I really want to help you out, so do ask if you have anymore questions
I’m a local uni acc grad who has worked 2plus years in corporate

My advice to you is that because not only do your batch and future batches need to take the series of SQP exams to become a chartered accountant, you will also have to work for a registered ATO
The audit firms are all ATOs, yes there are some other corporates out there which are ATOs but if you are in this for the very long haul, it’s best that you begin in the audit firm

So
A) work in audit firm
B) pass your SQP exams
C) clock your 3 years of audit exp
D) get your CA cert

The world is your oyster in terms of accounting field

If you really feel that the pay is an issue, then don’t go accounting route at all
Apply to the banks, commodity firms, corporate treasury etc
Basically go for the finance route, meanwhile also embark on the 3 levels of CFA, 2 levels of CAIA, or even the CVA at NTU