Are you interested in pursuing a career in accounting? If so, you might be wondering how much you can expect to earn as an entry-level accountant. Accounting is a broad and diverse field that offers many opportunities for growth and advancement. However, the salary you can earn as an entry-level accountant depends on several factors, such as your education, experience, skills, location, and industry.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the average salary and range of entry-level accounting jobs in the United States, based on data from various sources. We’ll also look at some of the skills and qualifications you need to land an entry-level accounting job and advance your career.
What is an entry-level accounting job?
An entry-level accounting job is a position that requires little or no prior experience in accounting. Entry-level accounting jobs are typically suitable for recent graduates or career changers who have a degree or certification in accounting or a related field. Entry-level accounting jobs can also be a stepping stone to more senior roles in accounting, such as staff accountant, senior accountant, or accounting manager.
Entry-level accounting jobs can vary in terms of responsibilities and duties, depending on the size and type of the organization. However, some of the common tasks that entry-level accountants perform include:
- Preparing and maintaining financial records and reports
- Processing and recording transactions, such as invoices, payments, and receipts
- Reconciling accounts and ensuring accuracy and compliance
- Assisting with audits, tax preparation, and budgeting
- Performing data entry and analysis
- Communicating with clients, vendors, and internal departments
What is the average salary for entry-level accounting jobs?
According to Indeed.com, the average salary for an entry-level accounting job in the United States is $19.37 per hour, or $40,284 per year, as of February 2024. However, this figure can vary widely depending on the specific job title, location, and industry.
To give you a better idea of the salary range for entry-level accounting jobs, here are some examples of the most common entry-level accounting job titles and their average salaries, based on data from Salary.com and ZipRecruiter:
- Bank clerk: $31,722 per year
- Accounting assistant: $32,132 per year
- Medical biller: $34,353 per year
- Audit clerk: $40,971 per year
- Bookkeeper: $42,000 per year
- Payroll clerk: $43,000 per year
- Accounts payable clerk: $44,000 per year
- Accounts receivable clerk: $45,000 per year
- Junior accountant: $49,000 per year
- Staff accountant: $61,901 per year
As you can see, the salary for entry-level accounting jobs can range from $31,722 to $61,901 per year, depending on the level of complexity and responsibility of the job. Generally, the more education, experience, and skills you have, the higher the salary you can earn.
What skills and qualifications do you need for entry-level accounting jobs?
To qualify for an entry-level accounting job, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, such as finance, business, or economics. Some employers may also prefer candidates who have a master’s degree, a certification, or a license in accounting, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
In addition to the formal education and credentials, you also need to have certain skills and abilities to succeed as an entry-level accountant. Some of the most important skills for entry-level accounting jobs are:
- Mathematical and analytical skills: You need to be able to perform calculations, analyze data, and solve problems with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Computer and software skills: You need to be proficient in using various accounting software, such as QuickBooks, Excel, and SAP, as well as other tools and applications, such as word processors, databases, and email.
- Communication and interpersonal skills: You need to be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, vendors, and colleagues. You also need to be able to work well in a team and maintain a professional and ethical demeanor.
- Organizational and time management skills: You need to be able to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects and responsibilities in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
How to find and apply for entry-level accounting jobs?
If you’re looking for an entry-level accounting job, there are several ways to find and apply for opportunities that match your skills and interests. Some of the most common methods are:
- Online job boards: You can use online platforms, such as Indeed.com, ZipRecruiter, and Talent.com, to search for entry-level accounting jobs by keyword, location, industry, and salary. You can also upload your resume and apply for jobs directly on these websites.
- Networking and referrals: You can leverage your personal and professional network, such as your friends, family, classmates, professors, mentors, and former employers, to find out about entry-level accounting jobs that may not be advertised online. You can also ask for referrals and recommendations from people who work in the accounting field or the organizations you’re interested in.
- Career fairs and events: You can attend career fairs and events, either in person or online, where you can meet and interact with potential employers and recruiters. You can also learn more about the accounting industry, the job market, and the hiring process.
- Social media and blogs: You can use social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, to follow and connect with accounting professionals, organizations, and influencers. You can also read and comment on blogs, such as Smart Blogger, HubSpot, and Grammarly, that offer tips and advice on how to write a blog post, how to improve your writing skills, and how to optimize your blog for SEO.
Conclusion
Entry-level accounting jobs are a great way to start your career in accounting and gain valuable experience and skills. The salary you can earn as an entry-level accountant depends on various factors, such as your education, experience, skills, location, and industry. However, the average salary for entry-level accounting jobs in the United States is $19.37 per hour, or $40,284 per year, as of February 2024.
To land an entry-level accounting job, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, as well as certain skills and abilities, such as mathematical, analytical, computer, communication, organizational, and time management skills. You can also boost your chances of getting hired by obtaining a certification or a license in accounting, such as a CPA, a CMA, or a CIA.
To find and apply for entry-level accounting jobs, you can use online job boards, networking and referrals, career fairs and events, social media and blogs, and other methods. You can also write a blog post about your accounting skills and experience and share it on your website or portfolio to showcase your writing and accounting expertise.
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