The Top Entry-Level Accounting Jobs in 2023

Accounting is a critical aspect of any business, making accounting professionals some of the most in-demand workers in today’s job market. And the good news is that you don’t need decades of experience or a master’s degree to start your career; there are plenty of entry-level accounting jobs out there that can provide you with a solid foundation for a successful future.

Let’s check out the best entry-level accounting positions for 2023.

Best Industries for Accountants

While the roles below are good accounting career options in any industry, some stand out against the rest. Some industries have higher demand and offer better opportunities for career advancement and financial growth. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the top industries for accountants are management accounting (think corporate accountants), government, finance and insurance, and tax preparation. Two additional noteworthy industries for accounts are oil and gas and investment banking.

It’s important to note, however, that the highest paying industries for accountants may change over time, and job seekers should consider factors like job stability, work-life balance, and career advancement when considering a career in accounting on top of compensation. In general, accountants with advanced degrees, such as a Master of Accounting or Master of Business Administration, and certifications, such as a CPA, can expect to earn higher salaries than those without these credentials.

Top Entry-level Accounting Jobs

Now that you know the best industries for accountants, let’s discuss the best entry-level accounting jobs for individuals just starting their careers:

Tax Associate

A tax associate is a professional who works in a tax department within a company, accounting firm, or government organization. They are responsible for preparing and filing tax returns, researching tax laws and regulations, ensuring compliance with those laws and regulations, and offering tax-related advice to clients or internal stakeholders.

This is typically an entry-level position and offers new accounting professionals a great opportunity to gain experience and develop their skills in tax law. They usually work under the supervision of more senior tax professionals and may eventually move into higher-level positions, such as tax managers.

Responsibilities

Assisting in the preparation of tax planning strategies
Preparing tax returns and financial statements
Filing taxes electronically with the IRS
Communicating with clients via phone or email to resolve questions about their filing status, sources of income, and deductions they qualify for

Skills needed for the job

Great verbal and written communication skills
Knowledge of applicable tax codes and regulations
Experience in accounting software (like QuickBooks)
Excellent analytical and time management skills
Strong attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines

Average salary

The average yearly compensation for a tax associate is $62,466.

Staff Accountant

Generally, a staff accountant is responsible for recording, classifying, and summarizing financial transactions as well as auditing and consulting. Like tax associates, staff accountants may also be responsible for ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations.

Other duties include recording financial transactions such as sales receipts or purchases by debiting the appropriate account using double-entry bookkeeping methods and providing supporting documentation when needed (e.g., invoices, bills). Staff accounting is an excellent entry-level accounting job for someone with a strong interest in bookkeeping.

Responsibilities

Recording financial transactions in journals and ledgers
Preparing balance sheets, income statements, and other reports
Classifying expenses and revenues under appropriate headings
Investigating discrepancies and preparing to correct entries

Skills needed for the job

Good communication and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping principles
Experience in accounting software (like QuickBooks)
Ability to meet deadlines without compromising on quality output

Average salary

The average yearly compensation for a staff accountant is $56,099.

Financial Analyst

A financial analyst is responsible for assessing a company’s financial health and providing advice on how to improve it. They may also be involved in investment analysis, portfolio management, forecasting, and risk assessment.

Responsibilities

Analyzing a company’s financial position and making recommendations about how to improve it
Preparing detailed reports on a company’s financial performance
Evaluating the risks and benefits of investments and recommending which ones to make

Skills needed for the job

Knowledge of accounting and finance principles
Strong quantitative skills
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
Ability to think strategically about business problems

Average salary

The average yearly compensation for a financial analyst is $68,109.

Payroll Administrator

As the name suggests, a payroll administrator is responsible for managing a company’s payroll function. This includes calculating and distributing employee salaries, preparing employee paychecks, processing taxes and other deductions, maintaining accurate records of payroll transactions, and handling issues that arise regarding compensation or benefits once they’re paid. This is a great entry-level accounting job for someone who’s interested in working closely with an organization’s human resources (HR) and finance teams.

Responsibilities

Managing the company’s payroll system and ensuring it operates smoothly
Preparing employee paychecks and recording them accurately on spreadsheets or databases as required by law
Maintaining accurate records of payments made to employees, including bonuses, holiday pay, and more
Ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, such as labor laws and tax regulations
Addressing employee inquiries and issues related to payroll

Skills needed for the job

Knowledge of payroll and HR processes and regulations
Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel
Excellent attention to detail, as mistakes can be costly for a company

Average salary

The average annual compensation for a payroll administrator is $50,625.

Accounts Payable Specialist

A company’s overall cash flow is managed by two positions, the first of which is the accounts payable specialist.

