Accounting is an ever-changing field, and staying updated means more than just reading reports—it’s about connecting with peers, learning from experts, and exploring the latest tools shaping the industry.

Conferences provide the perfect space to gain insights, strengthen professional networks, and discover innovations that redefine finance and business practices. If you’re wondering what the top 8 accounting conferences in Australia are, you’ll find a strong mix of global and local events.

From the prestigious Global Conference on Accounting and Financial Management to the highly attended Accounting & Business Expo, the IFA Congress, SOPAC, and SMSF National Conference, each event brings professionals together to exchange ideas, explore new strategies in accounting.

The detailed list can be found in the following article, so keep reading to find out more!

Top 8 Accounting Conferences in Australia

Conferences are exciting places where people come together to learn new ideas and share knowledge. They give professionals a chance to connect, meet experts, and understand the latest changes in their fields. In accounting, these events are full of discussions, workshops, and helpful sessions. Let’s explore some of the biggest and most important accounting conferences happening in Australia.

79th Global Conference on Accounting and Financial Management (GCAFM) | Dates: November 14–16, 2025 | Location: Sydney, Australia
Accounting & Business Expo | Dates: March 18–19, 2026 | Location: ICC Sydney, NSW, Australia
International Fiscal Association Congress (78th IFA Congress) | Dates: October 18–22, 2026 | Location: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia
SMSF Association National Conference | Dates: February 18–20, 2026 | Location: Adelaide Convention Centre, SA, Australia
SOPAC® (Internal Audit Conference) | Dates: March 1–3, 2026 | Location: ICC Sydney, NSW, Australia
IPA Victoria Conference| Dates: March 12–13, 2026 | Location: RACV Torquay Resort, VIC, Australia
Gartner CFO & Finance Executive Conference | Dates: May 27–29, 2026 | Location: National Harbor, MD (previously held in Sydney or Gold Coast, Australia)
AFAANZ Conference | Dates: July 5–7, 2026 | Location: Pullman Albert Park Hotel, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

1. 79th Global Conference on Accounting and Financial Management (GCAFM)

The 79th Global Conference on Accounting and Financial Management (GCAFM) will be held in Sydney from November 14–16, 2025. Among the many important conferences in Australia, this event stands out for its international focus and professional value. For anyone serious about accounting, this event is a must to understand worldwide financial practices.

2. Accounting & Business Expo

Accounting & Business Expo will take place at ICC Sydney, NSW, on March 18–19, 2026. This expo is one of the most popular events in Australia for accountants and finance professionals. It combines talks, workshops, and product showcases from the latest business tools. People who attend will learn easy tips, meet other professionals, and see how technology is shaping the future of accounting.

3. International Fiscal Association Congress

The 78th International Fiscal Association (IFA) Congress is set for October 18–22, 2026, at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. This conference focuses mainly on international tax issues and fiscal matters. Experts and professionals from different countries gather here to share their views. It is a big opportunity to understand how global tax rules work and how they affect businesses in Australia and worldwide.

4. SMSF Association National Conference

Finance professionals and advisors focused on retirement savings will come together at Adelaide Convention Centre, SA, from February 18–20, 2026, for the SMSF Association National Conference. Dedicated to self-managed super funds, the event offers expert-led sessions, workshops, and case studies that explore how Australians manage and secure their retirement wealth effectively.

5. SOPAC® (Internal Audit Conference)

SOPAC®, also known as the Internal Audit Conference, will be held from March 1–3, 2026, at ICC Sydney, NSW. This event is about internal auditing and risk management. It helps accountants, auditors, and managers learn new ways to keep businesses safe and strong. SOPAC sessions are very interactive and cover important topics like ethics, responsibility, and security in financial systems.

6. IPA Victoria Conference

Professionals across Victoria will gather at RACV Torquay Resort, VIC, on March 12–13, 2026, for the IPA Victoria Conference. Known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, this event focuses on practical updates for accountants and finance specialists. Participants enjoy learning in a relaxed environment, connecting with peers, and gaining real insights from industry experts.

