5 Great Entry Level Accountant Jobs - Top Accounting Degrees (2024)

First Jobs as an Accountant

  • Budget Analyst
  • Public Accountant
  • Accounting Assistant
  • Accounting Clerk
  • Bookkeeper

Accounting is a broad industry, and job responsibilities for entry-level accountant jobs can range from auditing and financial consulting to reporting and record-keeping. Although most accountant jobs require at least one year of experience in the field, graduates may be able to attain entry-level positions or work in a private practice as an external accountant for a company or individual.

1. Budget Analyst

A budget analyst, also known as a cost estimator or budget accountant, is an entry-level position in the field of private accounting or management. These professionals work within government agencies, organizations or companies to track payroll, manage financial records and assets and analyze finances. They may also be responsible for reporting to accounting or finance managers, planning financial strategies, monitoring trends in revenues and costs or developing budgets. These individuals must have significant knowledge regarding predictive accounting, information technology management and business analytics.

2. Public Accountant

Public accountants may work in either private practices or accounting firms. Entry-level positions in this industry are often referred to as “junior associates,” and these individuals either service in financial positions in government agencies or perform accounting functions for small business and nonprofit organizations. Their primary duties include providing financial advice, preparing taxes, maintaining financial data, creating reports, calculating income and auditing financial records for legal compliance and accuracy. Public accountants typically use special accounting management software and systems to perform these duties.

3. Accounting Assistant

Accounting assistants support an organization’s financial needs. They typically work for a senior accountant, and job duties include maintaining and filing records, billing and making and answering phone calls. They may also perform basic bookkeeping duties such as preparing the ledger for the senior accountant’s approval, entering financial details and calculating deposits and debits. Accounting assistants may also work with financial institutions to ensure that accounts are properly balanced and that funds are available for expenses. Accounting assistants must be familiar with office procedures and accounting software, and they need to have solid organizational and communication skills.

4. Accounting Clerk

Accounting clerks have a number of office and accounting responsibilities, including posting transaction details, determining interest charges and calculating accounts. They also issue payments that are owed to other organizations, file and maintain financial receipts and records and communicate with contractors about bills. They are responsible for contacting clients about invoices as well as collecting and recording incoming payments.

5. Bookkeeper

Also known as a bookkeeping clerk, a bookkeeper is typically responsible for tracking customer or client accounts, recording financial transactions, maintaining fiscal records and generating reports for supervisors and managers. Most of the time, bookkeepers keep track of several accounts simultaneously, positing costs and income for the companies for whom they work. However, specific duties will depend on the company and its needs. For instance, they could prepare tax documents, invoices and bank deposits, or they could be responsible for managing payroll. The main industries in which bookkeepers work include wholesale, retail, professional services, insurance and healthcare, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Related Resource: 5 Types of Businesses That Need Accountants

Although working as a public accountant or budget analyst typically requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, those pursuing bookkeeping or accounting clerk positions might not be required to attain a degree. However, if you wish to advance your career, an associate’s degree is a must as it is required for most entry-level accountant jobs.

5 Great Entry Level Accountant Jobs - Top Accounting Degrees (2024)

FAQs

What is the best entry level accounting job? ›

TOP ENTRY LEVEL JOBS IN ACCOUNTING
  • BOOKKEEPER. Bookkeepers track and record purchases, sales, and other financial transactions for individual clients or organizations. ...
  • ACCOUNTS PAYABLE SPECIALIST. ...
  • ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE CLERK. ...
  • AUDITING CLERK. ...
  • PAYROLL ADMINISTRATOR. ...
  • ASSISTANT CONTROLLER.

What are the top 5 careers in accounting? ›

With this in mind, here are the top seven accounting careers for 2022 (with salary estimates from Glassdoor):
  1. Auditor. ...
  2. Information and Technology Accountant. ...
  3. Senior Financial Analyst. ...
  4. Forensic Accountant. ...
  5. Managerial Accountant. ...
  6. Controller. ...
  7. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
16 Dec 2020

What are the top 3 skills needed to become a great accountant? ›

Strong written and oral communication. Organization and attention to detail. Analytical and problem solving skills. Time management.

How do I get into accounting with no experience? ›

How to find a job in accounting with no experience
  1. Research accounting types and roles. Most successful journeys begin with a sense of direction. ...
  2. Complete your education. ...
  3. Pursue additional training or certifications. ...
  4. Intern or volunteer. ...
  5. Network effectively. ...
  6. Apply for entry-level positions. ...
  7. Continue developing. ...
  8. Stay positive.
15 Feb 2021

Is entry level accounting hard? ›

Getting your degree in accounting really isn't any more difficult than any other potential field of study. Just like any other program, you'll run into some elements of accounting that are complex, but you may also find some of it to be relatively intuitive, or even easy.

What are the 7 most important fields of accounting? ›

Types of accounting
  1. Financial accounting. Financial accounting is primarily concerned with the process of compiling information for financial reports for external reporting. ...
  2. Managerial accounting. ...
  3. Cost accounting. ...
  4. Auditing. ...
  5. Tax accounting. ...
  6. Accounting information systems. ...
  7. Forensic accounting. ...
  8. Public accounting.
4 Feb 2020

What are the 5 major types of accounting? ›

The 5 Account Types
  • Assets.
  • Liabilities.
  • Expenses.
  • Income (Revenue)
  • Equity.
20 Jul 2022

What are 5 things accountants do? ›

Ensure that statements and records comply with laws and regulations. Compute taxes owed, prepare tax returns, and ensure prompt payment. Inspect account books and accounting systems to make sure they're up to date. Organize and maintain financial records.

What are the 3 golden rules of accounting? ›

Golden Rules of Accounting
  • 1) Rule One. "Debit what comes in - credit what goes out." This legislation applies to existing accounts. ...
  • 2) Rule Two. "Credit the giver and Debit the Receiver." It is a rule for personal accounts. ...
  • 3) Rule Three. "Credit all income and debit all expenses."

What hard skills do accountants need? ›

Examples of hard skills include proficiency in using accounting software programs, knowing how to prepare and interpret financial statements and other reports, developing efficient financial reporting methods, and planning and implementing accounting controls.

What are the top 3 5 skills that make for a great bookkeeper? ›

Here are some skills to develop to succeed in a career as a bookkeeper:
  • Attention to detail. Attention to detail helps bookkeepers be accurate when handling their company's financial data. ...
  • Invoicing. ...
  • Critical thinking. ...
  • Organization. ...
  • Excellent communication. ...
  • Accounts payable. ...
  • Numeracy. ...
  • Time management.
11 Aug 2021

What skills are good for accounting? ›

Top Skills of an Accountant
  • Knowledge of Accounting Practices. ...
  • Proficiency in Accounting Software. ...
  • Ability to Prepare Financial Statements. ...
  • Knowledge of General Business Practices. ...
  • Ability to Analyze Data. ...
  • Critical Thinking Skills. ...
  • Accounting Organizational Skills. ...
  • Time Management Skills.
13 Jul 2021

What is the most important skill in accounting? ›

"One of the most important skills the best accountants possess is the ability to transform numbers, charts, and tables into a story the average person can understand," he says. "Top accountants use their communication skills to simplify the vast amount of data at their disposal.

What is the lowest level accountant? ›

Junior accountant

An entry-level accounting position, usually reporting to any of the higher level accounting positions, or in smaller companies, to the controller. They may or may not have a bachelor's degree, and their main responsibilities will usually include reconciling accounts and preparing preliminary reports.

What is the easiest branch of accounting? ›

The cash accounting method is the simplest method. When money comes in, revenue is recorded.

What do beginner accountants do? ›

The responsibilities of entry-level accountants include maintaining the financial records of the company through analyzing balance sheets and general ledger accounts, as well as preparing reports. To be successful as an entry Level Accountant, you should be able to work long hours, and have a keen eye for detail.

What is entry-level accountant called? ›

Entry-Level Accounting jobs refer to the first level of accounting roles for those just beginning their careers. Some entry-level positions include Accounting Representative, Accounting Executive, Accounting Assistant, Accounting Associate, Entry-Level Accounting Clerk, Staff Accountant, and Bookkeeper.

Is accounting a lot of math? ›

Accounting isn't hard-core math. It's basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Possibly some light, entry-level algebra, but that's it. You don't have to understand calculus.

How do I know accounting is right for me? ›

Try to honestly assess your attitude toward pressure and heavy workloads. If you don't stress easy or don't mind being a little high-strung, working as an accountant might not bother you. If you know you're easily frazzled, it's possible that an accounting career isn't the ideal choice for you.

What are the 4 types of accountants? ›

These four branches include corporate, public, government, and forensic accounting. An undergraduate degree is most often required for any accounting career, while previous master's work, especially in the accounting field, is often strongly preferred. Below, we'll explore the nuances of each common area of accounting.

