Top Entry-Level Jobs in Accounting
Updated October 22, 2024 · 4 Min Read
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Most accountants hold at least a bachelor's degree. However, you can also qualify for accounting roles, such as clerk or bookkeeper, with only a high school diploma, accounting certificate, or accounting associate degree.
This guide profiles the top entry-level accounting jobs. We ranked these roles based on salaries, how long it takes to qualify, job demand, and advancement potential.
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What Minimum Accounting Education Do I Need?
Entry-level accounting jobs have various minimum education requirements. Some only demand strong arithmetic skills and a high school diploma. Others draw more heavily on technical accounting concepts best learned in an undergraduate certificate or associate degree program.
Learn more about these education levels and how they can help you prepare for an accounting career.
High School Diploma
While not a degree, a high school diploma may suffice to help you enter some beginner-level career tracks. Some high schools specifically offer accounting electives, which offer some preparation. You can also take courses in business, computer science, economics, and mathematics.
Note that most entry-level accounting careers require some college courses. Your advancement potential may also be limited without a degree or credential in the field.
Undergraduate Certificate
High school graduates and other qualified learners can enroll in non-degree certificate programs. These compact programs focus on building targeted and practical accounting skills.
Some four-year colleges offer undergraduate certificate programs in accounting, which usually cover 2-3 semesters. You can find these programs in career training centers, community colleges, and junior colleges.
Costs vary depending on the length of the program, but undergraduate certificates may cost less than an associate degree.
Learn More About Certificates
Accounting certificates
Bookkeeping certificates
Associate Degree
Available through accredited community colleges, junior colleges, and some four-year institutions, associate degrees typically cover about 60 credits. You can earn one in about two years of full-time study, with your coursework covering the first two years of a typical bachelor's degree while costing about half as much.
Associate degrees offer flexibility. You can pursue entry-level accounting jobs, transfer into a four-year accounting program, or both.
Learn More About Associate Degrees
What jobs can I get with an accounting associate degree?
Associate degree program guide
Best Entry-Level Accounting Jobs
Entry-level accounting jobs require basic to moderate levels of technical knowledge. Examples include accounting assistant, accounting clerk, bookkeeper, and tax preparer roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these jobs paid median annual salaries in the range of $47,000-$49,000 as of May 2023.
Accounting Assistant
Typically working under the direct supervision of senior accountants, accounting assistants perform supporting duties that primarily include:
- Tracking and recording financial transactions
- Maintaining records
- Ensuring the accuracy of financial data
Accounting assistants work in many settings, including small businesses, corporations, and accounting firms. Those who work in small businesses typically have more independence, and experience may play a factor in qualifying for these roles. In larger organizations, accounting assistant duties generally involve on-the-job training as a supplement to formal education.
The experience you gain as an accounting assistant may support your progress toward more senior roles, such as a staff accountant. It can also help you meet the experience requirements for pursuing a certified public accountant (CPA) license.
- Required Education: Accounting certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree
- Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $47,440
- Number of Jobs: 1,663,800
- Average Annual Openings: 174,900
- Job Outlook (2023-33): -5%
Common Job Titles
- Accounting Associate
- Accounting Coordinator
- Accounting Specialist
Accounting Clerk
Accounting clerks perform duties similar to those of accounting assistants. They record transactions, update records, and conduct accuracy checks. However, clerks tend to focus more on administrative duties. They may also specialize in payroll accounting, accounts payable, or accounts receivable. Meanwhile, accounting assistants tend to perform broader, more generalized accounting tasks.
Another key difference is the scope of practice. Accounting assistants often assist senior accounting professionals, while clerks, meanwhile, may perform supporting duties on behalf of entire accounting departments.
Like accounting assistants, clerks can work toward becoming staff accountants or CPAs. A degree upgrade may support your upward mobility.
- Required Education: High school diploma, accounting certificate, or associate degree
- Average Annual Salary (October 2024): $44,514
- Number of Jobs: 1,663,800
- Average Annual Openings: 174,900
- Job Outlook (2023-33): -5%
Common Job Titles
- Accounts Payable Specialist or Clerk
- Accounts Receivable Specialist or Clerk
- Finance Clerk
- Payroll Specialist or Clerk
Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers maintain financial records for clients or organizations with basic accounting needs. They manage cash flows, track expenses, calculate payroll, and monitor financial health. Some bookkeepers also compute tax obligations and ensure all tax liabilities are met.
While many bookkeepers hold part or full-time positions with a single employer, others work for multiple clients on a contract basis. Educational requirements vary and may depend on your employment setting. Small businesses might primarily look for relevant experience, but corporate employers often prefer certificates or degrees.
- Required Education: High school diploma, accounting certificate, or associate degree
- