So if great things come in pairs (coffee and chocolate anyone?), right now Tauranga and accountants are a winning combo.
Tauranga is booming
Tauranga is currently the fastest growing city in New Zealand, and is projected to grow enormously in the medium future. It boasts one of the highest sunshine rates in the country, and has beautiful beaches, the ocean, and even mountains at its doorstep for all the recreation you could desire.
If you are into fishing, sailing, surfing, diving, swimming or simply walking, Tauranga is where you want to be. The city has an amazing hospitality sector with great restaurants and cafes, loads of history, and a booming economy.
And with all the growth Tauranga is experiencing, accountants are in hot demand.
Demand for accountants is rising
The government’s careers website states that there is demand for experienced accountants. Accounting is also listed on Immigration New Zealand’s regional skill shortage list due to the combination of an increasing need for analysts and advisors, and the rapid growth industries like banking, construction and retirement are experiencing.
MBIE project demand for accountants to rise by around 2% each year for the foreseeable future. Hays confirm this and suggest that talent shortages are hindering operations and growth.
Business Optimism vs Staff Shortages
Accounting is a rewarding career option
Not only is there good demand for accountants in Tauranga, there are good rewards too.
Satisfaction
Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand (CAANZ) state that, “Chartered Accountants are highly valued for their versatility, expertise and vision. They are in demand by top employers and often go on to hold strategic leadership roles within a variety of industries.” So when you become an accountant, you are joining a vocation that is not only highly satisfying but highly valued and appreciated.
Salary
According to CAANZ, accountants often start on salaries around the $65,000 – $70,000 range, and move relatively quickly to over $100,00 per annum. As your experience grows you can expect to earn $130,000 to $160,000, or even more. Salaries vary based on qualifications, experience, specialities, the region you work in, and the size and type of organisation you work for.
Examples of salaries in Tauranga
| Assistant Accountant | $65,000 – 75,000 | |
| Financial Analyst | $80,000 – $100,000 | |
| Management Accountant | $100,000 – $110,000 | |
| Finance Manager | $110,000 – $130,000 | |
| Financial Controler | $130,000 – $150,000 | |
| Chief Financial Officer | $170,000 – $200,000 |
Madison: NZ Employment Market Report 2021 – Accounting and Finance
Depending on the type of work you do, some firms also include bonus package, health insurance, technology, professional development and other benefits.
Skills
As an accountant you will develop invaluable knowledge and skills for business environments:
- knowledge of finance, economics and marketing
- knowledge of business management practices, including business ethics
- ability to use accounting software, such as Xero, MYOB, iFirm or SAP
- accounting and maths skills.
But, it is highly likely that you will develop other highly valuable skill sets as well.
- Increasingly accountants are developing highly effective communication skills – both written and verbal.
- A key success factor for many acocuntants is leadership – the ability to achieve shared goals by combining resources.
- You will often be on the forefront of technology adoption.
- The practice of accounting develops excellent transferable skills like critical thinking, analysing, organising, and adapting
Selection
Think Accounting means being stuck in an office? Well, maybe, maybe not. The fact is that there is an incredibly diverse range of roles within accounting, and also of industries where you could be employed.
MBIE state that there are many accounting related roles available in Tauranga including:
- Accounts Administrator
- Accounts Clerk
- Accounts Officer
- Analyst
- Auditor
- Bookkeeper
- Economist
- Finance Manager
- Financial Broker
- Financial Controller
- Payroll Clerk
- Payroll Officer
- Treasurer
And as you develop your career, there are numerous specialities that accountants can develop into:
- Financial planner
- Auditor
- Chief financial officer
- Tax specialist
- Forensic accountant.
Finally, there are many different industries in Tauranga, giving almost unlimited range to serve an industry that you have a personal connection to, or affinity for.
Tauranga Employers by Industry
So, perhaps its time to create a winning combination for youself. Why not become a Tauranga accountant and enjoy one of the best careers available, in one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand.