7. Gartner CFO & Finance Executive Conference

Finance leaders and CFOs from around the world join the Gartner CFO & Finance Executive Conference, scheduled for May 27–29, 2026, at National Harbor, MD. While previous editions were hosted in Sydney and the Gold Coast, the 2026 event continues its focus on leadership, strategy, and digital innovation in finance. Attendees explore how technology enhances decision-making and business performance.

8. AFAANZ Conference

Researchers, educators, and finance professionals come together at Pullman Albert Park Hotel, Melbourne, VIC, from July 5–7, 2026, for the AFAANZ Conference. Organized by the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, the event highlights academic research, education, and collaboration. It’s a valuable platform to exchange ideas and learn from leading scholars in the field.

Why Attend Accounting Conferences in Australia?

Accounting events are more than just formal meetings. They help professionals stay sharp, meet others, and discover new tools. These conferences make learning easier, fun, and very useful for both students and working professionals. Here we’ve listed down the major reasons to attend, which’ll help you have a better understanding:

Learning Updated Standards

Every year, governments change tax rules, and accountants must stay informed. Conferences explain those updates clearly with real examples.
People get direct access to experts explaining the latest changes. This ensures mistakes are avoided and compliance remains strong.
Rules often feel confusing when read online. Listening to specialists in person gives more clarity and practical step-by-step guidance.

Meeting Other Professionals

Networking grows faster at events where like-minded people gather. These connections help with advice, projects, and even future jobs.
Friendly talks with peers create stronger trust than online meetings. Sharing real challenges makes learning more personal and engaging.
Many partnerships start with simple chats during breaks. Conversations over coffee can lead to long-lasting, beneficial professional relationships.

Exploring Career Paths

Career options expand when you meet senior experts face-to-face. They provide honest advice about growth and opportunities available.
Attending sessions gives young accountants fresh views on career tracks. It helps them decide between practice, teaching, or consulting.
Meeting recruiters at conferences increases the chances of finding roles. These connections may open doors that are not publicly advertised.

Discovering New Technology

Technology updates happen quickly in finance, and conferences explain them well. Accountants can see tools before they become mainstream.
Software companies often showcase their products during events. This allows attendees to test features directly and ask important questions.
Learning about new tools saves businesses both money and time. Seeing demonstrations live makes understanding simpler than online guides.

Building Practical Skills

Workshops let participants practice problem-solving on the spot. Trainers guide step by step to ensure people fully understand tasks.
Case studies help people relate lessons to daily work. Real-life examples make theories more realistic and easier to apply.
Skill-building sessions improve confidence quickly. When people return to offices, they use these new abilities with noticeably better results.

Gaining Fresh Ideas

Conferences expose people to different approaches from other countries. These insights inspire creativity in solving local financial problems.
Group discussions spark debates that lead to useful solutions. Hearing different views challenges people to think in broader ways.
Inspirational talks motivate attendees to push limits. Many leave conferences feeling ready to take bold actions at work.

Boosting Personal Confidence

Attending events gives people the courage to share opinions openly. Speaking in front of peers helps reduce the fear of mistakes.
Confidence grows when questions are answered clearly. Experts break things down into simple terms, making everyone feel more capable.
Recognition during discussions makes attendees feel valued. Feeling heard and respected encourages more involvement in future professional gatherings.

Who Should Attend These Conferences?

Accounting conferences bring together a wide group of people with different goals and interests. They are not only for senior experts but also for learners who want to grow. These events open chances to build skills, share knowledge, and explore tools. Whether you are new or experienced, there is something useful for everyone. Here are the attendees who can benefit the most from the event.

Accountants

Accountants benefit most from attending because they get the latest updates on standards and practices. They interact with global leaders discussing solutions for complex financial matters. Events help accountants improve everyday work skills and gain knowledge for career advancement. Listening to live talks makes learning more interesting and practical. Every accountant leaves with insights that directly improve work performance.

