Securing an entry-level position can be daunting if you’ve recently graduated or are aiming to start a career in accounting without prior experience. However, with the right strategy and approach, you can increase your chances of success in the competitive job market. If you are interested in managing finances and enjoy organizing things, pursuing a career in accounting can be an excellent option. First, you will require some education, work experience, or certification. Entry-level positions can vary because some may only need a high school diploma and a willingness to learn. However, others may require a college degree or prior work experience. You will typically work alongside more experienced accountants in these roles, providing ample career growth opportunities.
Entry-Level Accounting Jobs
Let’s read some of the best Entry-level accounting jobs in the industry;
Accounting Assistant
The role of an accounting assistant revolves around providing essential support to a senior accountant, contributing to the financial well-being of an organization. The tasks assigned to an accounting assistant are diverse and include managing phone communications, handling billing processes, and maintaining meticulous records. In addition to these responsibilities, accounting assistants often engage in foundational bookkeeping duties. This involves tasks like;
- Calculating debits and deposits.
- Entering intricate financial details and meticulously preparing ledgers for approval by the senior accountant.
- Furthermore, accounting assistants may collaborate with financial institutions to ensure the availability of funds for company expenses and to maintain balanced accounts.
The median annual salary for accounting assistants is $37,440.
Bank Clerks
Bank clerks, often called bank tellers, are predominantly employed in banking institutions, where they play a central role in processing transactions, addressing customer inquiries, and assisting with various administrative tasks. They engage directly with customers, facilitating transactions and providing essential services. The educational requirement for this role is typically a high school diploma. Critical skills for aspiring bank clerks include:
- Maintaining a professional appearance.
- Possessing exemplary customer service skills.
- Having a high level of proficiency in accounting.
On average, a bank clerk can expect to earn a salary of $33,280 per year.
Bookkeepers
Bookkeepers are crucial in monitoring and documenting financial activities for individual clients and organizations. Students should undergo comprehensive training in essential tools such as QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, and other relevant software programs to excel in this profession. In addition to recording purchases and sales, bookkeepers are responsible for managing payments, including utility and phone bills, corporate credit cards, and various organizational expenditures. The core responsibilities of Bookkeepers are;
- Utilise software programs for efficient management of financial transactions.
- Generate monthly financial reports to provide comprehensive insights.
- Advise organizational leaders on crucial financial decisions.
The median annual salary is $41,889.
Accounts Payable Specialists
Professionals in this role validate and process organization invoices, maintaining accurate files on accounts payable invoices and associated tax documents. An associate degree is commonly preferred, though a high school diploma is often sufficient. The core responsibilities include;
- Scrutinise invoices for errors and inaccuracies.
- Secure tax documentation from the IRS.
- Utilise Microsoft Excel and other software programs to track and record payments efficiently.
The median annual salary is $43,077.
Payroll Administrators
Payroll administrators handle processing personnel paychecks, filing deduction reports, updating payroll systems, and ensuring timely payment to all employees. Preferably, candidates possess an associate degree in accounting or a related field. The primary responsibilities are;
- Prepare and distribute paychecks accurately and on time.
- Update and meticulously record payroll processes.
- Stay informed about current business and tax laws affecting payroll.
The median annual salary is $49,437.
How to Land an Accounting Job with No Experience
If you’re looking to embark on a career in accounting, there are strategic steps you can take to pave the way for your professional journey:
Explore Various Accounting Places
To set a solid groundwork for your career transition, spending some time researching the different aspects of the accounting field is essential. Get acquainted with accountants’ diverse roles, which include accounts receivable, payroll, financial reporting, and tax preparation. To keep track of your findings, create a comprehensive spreadsheet that contains notes and links to helpful accounting career resources.
Invest in Your Education
Education is a pivotal component in the accounting industry. Many positions necessitate a specific educational background, often requiring at least a high school diploma. Certified accountants typically hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, essential for roles in finance companies, banks, or financial service institutions. While in high school and college, enroll in courses that cover accounting, finance, mathematics, and business. This enhances your understanding of accounting principles and exposes you to the software commonly utilized in the field.
Acquire Further Training and Certifications
Once you’ve attained the foundational education, consider enhancing your qualifications through additional training or certifications. Some roles may benefit from a master’s degree, which some employers equate to valuable experience. This can set you apart in the job market, particularly if you need more hands-on experience. Explore online or part-time training programs that offer flexibility, and don’t hesitate to seek recommendations from industry mentors who can guide you toward reputable accounting training initiatives.
Internship or Volunteer Experience
Securing internships or volunteering opportunities can significantly bolster your resume, especially in the initial stages of your accounting career. Exploring these avenues while you are still completing your accounting education is advisable. Some organizations may convert internships or volunteer roles into paid positions upon the successful completion of the program.
Strategic Networking
Effective networking is critical to establishing connections with experienced professionals in the accounting realm. Actively participate in social gatherings whenever feasible and leverage digital tools such as social media for online networking. Seek virtual events tailored to networking within the accounting community to engage with fellow accountants and gain insights into the field.
When seeking employment opportunities, visit SpotGiraffe, a dedicated career platform tailored to the finance and accounting sectors. Our specialized website allows job seekers to explore multiple positions based on specific criteria. Beyond a comprehensive job search, SpotGiraffe extends its support by offering placement assistance to candidates. This valuable resource can be utilized to optimize your job search and secure the most fitting roles within the dynamic finance and accounting industry.
