Melbourne Public Practice Industry Insights – Q1 2026

The accounting profession in Melbourne continues to evolve as firms navigate changing client demands, workforce mobility, and competitive pressures. As one of Australia’s largest professional hubs, Melbourne plays a critical role in shaping national accounting trends. Understanding shifts in employment, talent flow, and experience levels provides valuable insight into how the profession is adapting and where opportunities are emerging.

Minchin Recruitment has analysed recent data on public practice accountants in Melbourne to highlight key developments over the past 12 months. The findings offer a clear view of which firms are expanding, where talent is moving, and how the composition of the workforce is changing.

Skilled Labour Movement

Over the past year, some firms have achieved strong growth in their accounting teams while others have faced challenges in retention.

• BDO in Australia added 32 accountants, reflecting a 19% increase.
• Rodgers Reidy grew by 16 staff, a rise of 23%.
• Ashfords saw a reduction of 14 accountants, a 26% decline.
• RJ Sanderson & Associates decreased by 17 accountants, down 19%.

This mixed movement highlights the competitiveness of the market, where firms with strong growth strategies are attracting talent while others experience contraction.

Leading Employers

Major Employers of Public Accountants

The largest employers of accountants in Melbourne have shown varying results:

• William Buck remains one of the largest employers but declined by 2%, losing 48 accountants.
• ESUPERFUND added 46 accountants, representing 2% growth.
• Fordham Group expanded by 43 accountants, also up 2%.
• BDO in Australia strengthened further, adding 32 accountants and achieving 19% growth.

These results suggest that while some of the larger firms are experiencing slower growth or even declines, other mid-tier firms are gaining momentum and positioning themselves as attractive alternatives for professionals.

Flow of Talent

The past 12 months have seen a notable movement of accountants out of financial services into other industries such as business consulting, restaurants, and retail. This diversification indicates that accountants are exploring broader career opportunities, and businesses outside of traditional practice are recognising the value accountants bring to operational and strategic functions.

Talent Pool Experience

Breaking down the workforce by experience level shows an interesting trend.

• The number of Accountants fell slightly by 1% to 3,972.
• Senior Accountants declined by 3% to 838.
• Assistant Accountants dropped 2% to 453.
• Graduate Accountants grew by 16% to 285, the largest increase across all levels.
• Junior Accountants decreased by 5% to 142.
• Intermediate Accountants rose by 2% to 107.

This indicates that while mid-level and senior roles are contracting, firms are actively investing in graduate recruitment. The focus on graduates suggests a long-term workforce strategy aimed at building talent pipelines, even as competition for experienced professionals remains intense.

Location of Public Accountants

Across Australia’s major cities, the number of public accountants has shifted slightly downward:

• Sydney: 7,064 (down 1%)
• Melbourne: 6,050 (down 1%)
• Brisbane: 2,523 (no change)
• Perth: 2,225 (down 1%)
• Adelaide: 1,936 (down 1%)

Melbourne continues to maintain one of the strongest concentrations of public accountants nationally, with more than 6,000 professionals currently employed in the city.

Melbourne Snapshot

Key insights for Melbourne include:

• Hiring demand is currently rated as very high.
• Median tenure among accountants is 1.8 years, indicating relatively quick turnover compared with other industries.
• 482 public accountants changed jobs in the past 12 months.
• 6,050 accountants are currently employed across greater Melbourne.

What This Means for Employers and Job Seekers

For employers, the findings emphasise the need for strong retention strategies. With demand high and tenure relatively short, firms that invest in career development, training, and supportive work environments will be better positioned to hold onto their top talent. The increase in graduate recruitment suggests that many firms are thinking long-term, but the challenge remains in bridging the gap at the mid-level where competition is fierce.

For job seekers, the report reinforces that opportunities in Melbourne remain abundant. With firms competing for skilled professionals, candidates are in a strong position to consider roles that offer not only financial benefits but also career progression, stability, and cultural fit. Those entering the workforce at graduate level will find strong opportunities, while experienced accountants may benefit from carefully considering firms with clear growth trajectories.

The Melbourne public practice accounting sector is experiencing both growth and contraction, with firms showing varied success in attracting and retaining talent. Graduate hiring is emerging as a key focus area, while mid-tier firms are gaining traction as attractive employers. Despite slight declines across most cities, Melbourne maintains a strong base of professionals and continues to be a competitive hub for the accounting industry.