Auditors

Auditors often face tricky challenges, and these events give them the right resources. They learn about new auditing techniques, regulations, and reporting styles. Conferences allow auditors to connect with peers and share ideas. Practical workshops give them hands-on training. Knowledge gained here helps auditors work more effectively in their companies and organizations.

Finance Managers

Finance managers handle planning, budgets, and big decisions, so updated knowledge is vital. These events teach them strategies for growth. Attending allows managers to connect with industry experts and peers. Sessions include advice on leadership, financial tools, and technology. Managers leave with useful skills that make decision-making more accurate and confident.

Tax Consultants

Tax consultants need constant updates about tax rules, as changes happen quickly. Conferences provide simple explanations for difficult laws. Meeting other consultants and tax officials opens new opportunities. Workshops help them solve common client issues more effectively. These gatherings give consultants confidence when offering tax advice to individuals or businesses.

Researchers

Researchers in accounting and finance find these events valuable because they share their studies. Conferences give them a platform to present findings. They also gather ideas from global peers working on similar topics. Discussions push research forward by adding fresh perspectives. Every session encourages collaboration, which strengthens future academic and professional research work.

Students

Students gain real-world knowledge by attending, which books cannot provide alone. They meet professionals who share career guidance. Networking helps them understand paths like auditing, taxation, or business consulting. Sessions make theory more practical by linking it to actual work. Attending early gives students confidence and direction in shaping their future careers.

Corporate Professionals

Corporate professionals from different industries attend to learn how accounting affects company performance. Conferences provide insight into financial planning and control. They also highlight the role of technology in decision-making. These events give corporate workers tools to manage resources better. Attending builds their confidence and helps them succeed in business responsibilities.

Key Themes and Topics Discussed at Accounting Conferences

Conferences in accounting bring together experts and learners to exchange ideas in simple and clear ways. These gatherings highlight important themes that shape the industry today. Sessions cover everything from new rules to modern technology that changes how businesses work. These discussion gives practical knowledge and valuable skills that people can apply right away.

Changing Regulations: Governments keep updating accounting rules, and conferences explain those changes clearly. Professionals leave with a practical understanding to keep their work accurate.
Digital Finance: Technology shifts how financial records are managed today. Sessions highlight cloud platforms, software updates, and tools designed to improve reporting.
Risk Management: Events focus on identifying financial risks early and preventing issues. Experts share methods that protect companies and improve decision-making strength.
Tax Updates: Tax laws confuse even experienced consultants sometimes. Attending workshops helps attendees break down complex details into clear, workable strategies.
Ethics in Accounting: Ethics remains a core theme in conferences. Professionals learn how to balance business success with honesty, transparency, and strong accountability.
Sustainability Trends: Speakers explain how accounting supports environmental responsibility. Discussions focus on reporting methods that include both financial and sustainable performance.
Leadership Skills: Leadership topics inspire managers and accountants. Sessions provide advice on guiding teams, making effective decisions, and improving workplace culture.
Research Sharing: Researchers present new studies in finance. These sessions add academic depth while helping professionals adopt proven, research-based accounting practices.

How to Choose the Right Accounting Conference for Your Career?

Choosing the right accounting conference can shape your growth, contacts, and confidence. Start with your goals, then match events to the skills you want. Look at speakers, sessions, and hands-on workshops that fit your focus. Consider networking, certifications, travel costs, and time so your investment truly pays off over the long term. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed choice.

Step 1: Define Your Goals

Write the skills and outcomes you want from attending. Decide whether you need technical updates, leadership growth, or career clues. Set one primary goal and two helpful secondary goals. Use those goals to filter every conference quickly and confidently.

Step 2: Match Focus Areas

Scan agendas for topics that fit your path, like tax, audit, or analytics. Choose sessions that fill gaps in your current role. Prefer workshops that include exercises and tools you can use next week. Skip tracks that repeat knowledge you already apply daily.

