Seeking advise on moving to Australia - the process, fees, etc..

Hello! 

I am an American with friends who live in Brisbane, they have invited me to come and live with them, they have an apartment in the lower level of their lovely home. 

There is tons of confusing information out on the web about visas, SOL's, skilled migration workers, tests etc...

Can anyone provide a clear, concise list of what to do first (thinking visa process, not sure).  Costs associated with those steps (approximations are fine), approximate time frames and what to expect for each step... etc...

For example, can I get into Australia under a Temporary Work Visa and not have my field be on the SOL?  Is there another name for Secretary/Administrative Assistant that Australians use?  That's my position - well, sort of.  I'm an Office Manager/Secretary/Accountant (no, I don't have a CPA).

Thanks a million for taking the time to read this and if possible respond. 

Hoping to be there soon, seeing my friends again and beautiful Brisbane.