An accounts payable specialist is responsible for the outflow of cash, ensuring that all invoices received by the company are processed and paid promptly—the “yang” of an organization’s financial dealings. They may also be responsible for reconciling supplier statements and investigating and resolving any discrepancies. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to start their career in accounting, with plenty of progression opportunities.

Responsibilities

Processing all invoices received by the company promptly
Paying approved invoices promptly and accurately
Answering and solving vendor queries
Reconciling supplier statements and investigating any discrepancies

Skills needed for the job

Knowledge of accounting processes and procedures
Proficient computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel
Excellent data entry skills
Knowledge of accounting tools like QuickBooks

Average salary

The average annual compensation for an accounts payable specialist is $43,293.

Accounts Receivable Clerk

The accounts receivable clerk, on the other hand, is responsible for the inflow of cash, maintaining accurate records of all money owed to the company by its customers—the “yin” of a company’s financial dealings. They may also be responsible for issuing invoices, chasing late payments, and resolving any customer queries. This is a solid opportunity for someone who wants to start their career in accounting and gain experience in working with customers.

Responsibilities

Maintaining accurate records of all money owed to the company by its customers
Issuing invoices and chasing overdue payments
Resolving customer queries and disputes

Skills needed for the job

Good knowledge of accounting processes, tools, and procedures
Proficient computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel
Excellent math skills
Excellent attention to detail

Average salary

The average annual compensation for an accounts receivable clerk is $42,470.

Bookkeeper

A bookkeeper is responsible for maintaining accurate records of financial transactions within the company, including receipts and payments. They may also be involved in preparing accounts payable and receivable reports and reconciling bank statements to ensure that all balances are correct. This is a great entry-level accounting job for someone looking for job stability, opportunities for growth, and flexibility.

Responsibilities

Maintaining accurate records of financial transactions within the company, including sales and purchases made by customers/suppliers, etc., so they can be easily accessed when needed by management
Preparing accounts payable and receivable reports every month at minimum (more often if required)
Reconciling bank statements with internal systems to ensure all balances are correct

Skills needed for the job

Knowledge of accounting processes and procedures
Experience in accounting software (like QuickBooks)
Proficient computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel
Detail-oriented skills are needed
Good with invoicing

Average salary

The average annual compensation for a bookkeeper is $42,751.

Auditor

The auditor is responsible for reviewing a company’s accounts and ensuring that they are accurate. They may also be involved in identifying any areas where financial controls could be strengthened to reduce risk exposure, as well as preparing reports detailing their findings and recommendations. They also report frauds, if any, to the authorities.

Responsibilities

Reviewing the accounts of a company and ensuring that they are accurate
Identifying areas where financial controls could be strengthened to reduce risk exposure (such as fraud)
Preparing reports detailing their findings and recommendations based on these reviews/audits conducted during regular intervals

Skills needed for the job

Knowledge of accounting processes, tools, and procedures
Analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and communication skills
Proficient computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel
An eye for detail

Average salary

The average yearly compensation of an auditor is $62,869.

Budget Analyst

The budget analyst is responsible for ensuring that a company’s financial resources are being used effectively. They may also prepare reports detailing their findings and recommendations based on these reviews/audits conducted during regular intervals throughout each fiscal year. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to progress their career in budgeting in particular.

Responsibilities

Reviewing the accounts of a company and ensuring they’re accurate
Identifying areas where financial controls could be strengthened to reduce risk exposure (such as fraud)
Preparing budget proposals and monitoring the overall spending

Skills needed for the job

Knowledge of accounting processes and procedures
Proficient computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel
Strong analytical and mathematical skills
Planning and problem-solving skills

Average salary

The average annual compensation for a budget analyst is $64,643.

Tax preparer

A tax preparer is responsible for preparing and filing income tax returns. They will need to be up to date with all the latest changes to the tax code to ensure that their clients are paying the correct amount of tax. This is an excellent entry-level accounting role for someone who wants to help businesses meet their tax obligations, minimize their tax liabilities, and stay in compliance with tax laws.

Responsibilities

Use specialized software to calculate tax liability and prepare tax returns
Updating themselves on changes to the tax code to ensure their clients are paying the correct amount of tax
Provide advice on tax planning strategies and represent clients in front of the tax authorities

Skills needed for the job

Good knowledge of accounting processes and procedures
Proficient computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel
Excellent knowledge of tax and regulations

Average salary

The median annual compensation of a tax preparer is $46,290.

Entry-Level Accounting Jobs: Should You Get One?

Overall, the career outlook for accountants is positive, with employment projected to grow rapidly during this decade. But competition for these jobs can be high. Get ready to update your resume and cover letter, freshen up on the latest industry trends and changes, and practice your interviewing capabilities.

If you’re thinking of pursuing a career in accounting, now is a great time to do so! Head over to the Insight Global job board, where you will find thousands of listings.