Step 3: Assess Speaker Quality

Look up keynote and track leaders on LinkedIn or firm pages. Review recent talks, articles, or cases they led. Favor speakers who teach with examples, not buzzwords. Prioritize experts who answer questions and share practical templates.

Step 4: Check Learning Format

Pick formats that help you learn best, such as labs, roundtables, or clinics. Go for smaller classes when you need coaching and feedback. Choose big keynotes when you need vision and trends. Mix formats to balance depth, energy, and pace.

Step 5: Weigh Networking Value

Study attendee lists, sponsor booths, and social events on the schedule. Mark meets that match your niche, like SMSF, startups, or audit tech. Plan coffee chats with two peers and one mentor each day. Carry clear talking points and a simple one-page profile.

Step 6: Verify Certification Credits

Confirm CPE or CPD hours and the bodies that recognize them. Check session-level credit types like ethics, audit, or tax. Track hours in a spreadsheet before you register. Choose events that close gaps in your annual requirements.

Step 7: Calculate Total Budget

Add ticket price, flights, hotel, meals, and local transport. Include hidden costs like internet, printing, or late checkout. Compare early-bird deals with flexible refund rules. Pick the event that brings strong learning per dollar spent.

Step 8: Plan Timing and Travel

Map the dates against reporting cycles and family plans. Avoid clashes with audits, exams, or quarter-end deadlines. Choose venues with easy flights and short transfers. Build a buffer day for rest and notes.

Step 9: Review Past Feedback

Read attendee comments on forums, social posts, and vendor pages. Look for details on queues, seating, and session quality. Favor events that improve logistics year over year. Trust patterns across many reviews, not one loud complaint.

Step 10: Shortlist and Decide

Narrow choices to two or three solid options. Score each against goals, credits, cost, and networking. Pick the top scorer and commit fully. Block your calendar and draft a learning plan.

How Do You Prepare for an Accounting Conference in Australia?

Preparing for an accounting conference takes planning and clear goals. You can make the most of your time if you focus on learning, networking, and showcasing your skills. With these preparation tips, you’ll walk away with stronger knowledge, helpful contacts, and career-ready confidence.

Review the Agenda

Study the agenda before arriving to know sessions, speakers, and timings. Planning ahead prevents rushing and ensures you attend important events.
Mark the sessions that connect directly with your professional interests. This allows you to spend time where value feels highest.

Set Personal Goals

Decide what you want to achieve at the event. Clear goals keep you focused and prevent wasting valuable networking opportunities.
Write three main outcomes you expect from attending. These could include skills learned, connections made, or new tools discovered.

Update Your Credentials

Carry an updated resume or CV that highlights recent work. A polished document increases chances when meeting recruiters or employers.
Make sure business cards are current and professional. Updated contact details ensure people can reach you after the conference.

Plan Networking Strategy

Prepare simple talking points for meeting new people. These help break the ice and make conversations flow without awkward pauses.
Schedule coffee chats or lunches with peers or mentors. Planning meetings in advance builds stronger and more meaningful connections.

Bring Essential Tools

Keep a notebook or digital device ready for notes. Writing points down ensures you remember details long after the event.
Pack chargers, pens, and small essentials. Having these items keeps you comfortable and prepared during busy conference schedules.

Research the Speakers

Look up the profiles of keynote speakers and session leaders. Knowing their work makes it easier to ask relevant questions.
Follow them on LinkedIn or social media before attending. This builds familiarity and opens the door for future networking.

Prepare Questions

Write down questions for panel discussions and workshops. Having questions ready makes participation easier and shows professional interest.
Aim for specific, practical questions rather than broad ones. Clear questions help you get useful and actionable responses from experts.

Manage Travel and Stay

Book travel and accommodation early to avoid last-minute problems. Early planning often saves money and reduces unnecessary stress.
Stay near the venue for convenience and extra networking chances. Meeting others outside sessions adds value beyond scheduled events.