What are 10 careers in accounting? ›

Management accounting
  • Chartered management accountant (further training required)
  • Cost accountant.
  • Cost clerk.
  • Cost controller.
  • Finance manager.
  • Financial analyst.
  • Financial controller.
  • Financial investment advisor.

What is the highest job in accounting? ›

Vice President of Finance

The highest paying accounting job is a company's Vice President of Finance. Of course, it takes many years of hard work to become a V.P. of Finance. Typically, a master's degree is also required. Vice Presidents of finance work alongside a company's president and/or chief executive officer.

What does Accounting Standard 5 stands for? ›

Accounting Standard 5 (AS 5) deals with the classification and disclosure of specific items in the Statement of Profit and Loss. The purpose of AS 5 is to suggest such a classification and disclosure in order to bring uniformity in the preparation and presentation of statement of net profit or loss across enterprises.

What are the 2 types of accounting? ›

What are the types of accounting methods? There are two primary methods of accounting— cash method and accrual method. The alternative bookkeeping method is a modified accrual method, which is a combination of the two primary methods.

What are the 6 types of accounting? ›

At a glance: The different types of accounting
  • Financial accounting.
  • Governmental accounting.
  • Public accounting.
  • Cost accounting.
  • Forensic accounting.
  • Management accounting.
  • Tax accounting.
  • Auditing.
18 May 2022

What 7 things do accountants do everyday? ›

These will depend on your accounting career path, and could include things such as:
  • Preparing financial statements.
  • Analyzing operational costs.
  • Budgeting.
  • Tax preparation.
  • Auditing financial statements.
  • Implementing and/or maintaining accounting systems.
  • Managing payroll.
  • Creating and improve accounting processes.

What are the 4 Roles of accounting? ›

The primary functions of accounting are to track, report, execute, and predict financial transactions.

What are 3 duties of an accountant? ›

Responsibilities
  • Manage all accounting transactions.
  • Prepare budget forecasts.
  • Publish financial statements in time.
  • Handle monthly, quarterly and annual closings.
  • Reconcile accounts payable and receivable.
  • Ensure timely bank payments.
  • Compute taxes and prepare tax returns.
  • Manage balance sheets and profit/loss statements.

What is the best way to learn accounting? ›

The most effective way to learn accounting, and retain what you've learned, is to "REVIEW AS YOU GO". If it's a bad idea to cram for a history exam the night before a test, it's a very bad idea to cram for an accounting test. Never postpone reviewing your accounting until examination time.

What is DR and CR in accounting? ›

DEBIT AND CREDIT CONVENTION

As a matter of accounting convention, these equal and opposite entries are referred to as a debit (Dr) entry and a credit (Cr) entry. For every debit that is recorded, there must be an equal amount (or sum of amounts) entered as a credit.

What are top 3 skills for financial analysis? ›

Financial Analyst Essential Skills
  • Strategic thinking.
  • Ability to persuade senior stakeholders.
  • Understanding of Sarbanes-Oxley.
  • Ability to multitask.
  • Presentation skills.
  • Time management and organizational skills.

What do you believe are the 3 key personality traits for a great accountant? ›

But there are far more important qualities to a good accountant* than you'd think. Good accountants* also need to be sociable, collaborative, practical-minded and able to work well on a team. Being business minded is also important as it is the financial health of a company that an accountant* manages, after all.

What do accountants struggle with? ›

So, what are the biggest challenges facing accountants today? Cash flow, hiring new talent, adapting to new tax and regulatory changes and continuing to adjust to remote work remain some of the largest hurdles for accounting teams.

What accountants should not do? ›

A professional accountant should not allow bias, conflict of interest or undue influence of others. Professional Competence and Due Care.

What personality should an accountant have? ›

Accountants must be able to succinctly summarize and communicate complex ideas in simple, easy-to-understand language. 3. They like working in teams. If you enjoyed group projects, have ever been a member of a sports team or have done volunteer work, you know how fun it is to achieve a goal with group.

What is the highest paid bookkeeper? ›

The highest-paid bookkeeper job is an account payables analyst. Account Payables Analysts earn an average salary of $54,356, which is $ 26.13 hourly. An accounts payable analyst is primarily responsible for managing and processing invoices and payments, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

What are five job keeping skills? ›

These are transferable skills that an employee can use in any job. Job keeping skills include many so-called soft skills such as cooperation, use of reasonable grammar, an acceptable level of self-care and hygene, possessing critical thinking abilities, and respect of workplace rules.

