Top 10 Accounting Software to Learn Before Arriving in Australia

Introduction: Why Software Skills Matter for Accountants in Australia

Accounting software to learn before arriving in Australia is one of the most important steps for any aspiring accountant, bookkeeper, or finance student. If you're planning to migrate and work in the Australian accounting industry, gaining hands-on knowledge of the most-used software platforms can give you a competitive edge. From Xero to MYOB and QuickBooks, this article covers the top 10 accounting tools you should master before entering the Australian job market.

From Xero and MYOB to SAP and QuickBooks, these platforms aren’t just tools—they’re essential skills that can make or break your job application. Proficiency in the right systems can:

• Make your resume stand out
• Shorten your job search
• Help secure skilled visa sponsorship
• Equip you for remote and freelance roles
  

This guide lists the top 10 accounting software platforms to learn before arriving in Australia, along with career tips and free training links.

Top 10 Accounting Software to Learn Before Working in Australia

1. Xero

Best for: SMEs, bookkeepers, payroll roles
Why it matters:
Xero dominates the SME space and is used by thousands of Australian employers. It’s fully ATO-compliant, supporting GST, BAS, STP, and payroll.

Job advantage:
Xero certification is frequently requested in job ads for bookkeepers, assistants, and even graduates.

Get Xero Certified (Free)

2. MYOB (Mind Your Own Business)

Best for: Retail, trades, traditional industries
Why it matters:
MYOB is a legacy tool still used in many medium-sized Australian businesses. Offers both desktop and cloud-based solutions.

Job advantage:
Employers outside major cities and in trade-based businesses often prefer MYOB experience.

MYOB Academy Training

3. QuickBooks Online

Best for: Freelancers, consultants, virtual bookkeepers
Why it matters:
QuickBooks is growing fast in Australia due to its intuitive interface and competitive pricing.

Job advantage:
In demand for remote, part-time, and contract roles where QuickBooks is preferred for simplicity.

QuickBooks Online Training (Free)

4. Reckon One

Best for: Sole traders, rural businesses
Why it matters:
Affordable and user-friendly, Reckon is a solid choice for micro-businesses in Australia.

Job advantage:
Knowledge of Reckon can help you land niche roles in regional areas or with budget-conscious employers.

Reckon One Learning Hub

5. Sage Business Cloud Accounting

Best for: Mid-sized firms, accountants with multiple clients
Why it matters:
Popular with accounting practices and businesses needing strong reporting tools.

Job advantage:
Strong on multi-currency, role-based permissions, and cash flow management.

Sage University Australia

6. SAP (ERP)

Best for: Corporates, government, multinationals
Why it matters:
SAP is the go-to ERP system for large Australian employers in finance, logistics, and healthcare.

Job advantage:
If you’re targeting roles in ASX-listed companies or applying for the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Visa (subclass 482), SAP experience is a major plus.

SAP Learning Hub

7. Oracle NetSuite

Best for: Tech startups, large SMEs, enterprise-level finance
Why it matters:
Offers end-to-end cloud accounting with custom dashboards and real-time financial insights.

Job advantage:
Useful for roles like Financial Analyst, Business Partner, and Assistant Controller.

NetSuite Training

8. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Best for: Mid to large businesses, accountants in systems-heavy roles
Why it matters:
ERP and CRM combined. Used by government and education institutions in Australia.

Job advantage:
Valued in hybrid finance-IT roles and consulting environments.

Microsoft Learn – Business Central

9. Dext (formerly Receipt Bank)

Best for: Bookkeepers, virtual assistants, tax preparation
Why it matters:
Used alongside Xero or QuickBooks to manage receipts, invoices, and data capture.

Job advantage:
Common in remote bookkeeping support roles and essential for cloud-based accounting practices.

Dext Training Resources

10. HandiSoft (by Sage)

Best for: Tax professionals and public practice accountants
Why it matters:
Trusted by many Australian tax agents for managing client tax returns and lodgements.

Job advantage:
If you're working toward becoming a BAS agent or public practice accountant, HandiSoft knowledge is a big plus.

HandiSoft Overview

Roles Where Software Knowledge Gives You an Edge

Job Title	Preferred Software
Bookkeeper	Xero, QuickBooks, Dext
Payroll Officer	Xero, MYOB
Assistant Accountant	Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks
Tax Accountant	HandiSoft, Xero, Sage
ERP Analyst / Controller	SAP, Oracle NetSuite
Finance Manager	SAP, Dynamics 365, Xero
Remote Bookkeeping Support	Xero + Dext, QuickBooks

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Preparing for the Australian Job Market

Do This Before You Arrive:

• Complete at least one Xero or MYOB certification
• Gain basic hands-on experience with two cloud-based platforms
• Learn the fundamentals of GST, BAS, and STP reporting
• Tailor your CV and LinkedIn to highlight your software skills
  

Conclusion: Software Skills Set You Apart

Accounting in Australia is highly tech-driven, and employers expect candidates to be job-ready from day one. Mastering key platforms like Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, and SAP helps you stand out—especially as a migrant or international graduate.

Investing in this knowledge before you arrive ensures you're not only more confident, but more employable and promotable in a competitive job market.

Remember:

This post is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional immigration advice. Given the uniqueness of every case, engaging with a registered migration agent is highly recommended for bespoke guidance and to navigate the specific details of your situation effectively. Book a visa consultation with a Registered Migration Agent