Everything You Need to Know About Accounting Firm Partner Salaries in the AU & NZ.

In the accounting world, the role of a partner in an accounting firm holds significant prestige and responsibility and is the role most sought after by many professional accountants. They are revered for their ability to lead and mastery in untangling the complexities of financial intricacies.

If you’re an accounting professional or an aspiring partner, you might be wondering about the compensation that comes with reaching the pinnacle of a CPA’s career as a partner. Read on as we reveal everything about accounting partner salaries in the ANZ region, the factors influencing them, and more.

Understanding the Role of a Partner

Before we talk numbers, it’s essential to understand the role of a partner in an accounting firm. Partners are senior-level professionals of the firm who rose through the ranks with their exceptional expertise, leadership, and business acumen. They oversee:

Client accounts
Manage teams
Drive business development
And uphold the firm’s reputation and standards

Partners typically possess a share of ownership in the firm, aligning their interests with its success.

Equity Partners vs Non-Equity Partners

Elevating to being a firm partner changes the method of compensation. Typically, there are two types of partners: equity and salaried. Equity partners specifically hold ownership (equity) in the firm. This means equity partners have a stake in the profits and losses of the firm, often making them more involved in the decision-making and potentially earning higher compensation than salaried partners.

Average Partner Salaries in Australia and New Zealand

Accounting firm partner compensation varies widely, especially among firms and regions, but according to PayScale, the average annual wage for accounting firm partners in Australia is AU$220,000, with a starting and ending range of AU$180k to AU$950k.

Meanwhile, partners in New Zealand make an average of NZ$180,000 annually, with a starting and ending range of NZ$125K to NZ$300k.

Total Salary Range of Big 4 Partners

According to Glassdoor, here are the annual Big 4 accounting firm partner salary ranges for 15+ years of experience in Australia for 2024.

Factors Influencing Partner Compensation

We mention how accounting firm partners’ salaries may vary; well, here are the factors that influence how much a partner can earn.

Firm Size and Structure

The larger and more prestigious the accounting firm is, the more its partners earn. Partner salaries from top firms such as the Big 4 significantly differ from mid-tier accounting firm partners due to the firm’s expansive clientele, brand recognition, and revenue potential. These firms have the resources and reputation to charge higher fees, translating into higher rewards for their partners.

Geographic Location

Like in real estate, location also plays a significant role in influencing compensation. Partners in major cities that serve more clients and have higher living costs generally command higher compensation packages.

Here are the best cities for accountants to work on in Australia:

Sydney, New South Wales
Melbourne, Victoria
Perth, Western Australia
Brisbane, Queensland
Gold Coast, Queensland

While in New Zealand, the best cities to work as an accountant are:

Wellington
Auckland
Christchurch
Hamilton

Industry Focus

Industry focus matters a lot in influencing an accounting partner’s salary. Partners taking advantage of specialising in booming industries such as finance, tech, or healthcare may earn higher wages due to the complexity and demand for service.

Performance and Contribution

Partners shouldn’t just excel in crunching numbers in the growing competitive accounting market. They must also wear the hat of a rainmaker. Partners who excel in bringing more business to the house, keeping the clients happy, and generating more revenue are typically rewarded with bonuses and profit-sharing arrangements, augmenting their base salary.

Experience and Expertise

Partners with extensive experience, specialty practices, and a proven track record tend to be granted higher salaries. Years of honing their craft, cultivating client relationships, and mastering the financial industry elevate them to their firms’ upper compensation hierarchy.

Strategies for Negotiating Salary and Maximising Partner Compensation

If you’re an aspiring partner, here are some strategies you can implement to get your desired salary.

Know Your Worth

If you’re considering negotiating your salary, conduct thorough research to understand industry standards, firm performance, and market trends. Backed by data, you can confidently communicate your value proposition, emphasising your contributions to the firm’s success and the unique skills you bring to the table.

Let Your Accomplishments and Contributions Support You

Compile a dossier of your achievements, client wins, and leadership initiatives to demonstrate your impact on the firm’s bottom line. Quantifiable metrics such as revenue generated, client satisfaction ratings, and team performance indicators provide compelling evidence of your worthiness for a high salary package.

Express Your Long-Term Value

Position yourself not merely as an employee seeking a paycheck but as a strategic partner invested in the firm’s long-term success. By sharing your vision for the future and outlining plans for business development, talent retention, and firm growth, you can showcase your commitment to driving sustainable LTV for the firm and its stakeholders.

Approach Negotiations with a Holistic Perspective

While salary is a critical component of partner compensation, savvy negotiators understand the importance of considering the broader spectrum of benefits and perks. Explore opportunities for profit-sharing arrangements, performance bonuses, equity ownership, retirement contributions, and other non-monetary incentives that align with your long-term financial and professional goals.

Start Your Journey to Becoming an Accounting Firm Partner

With the shortage in the accounting workforce and the tax and government regulations getting more complicated each year, skilled and specialised accountants will only be more in demand.

If you’re looking for more information to jump-start your accounting career, head over to our resources pages to see the latest accounting news and guides.

Ultimate Guide to Accounting Firm Partner Salary