Accountant or tax adviser ?? They arent the same.
The heirachy is as follows:
Unqualified bookkeeper etc
Bookkeeper - Maybe with TAFE cert etc
Accountant varies between a junior role through to CFO. Commerical v's public practice and then there are specialised skill such as forensic, audit, smsf, property, tax accounting, etc
Public pratcice also has specialisations and incldues GST, indiretc taxes, income tax, company tax, etc....
To become a tax agent you need qualifications and experince which comply with Tax Practitioner Board requirements. Employment in industry generally seeks the qualfied members of CPA, CA and IPA with IPA being a distanct cousin. To become a member you need a degree qualification.
Best tip I was given in your same position was to do the
Bachelor of Accounting course at Uni of SA (there are some others too but check they meet CPA / CA requirements). Its distance education and fees through Help etc and will get you membership etc. Its not hard but will get you the right qualification. Three years you can smash it...Two if you are into s&m. (I did it in 2 with three young kids and FT work) Tip : Choose a refresher course on how to do uni grade work as first elective. Open Learning doesnt have ANY prerequisites and no ATAR etc. Its geared to deliver simple learning in 13 week blocks four terms a year. With HELP you pay a small upfront fee per subject and some books. Most notes are mailed to you. You repay through tax system as you earn over the thresholds for HELP. Exams can be done in all sorts of places close to home. Online tools etc. No lectures to attend. You set your own timetable !!
Let me quote my friend who introduced same course to me - Register today you wont regret it.