In New Zealand, accountants manage financial reporting, prepare tax returns, and ensure strict compliance with Inland Revenue (IRD) regulations and national accounting standards. They play a vital role in the Kiwi business ecosystem by providing strategic advice on cash flow, budgeting, and business growth. Ultimately, their expertise enables organizations—from small local businesses to large corporations—to make informed financial decisions and maintain long-term stability. The work spans day-to-day bookkeeping through to year-end reporting, with accounting software skills expected across most roles. Opportunities range across public practice, commerce, and government, with clear pathways toward CA or CPA qualification. Most accountants use practice or business-accounting software daily and work closely with a range of clients and departments. The qualification pathway through CA or membership of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand gives the role strong structure and mobility.

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Total Remuneration Range

Base salary + bonuses, based on 2 submissions

Minimum Wage
$49,816
Living Wage
$62,192
Median
$115,000
90th Percentile
$115,800
Minimum Wage
$23.95/hr
$49,816/year
2.3×
This role pays 2.3 times the minimum wage
+131%
Living Wage
$29.90/hr
$62,192/year
1.8×
This role pays 1.8 times the living wage
+85%
National Wage Percentile
$115,000
median salary for this role
Top 15.5%
This role's median is higher than 84.5% of all NZ wage/salary earners
439,660 earners at or above this salary
Source: IRD Wage & Salary Distributions — March 2026

Common questions about Accountant pay

Based on 2 anonymous submissions

What is the median salary for Accountant in New Zealand?

Across 2 anonymous submissions, the median total salary for a Accountant in New Zealand is $115,000 per year. Total remuneration ranges from about $114,200 (10th percentile) to $115,800 (90th percentile).

How does Accountant pay compare with NZ wage benchmarks?

A full-time median of $115,000 per year compares with the NZ minimum wage of $49,816 per year and the living wage of $62,192 per year.

What does a Accountant earn at each experience level?

Median pay by experience: Mid (3-5 Yrs) $112,000.

Most Common Perks

Based on 2 submissions

Viewing perks for selected submission
  • Health Insurance 100%
    • Annual Performance Bonus 100%
      • KiwiSaver Match > 3% 50%
        • Remote / Hybrid WFH 0%
          • Flexible Working Hours 0%
            • Extra Annual Leave (5+ Weeks) 0%

Pay by Experience Level

Median salary progression

Mid (3-5 Yrs)
$112,000

All Submissions (2)

Click a submission to see its perks
$114,000
Auckland 3 - 5 years (Intermediate) Sep 2026
$116,000
Wellington 3 - 5 years (Intermediate) Sep 2026

Salary by Location

Wellington
$116,000 $116,000 $116,000
Auckland
$114,000 $114,000 $114,000