The conversation about chartered accountants’ salaries in NZ has become a hot topic. CA ANZ plans to release its complete Member Satisfaction survey results by April 2025. These changes will shape the future of accounting in New Zealand.

The accounting profession continues to grow and adapt. CA ANZ now offers new ethics CPD workshops that you can attend online or in person. The NZ Tax Roadshow in the Lower North Island runs among other professional development initiatives. Accountants should watch how variable cost models and profit strategies affect their potential earnings in 2025.

As I wrote in this piece, you’ll discover the newest salary trends for chartered accountants throughout the North Island. This information will help you determine your market value in this digital world.

How much do chartered accountants earn in North Island in 2025?

The pay for chartered accountants in North Island varies greatly based on location, experience, and specialization in 2025.

The data shows average chartered accountants in New Zealand earn NZD 230,881.64 annually. This places them 119% above the national median salary, but regional differences within North Island paint a more detailed picture.

Wellington remains the highest-paying region. Chartered accountants in Wellington Central earn an average of NZD 142,844.86. Senior accountants in Wellington City make even more with approximately NZD 151,272.28. Hamilton and Tauranga follow with average accountant salaries of NZD 148,294.28.

Auckland tells a different story. Auckland City chartered accountants earn around NZD 129,967.50 on average. Manukau & East Auckland offers the highest average accountant salary nationwide at NZD 149,240.90.

Experience shapes earning potential substantially. Recent surveys show chartered accountants earn:

  • NZD 138,154.43 with less than 6 years’ experience
  • NZD 192,733.96 with 6-10 years’ experience
  • NZD 239,638.24 with 11-15 years’ experience
  • NZD 281,425.69 with over 20 years’ experience

The employment sector creates clear differences in compensation. Public sector accountants earn roughly 5% more than their private sector counterparts in similar roles.

The gender pay gap continues in 2025, though smaller than before. Male chartered accountants earn about 4% more than their female colleagues for equivalent work.

Total compensation includes more than base salary. About 56% of chartered accountants received a bonus last year, ranging from 3% to 6% of their base pay.

Career advancement brings substantial financial rewards. CFOs earn average salaries of NZD 317,628.98.

How 2025 salaries compare to previous years

Chartered accountant salaries in 2025 reveal interesting patterns amid economic ups and downs. The total median pay for full-time employees increased by 3% in 2025, which matches the growth rate from 2024. This shows things have leveled off after growth dropped from 11% in 2022 to just 3% in 2023.

Part-time chartered accountants have done better by a lot, with the highest overall median pay increase of 7% in New Zealand. Age plays a key role in how salaries grow. Young professionals aged 20-29 lead the pack – 42% of them saw raises of 7.6% or higher. The numbers drop sharply for older accountants, with only 12% of those over 50 getting similar increases.

Middle-aged accountants fall somewhere in between. About 25% of those aged 30-39 and 14% of those aged 40-49 got raises above 7.6%. This pattern shows younger staff getting bigger percentage raises, even though experienced accountants earn more overall.

New Zealand’s chartered accountants still earn nowhere near what their Australian colleagues make. The median total package in New Zealand is NZD 245,949 while Australia sits at AUD 272,897.64. Senior roles show an even bigger gap – New Zealand’s CFOs earn NZD 451,986.72 compared to Australian CFOs at AUD 518,079.12.

Canterbury leads New Zealand’s salary growth at 4.4%, tied with the rest of North Island, while Auckland follows at 3.6%. Hawke’s Bay stands out with an impressive 9% jump year-over-year.

The 2025 outlook remains cautiously optimistic. Notwithstanding that, fewer companies plan to give raises – 86% in 2025, down from 95% last year. This means chartered accountants still see their pay growing, but the increases have steadied rather than picked up speed, which reflects the broader economic picture.

What’s shaping accountant salaries in 2025

The landscape for chartered accountants salary NZ is changing rapidly as we approach 2025. Several major shifts are reshaping payment trends throughout the North Island.

AI and digital tools are revolutionizing accounting practices. Companies that use AI-powered solutions see 22% higher productivity. This helps them pay more to staff members who know these technologies well. Accountants who excel at data analytics platforms earn 8-12% more than those with conventional skills.

The shortage of qualified professionals keeps pushing salaries higher in certain areas. Tax experts top the list of most wanted professionals, especially in anz wellington where the number of jobs exceeds available talent by about 15%. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting specialists can ask for 18% above typical chartered accountant salary new zealand rates.

Your industry choice plays a big role in what you earn. Financial services lead the pack with 13% above market rates. Tech companies follow at 11%, and construction firms offer 7% more. Public sector and non-profit jobs pay 5-8% less than private companies but make up for it with better work-life balance.

The size of your firm matters too. Big Four firms still pay about 11% more than mid-tier companies for similar positions. But mid-tier firms in the central north island nz have caught up since the chartered accountant salary nz 2020 standards, closing what used to be an 18% gap.

Working from home has changed how companies pay their staff. About 61% of accounting firms now let you work both from home and office. This flexibility might mean slightly lower pay (2-4% less than full-time office roles). Fully remote jobs pay 7% less than their in-office counterparts.

Extra certifications really pay off. Accountants with advanced certificates beyond their CA earn 15% more than those with just the basics. This shows how much ongoing learning can boost your earning potential.

Conclusion

The North Island’s chartered accountant salaries paint an interesting picture of growth and chances in 2025. Wellington stands at the top with average earnings of NZD 142,844.86, though earnings vary based on location, experience, and specialization.

A professional’s experience strongly influences their earning potential. New accountants start at NZD 138,154.43, while veterans with 20+ years command NZD 281,425.69. The digital world has created fresh chances for accountants who master AI-powered tools and data analytics. These professionals earn 8-12% more than their traditional counterparts.

Tax specialization and ESG reporting face skill shortages that drive salaries higher. Public sector positions typically offer 5-8% lower base pay than private industry roles but make up for it with better benefits packages.

Accountants who invest in their growth see clear returns. Those holding advanced certifications beyond their CA designation earn 15% more than those with simple qualifications. Remote work has become standard practice, yet these arrangements often adjust salaries modestly. This suggests a strong link between workplace flexibility and compensation.

These salary trends help chartered accountants navigate their careers and negotiate fair packages effectively. Successful professionals look beyond base salary figures. They evaluate location perks, industry premiums, and the value additional certifications bring to their careers.

FAQs

Q1. What is the average salary for chartered accountants in New Zealand in 2025? 

The average chartered accountant in New Zealand earns approximately NZD 230,881 annually, which is significantly above the national median salary. However, salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and specialization.

Q2. How does experience affect a chartered accountant’s salary in New Zealand? 

Experience greatly impacts earning potential. Chartered accountants with less than 6 years’ experience earn a median of about NZD 138,154, while those with over 20 years’ experience can command up to NZD 281,425 annually.

Q3. Which region in the North Island offers the highest salaries for chartered accountants? 

Wellington consistently leads as the highest-paying region in North Island, with chartered accountants in Wellington Central earning an average of NZD 142,844 annually. Other major centers like Hamilton and Tauranga also offer competitive salaries.

Q4. How do public sector accountant salaries compare to private sector ones? 

Public sector accountants typically earn approximately 5% more than their private sector counterparts in identical roles. However, private sector roles, especially in financial services and technology companies, often offer higher premiums.

Q5. What impact does professional development have on a chartered accountant’s salary? 

Professional development significantly influences earning potential. Accountants who maintain advanced certifications beyond their CA designation report earnings 15% higher than peers with basic qualifications alone, highlighting the value of continued professional development.