Top Entry-Level Accounting Jobs

Most accountants need at least a bachelor’s degree. However, many entry-level accounting jobs do not require a four-year degree. Accounting clerks, bookkeepers, tax preparers, and accounting assistants typically need an associate degree.

What makes these entry-level roles stand out? Prospective accounting professionals can meet the education requirements for these jobs in two years or less. In addition to a faster timeline to enter the workforce, it’s also more affordable to complete an accounting certificate or associate degree. Plus, gaining experience in the accounting field can prepare professionals to advance their education and move into higher-paying roles.

Meeting the education requirements for these entry-level roles can be faster and cheaper than earning a bachelor’s degree. The most affordable four-year colleges are public institutions, which charged an average of $9,800 in tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Public two-year institutions cost less than half that amount, charging an average of $4,000 for that year.

Some entry-level accounting jobs may hire candidates with a high school diploma. This is the fastest and most affordable way to qualify for accounting jobs, but having only a high school diploma can limit opportunities. That’s because employers often prefer candidates with at least some college-level accounting courses.

An undergraduate certificate is faster and cheaper than an accounting degree. Many community colleges offer certificate programs, which typically take less than one year. These programs prepare learners to become bookkeepers, accounting clerks, and tax preparers. However, some employers may prefer to hire those with an accounting degree.

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An accounting associate degree takes two years and builds foundational skills in accounting, auditing, and finance. Community colleges offer the most affordable associate programs. With an associate degree, graduates qualify for entry-level accounting jobs. They can also transfer into four-year institutions to earn a bachelor’s in accounting.

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Even without a bachelor’s degree, accounting professionals can qualify for roles such as accounting assistant, bookkeeper, accounting clerk, and tax preparer. Many of the following entry-level accounting jobs report an average salary of around $50,000 per year.

Businesses rely on accounting assistants to provide support services for accountants and record financial transactions. The responsibilities of an accounting assistant may include tracking financial transactions using accounting software, processing payables and receivables, and preparing invoices for financial transactions. They may prepare a variety of financial documents and ensure the accuracy of these statements.

With experience, accounting assistants can increase their job responsibilities and move into higher roles such as senior accounting assistant. In order to become an accountant, accounting assistants need a bachelor’s degree.

Within accounting departments, accounting clerks process financial information and assist accountants. They record business transactions, create financial reports, and organize financial filing systems. Some accounting clerks manage accounts payable or accounts receivable. They also perform administrative tasks.

In contrast with accounting assistants, who often support one accountant, accounting clerks may perform tasks for multiple accounting professionals. Accounting clerks may specialize in areas such as tax accounting, payroll, or auditing. Some positions may require a bachelor’s degree.

Companies rely on bookkeepers to track their financial transactions. They track cash flow, record payments, and monitor payments to ensure that the organization can cover its expenses. Bookkeepers also play an important role in reconciling an organization’s financial records.

Bookkeepers can pursue professional certification to become a certified bookkeeper. Larger organizations may require an associate degree in accounting to work as a bookkeeper. Depending on the industry in which they work, such as manufacturing or healthcare, bookkeepers may complete specialized on-the-job training.

Individuals and businesses turn to tax preparers to file tax returns. They meet with clients, evaluate financial documents, and use tax software to complete filings. Tax preparers also make sure that tax filings align with state and federal regulations.

In addition, tax preparers evaluate returns to ensure that their clients minimize their tax liability. They may recommend taxation strategies to save money or review prior returns to identify errors. Experience as a tax preparer can benefit prospective tax accountants or certified public accountants (CPAs), though these roles require at least a bachelor’s degree.

Earning a bachelor’s degree expands the job opportunities and salary potential for accounting professionals. Accountants and auditors need at least a bachelor’s degree. These professionals earned a median annual salary of $81,680 in May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics .

With a bachelor’s degree in accounting, professionals can work in tax accounting, forensic accounting, auditing, and management accounting. This degree can also lead to careers as a financial analyst or manager, budget analyst, CPA, or actuary.