Benefits of Attending Accounting Conferences in Australia

People often think conferences are only long talks, but they are much more than that. These events bring together learners, professionals, and experts under one roof. They create chances to learn, grow, and connect in ways books cannot explain. Attending them gives the following benefits that last for years.

Updated Knowledge

One of the biggest benefits of attending accounting conferences is getting updated knowledge about changes in the industry. Rules, tax laws, and business practices often change quickly, and these events explain them in simple ways. Instead of reading confusing documents, you can hear directly from experts who break it down. This helps professionals keep their work accurate and relevant.

Meeting Experts

Conferences give a chance to meet experts who are well-known in accounting and finance. These experts share ideas and give practical advice that can be applied to real work. Asking questions face-to-face helps people understand complex concepts better. Meeting them also builds confidence because you are learning from the best in the field.

Building Connections

Networking is a major reason why people attend accounting events. Meeting new people in the same industry can lead to new opportunities. It could mean sharing ideas, working together on projects, or even landing a new job. Simple conversations during breaks or workshops often turn into lasting professional friendships.

Career Growth

Attending these conferences helps in career development by showing people different paths they can choose. Some may want to focus on auditing, while others might choose tax or corporate finance. These events give clear insights into what each area involves. By attending, professionals can make better choices about their career goals.

Learning Technology

Technology is changing accounting every year, and conferences highlight the latest tools being used. Whether it’s new software or advanced platforms, attendees get to see them in action. Live demonstrations make it easier to understand how these tools work. This helps accountants improve their work and save time in daily tasks.

Practical Skills

Workshops in conferences focus on teaching practical skills that can be used immediately. For example, learning how to handle a new accounting system or understanding changes in tax filing. These activities are interactive and simple to follow. People leave with knowledge they can apply at work the very next day.

Confidence Boost

Attending conferences also builds confidence in professionals. Listening to experts, asking questions, and joining discussions helps them believe in their own abilities. It also gives them the courage to share their opinions in front of others. This boost is important for anyone who wants to grow in their career.

New Opportunities

Sometimes, conferences open doors to surprising opportunities. It might be a new client, a job offer, or even an invitation to collaborate on research. These events are full of possibilities waiting for people who participate actively. Staying open to chances can bring great rewards for the future.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at Accounting Conferences

Attending an accounting conference can be an amazing experience if you plan wisely and stay active. Many people, however, miss out because they don’t prepare or pay attention. Simple errors can waste valuable time and learning chances. Knowing these common mistakes to avoid will make the experience more useful.

Skipping Keynotes: Keynote speakers often share insights that shape the whole event. Missing them means losing valuable ideas and understanding of important themes.
Passive Listening: Just sitting quietly without engaging reduces learning. Asking questions or taking notes helps retain knowledge and makes sessions more meaningful.
Ignoring Networking: Many people stay only with their groups. Missing networking means losing opportunities to meet mentors, peers, and possible career connections.
Overloading Schedule: Attending too many sessions without breaks can drain energy. Planning smartly ensures time for rest, reflection, and real learning.
No Preparation: Arriving without reviewing the agenda leads to confusion. Knowing which sessions to attend makes the conference experience smooth and focused.
Forgetting Materials: Not carrying resumes, notebooks, or cards creates missed chances. Having them ready makes networking and sharing professional details easier.
Skipping Follow-Up: Conversations started at conferences must continue later. Ignoring follow-ups weakens connections that could bring future career or learning opportunities.

Tips for Building a Strong Network Through an Accounting Conference Participation

Conferences are more than just learning spaces; they are also great for meeting new people. Building a network can open many doors for future opportunities. It’s about talking, sharing, and connecting in meaningful ways. A strong network helps in both professional and personal growth. Here are the tips to build one.

Be Approachable

Smile, maintain eye contact, and keep a friendly body language when meeting people. Being approachable makes others feel comfortable starting a conversation. Even small gestures like a handshake can create a good first impression. Confidence and kindness always go a long way.

Prepare Introductions

Think of a simple way to introduce yourself before attending. Mention your name, background, and what you’re interested in. A short introduction saves time and makes you sound clear. Practice it so you don’t feel nervous while speaking.

