-specific experience with local tax law, software, and business practices.

Mistake 3: Focusing Only on Large Corporate Opportunities Small to medium practices offer excellent career development opportunities and are often more accessible for new graduates.

Mistake 4: Inadequate Interview Preparation Technical skills testing is standard in accounting interviews. Practical experience beats theoretical knowledge every time.

Mistake 5: Lack of Professional Network Development The accounting industry relies heavily on professional relationships and referrals for career advancement.

Your Next Steps 

Ready to transform your accounting career prospects?

Option 1: Free Career Assessment Book a complimentary consultation with our CPA qualified team to:

  • Assess your current position and career goals
  • Identify the most suitable training pathway
  • Understand realistic timeline expectations
  • Explore program options and investment

Contact Details:

Option 2: Download Our Program Guide Get detailed information about all available programs, including:

  • Comprehensive curriculum outlines
  • Success story case studies
  • Investment and payment options
  • Start date availability

Option 3: Join Our Information Sessions Attend regular information sessions (online and in-person) to:

  • Meet our training team
  • Ask specific questions about your situation
  • Connect with current students and graduates
  • Understand the complete training experience

Don't let another opportunity pass by. The accounting job market rewards practical experience and professional confidence. Our 87% success rate isn't luck, it's the result of proven training methods and genuine industry connections.

Your accounting career success starts with one decision. Make it today.

Platinum Professional Training is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code 41438) specialising in accounting and taxation vocational training. We've been Australia's most effective private accounting training institution since 2008, with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.