Manage financial records, audits, and tax compliance for businesses and government agencies. Every organisation in Jamaica needs skilled accountants to stay financially healthy.
Salary Breakdown
Accounting Technician (FMG/AT 2) at $1,711,060 and (FMG/AT 3) at $2,190,302 per annum (MOH&W, 2025) - the technician grades most graduates start on.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($1,950,681 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.
Show deduction breakdown
- Gross (annual)
- $1,950,681 JMD
- NIS (3%)
- −$58,520 JMD
- NHT (2%)
- −$39,013 JMD
- Education Tax
- −$42,573 JMD
- PAYE Income Tax
- −$0 JMD
- Net (annual)
- $1,810,573 JMD
Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
Career Path Roadmap
- 1
High School & CXC Subjects
Pass CSEC Mathematics, Principles of Accounts, English, and Principles of Business. Strong maths foundation is essential.
5 years - 2
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
Complete a BSc in Accounting or Business Administration with Accounting focus at UWI, UTech, or another accredited institution.
3 - 4 years - 3
Professional Accounting Qualification
Pursue CAPE, ACCA, or CPA certification. Many firms sponsor study while you work.
2 - 3 years - 4
Junior / Staff Accountant
Work in public accounting (audit, tax) or private industry. Build experience in financial reporting and compliance.
2 - 3 years - 5
Senior Accountant / Audit Manager
Lead audit engagements or manage the full accounting function for a department or company.
3 - 5 years - 6
Finance Director / Partner
Drive financial strategy, risk management, and stakeholder reporting. May require an MBA or Master's in Finance.
5+ years
Required Education
- CSEC/CXC Mathematics, Principles of Accounts, English (minimum 5 subjects)
- BSc in Accounting or Business Administration
- Professional certification (ACCA, CPA, or CAPE)
Common Local Certifications
- Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ) membership - the only body that awards the Chartered Accountant designation locally
- ICAJ/ACCA Joint Examination Scheme - 14 papers plus 3 years of relevant experience for ICAJ membership
- Public Accountancy Board (PAB) licence - required in addition to ICAJ membership to set up in public practice
- ACCA qualification
- HEART/NSTA - NVQ-J Level 2 to Level 4 in Accounting (Qualifications Registry of Jamaica)
Where to Train
Northern Caribbean University
Offers Bachelor of Science in Accounting
University of the Commonwealth Caribbean
Offers Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Montego Bay Community College
Offers Associate of Science in Business Administration
College of Agriculture, Science and Education
Offers Associate of Science in Business Administration
Local Institutions Offering Programs
- University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI) – Mona School of Business
- University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) – School of Business
- University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC)
- ICAJ – Training programmes
- Northern Caribbean University (NCU)