Attend Social Events

Most conferences include social events like dinners or coffee breaks. These moments are great for casual networking. Conversations outside sessions often feel more natural and relaxed. Use this chance to talk openly without the pressure of formal settings.

Ask Questions

During workshops or talks, ask thoughtful questions. This shows you are engaged and interested in learning more. People often approach those who ask smart questions. It helps you start discussions even after the session ends.

Share Contact Information

Always carry business cards or share contact details politely. Giving your information ensures people can connect with you later. Write your email or phone number clearly for easy reference. A simple thank-you note makes the exchange feel warm.

Follow Up Later

Networking doesn’t end at the event. Sending a short message or email afterward keeps the connection alive. Mention the session or topic you discussed. This makes your message personal and memorable.

Help Others Too

Networking isn’t only about gaining; it’s also about giving. Offer to share resources, notes, or helpful contacts. People appreciate it when someone supports them genuinely. Helping others builds trust and strengthens long-term connections.

FAQs About Top Accounting Conferences in Australia

Accounting conferences in Australia bring together professionals, students, and experts from around the world. They focus on learning, networking, and new opportunities. Here are some frequently asked questions that help you better understand these important events.

What Makes Australian Accounting Conferences Unique?

Australian accounting conferences are unique because they mix global perspectives with local practices. They highlight both international finance issues and Australian regulations. This combination gives attendees practical knowledge and fresh insights that are directly useful in their professional work.

How Often Are These Conferences Held?

Most accounting conferences in Australia are annual events. They happen at different times throughout the year in various cities. Dates usually repeat around the same months, making it easier for professionals to plan attendance in advance.

Which Cities Host The Conferences?

Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane often host these events. Conference venues are usually large convention centers or resorts. These locations are chosen for easy access, networking facilities, and the ability to handle large numbers of participants.

Can Students Attend These Conferences?

Yes, many conferences welcome students who want to learn beyond textbooks. Students can attend talks, workshops, and interactive sessions. This experience gives them real-world knowledge, career direction, and valuable opportunities to meet professionals in accounting and finance.

Are There Virtual Options Available?

Some conferences now offer virtual or hybrid attendance. This allows people to join sessions online if travel is difficult. Virtual options include live-streamed talks, digital networking rooms, and online Q&A with expert speakers, making participation more flexible.

Do Conferences Offer Certification?

Yes, several accounting conferences provide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. These certifications are valuable for maintaining professional status. Attendees can earn credits while also gaining knowledge, making conferences both educational and career-building.

How Can Small Businesses Benefit?

Small business owners gain insights into accounting tools and financial management practices. Conferences often showcase affordable software and practical advice tailored for smaller firms. Attending helps business owners improve systems, reduce costs, and make better financial decisions with confidence.

What Networking Opportunities Exist?

Networking is a major focus at these events. Attendees connect during workshops, panel sessions, and social activities like dinners or coffee breaks. These moments create lasting professional relationships that may lead to collaborations, career opportunities, or valuable business partnerships.

Do Conferences Cover Global Topics?

Yes, many conferences include global themes like international taxation, finance regulations, and technology trends. Experts from around the world share their views. This allows attendees to see how accounting challenges and solutions apply beyond Australia’s borders.

How To Stay Updated About Upcoming Events?

The best way to stay updated is by checking official conference websites, industry newsletters, and professional accounting bodies. Following organizers on social media also helps. Many platforms send reminders, updates, and early registration offers for interested participants.

Wrap Up

Conferences give accountants a chance to learn, grow, and connect with others. They bring together experts, students, and professionals in one place. The top 8 accounting conferences in Australia cover new rules, technology, skills, and career guidance.

Attending these events helps people improve their work and find fresh opportunities. Meeting others at these conferences also builds strong professional relationships. Simple tips, advice, and workshops make learning clear and useful. By joining even one of these events, professionals gain confidence, updated knowledge, and ideas they can use every day.