Salaries are annual unless otherwise stated.
Salary and wage information for New Zealand professions is compiled by regular analysis of New Zealand jobs advertised in major publications.
Accountants (occupation code 221111), are on are on The Regional Immediate Skill Shortage List for most parts of New Zealand.
Job ads in New Zealand often do not mention remuneration. Salaries are generally negotiable, within limits.
Remuneration for accountants varies depending on the region they work in, their qualifications and experience. The highest wages for accountants are generally found in Auckland and Wellington.
A typical salary of a financial accountant in New Zealand according to Hayes 2020/21 salary guide was $95,000. A typical salary for a tax accountant was $90,000 and for a systems accountant was $95,000, according to the survey.
Experienced assistant accountants, according to the 2020/21 Hudson guide, can expect to earn $55,000 – $75,000.
For comparison, the average hourly wage in New Zealand for the quarter ending 31 March 2020 was $33.20 according to Statistics New Zealand.
Accountant Salaries / Wages in 2020
| Accountant | Salary / Wage $ | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Finance Manager | 110,000 – 150,000 | Auckland |
| Insolvency Accountant | 65,000 – 75,000 | Auckland |
| Cost Accountant | 75,000 – 90,000 | Auckland |
| Tax Accountant | 35 – 48 per hour | Auckland |
| Assistant Accountant | 55,000 – 65,000 | Palmerston North |
| Financial Accountant | 65,000 – 80,000 | Auckland |
| Junior Financial Accountant | 45,000 – 50,000 | Auckland |
| Accountant – Team Leader | 80,000 – 110,000 | Wellington |
| Senior Accountant / Client Manager | 65,00 – 85,0000 | Wellington |
| Project Accountant | 75,000 – 95,000 | Wellington |
| Assistant Accountant | 47,000 – 55,000 | Christchurch |
| Farm Accountant | 75,000 – 95,000 | Christchurch |
| Intermediate Accountant | 55,000 – 65,000 | Christchurch |
| Management Accountant | 80,000 – 100,000 | Christchurch |
| Intermediate – Senior Accountant | 50,000 – 65,000 | Dunedin |
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