What are 10 things that bookkeepers do? ›

What Does a Bookkeeper Do?
  • Record financial transactions.
  • Reconcile bank accounts.
  • Manage bank feeds.
  • Handle accounts receivable.
  • Handle accounts payable.
  • Work with your tax preparer and assist with tax compliance.
  • Prepare financial statements.
  • Take on some payroll and human resource functions.
6 Jan 2021

What should I say in an accounting interview? ›

How to answer Accounting interview questions
  • Why do you want to do accountancy?
  • Are you able to convey technical information to someone of more or less technical ability? ...
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Can you give examples of when you've helped a team be successful?
  • Why do you want to work for this firm?

Is accounting a life skill? ›

Accounting skills are very practical, and can be applied to many areas of your life. As mentioned, accounting skills can be applied when analyzing course grades, managing expenses, or making smart financial investments. Also, accounting skills are in demand by employers.

Are accountants highly intelligent? ›

In general, accountants are smart. They had to finish demanding college programs, pass numerous rigorous exams and only then were they qualified to officially get started in their field. Accountants bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to their organization.

What is the lowest level of accounting job? ›

Junior accountant

An entry-level accounting position, usually reporting to any of the higher level accounting positions, or in smaller companies, to the controller. They may or may not have a bachelor's degree, and their main responsibilities will usually include reconciling accounts and preparing preliminary reports.

What entry level positions pay the most? ›

5 Highest Paid Entry-Level Jobs In The United States In 2022
  • Software Developer.
  • Economist.
  • Investment Banker.
  • Market Research Analyst.
  • Actuarial Assistant.
  • The Bottom Line.

What is the lowest position in accounting? ›

The accounting pyramid organizes accounting-related job titles into a hierarchy that ranks them by responsibilities and deliverables, with bookkeepers at the bottom, accountants in the middle, and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the top.

What is the hardest accounting qualification? ›

Which qualification is harder, CIMA or ACCA? The CIMA qualification is more demanding, as it does not let you move forward until you pass one set of exams, compared with ACCA which allows you to study towards multiple sets of exams simultaneously.

What type of accounting is in most demand? ›

Here are four of the most in-demand accounting jobs of 2022:
  • Public Accountants. Public Accountants often work in auditing, tax, and consultancy fields. ...
  • Information Technology Auditors. ...
  • External Auditors. ...
  • Database Architect.
16 Aug 2022

What accounting is most in-demand? ›

13 in-demand finance and accounting jobs
  • Treasury analyst.
  • Treasurer.
  • Risk analyst.
  • Senior tax accountant.
  • Management consultant.
  • Accounting manager.
  • Financial manager.
  • Controller.
25 Apr 2022

What job pays the most with no experience? ›

11 Highest Paying Jobs With Zero Experience Required
  • Virtual Assistant.
  • Flight Attendant.
  • Freelance Writer.
  • Real Estate Agent.
  • Certified Nurse Midwife.
  • Sales Representative.
  • Insurance Claims Adjuster.
  • Union Electrician.
16 Nov 2022

What are the best entry level jobs 2022? ›

According to ZipRecruiter data, these are the top 10 entry-level jobs with the most openings.
  • Software Developer. ...
  • Engineer. ...
  • Business Analyst. ...
  • Recruiter. ...
  • Finance. ...
  • Marketing. ...
  • Accountant. Average Starting Wage (as of May 1, 2022): $40,780. ...
  • Account Executive. Average Starting Wage (as of May 1, 2022): $43,240.

What top 3 jobs pay the most? ›

Get Matched!
  • Anesthesiologist. #1 in Best Paying Jobs. ...
  • Surgeon. #2 in Best Paying Jobs. ...
  • Obstetrician and Gynecologist. #3 in Best Paying Jobs. ...
  • Orthodontist. #4 in Best Paying Jobs. ...
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. #5 in Best Paying Jobs. ...
  • Physician. #6 in Best Paying Jobs. ...
  • Psychiatrist. #7 in Best Paying Jobs. ...
  • Prosthodontist.

What are golden rules of accounting? ›

Golden rules of accounting
  • Rule 1: Debit all expenses and losses, credit all incomes and gains.
  • Rule 2: Debit the receiver, credit the giver.
  • Rule 3: Debit what comes in, credit what goes out.
2 Nov 2022

What are the 4 careers in accounting? ›

Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
  • Chartered management accountant (further training required)
  • Cost accountant.
  • Cost clerk.
  • Cost controller.
  • Finance manager.
  • Financial analyst.
  • Financial controller.
  • Financial investment advisor.

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