CHAPTER 1 Introduction to accounting and business decision making 25which projects should be undertaken by the entity to maximise return on investment. Chapters 12 and 14
will examine these topics in detail.
The reality check ‘Job prospects’ considers the Australian Government ‘Job Outlook’ for careers in
accountancy.
REALITY CHECKJob prospects
Data on Job Outlook are updated on a yearly basis and are compiled from national statistics which may
not reflect either regional variations or more recent changes in employment conditions.
• Over the five years to November 2019, the number of job openings for Accountants is expected to
be high (greater than 50 000). Job openings count both employment growth and turnover (defined as
workers leaving their occupation for other employment or leaving the workforce). Further information
about job openings and projected employment growth is available on the Help page.
• Employment for this occupation rose strongly (in percentage terms) in the past five years and rose
strongly in the long-term (ten years). Looking forward, employment for Accountants to November
2019 is expected to grow strongly.
• This is a very large occupation (193 000 in November 2014) suggesting that opportunities should be
available in most regions.
• Accountants have an above average proportion of full-time jobs (85.4 per cent). For Accountants
working full-time, average weekly hours are 40.3 (compared to 40.9 for all occupations) and earnings
are above average — in the seventh decile. Unemployment for Accountants is average.
• The most common level of educational attainment for Accountants is Bachelor degree (55.5 per cent).
• Accountants are mainly employed in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Financial and
Insurance Services and Public Administration and Safety.
Source: Australian Government 2015, ‘Job Outlook’, http://joboutlook.gov.au/occupation.aspx?search=alpha&tab=
prospects&code=2211.