What It’s Really Like Working in Australia vs Overseas

Australia continues to attract qualified accounting professionals from around the world, offering the chance to build international experience while enjoying a high quality of life.

At Lawson Delaney, we regularly speak with candidates who have made the move from overseas and have since built successful careers here. Based on these conversations, we’ve pulled together the key themes and reflections shared by those who’ve experienced both worlds.

A Balanced Working Culture

One of the strongest positives people report is a better work-life balance in Australia. While there is still an expectation to meet deadlines and deliver results, particularly during busy seasons, many say the overall working hours are more reasonable than what they experienced overseas. Another point that stood out is the team-oriented environment. Most described Australian workplaces as less hierarchical, with teams pulling together to get the job done. Directors and Partners were also seen as more accessible than in some other countries, contributing to a more collaborative and less formal workplace culture.

Similar Structures and Flexibility

Structurally, professional roles in Australia are similar to those abroad. Titles, team sizes and client expectations all felt familiar, which helped smooth the transition for many. When it comes to flexibility, remote work opportunities tend to depend more on the individual firm than the location. That said, people generally found that Australia offers the same level of flexibility they had in their home countries, particularly in hybrid or remote-friendly firms.

Recognised Qualifications, but…

Overseas accounting qualifications are widely recognised in Australia, and many people we’ve spoken to felt confident making the switch. Those with audit experience in particular said their skills transferred well and were understood quickly by local employers.

Tax professionals, however, sometimes encountered a slower path. Because of differences in legislation, those with a general tax background found it harder to secure a role at the same level straight away. A few accepted the need to take a step back initially, but felt they quickly caught up once they had the chance to apply themselves locally. Niche skills, such as international tax expertise, were still in demand and helped open doors.

Career Progression: A Mixed Experience

For some, the pace of career progression in Australia did not align with their expectations. They noted that while the workplace culture is supportive, promotions did not always come as quickly as they might have had they remained in their firm overseas. Others had originally planned to transition from public practice into industry roles but found those opportunities harder to access than expected. Interestingly, many of these professionals ended up moving to another firm and were surprised by how much they enjoyed staying in professional practice in Australia.

Why People Choose Australia

The overwhelming motivator behind the move to Australia was lifestyle. People wanted to broaden their work experience but also enjoy better weather, more outdoor time and a safe, family-friendly environment. Australia’s relative safety, supportive work culture and access to exploring the country were all major drawcards. Several people highlighted the simple joys, like being able to go to the beach before work in summer, as examples of how lifestyle and work coexist more easily here.

Sponsorship Pathways and Recommendations 

A recurring challenge mentioned was the difficulty in securing sponsorship before arriving. Many candidates said that coming across as a secondment or on a working holiday visa was the most effective path. These options provided a valuable foot in the door and often led to longer-term sponsorship offers once they had the chance to prove themselves. Even with working holiday restrictions, some firms were open to extending contracts or moving quickly into sponsorship once mutual interest was established.

Conclusion

Relocating to Australia offers international accounting professionals an exciting blend of career development and lifestyle advantages. While the journey can come with some early hurdles, particularly around visas or initial role alignment, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Most candidates find their footing quickly, gain new opportunities and appreciate the balance and quality of life that working in Australia provides.

If you’re considering making the move or are looking to better understand your career options locally, we’d be happy to help you explore what’s possible. Contact us today to start the conversation.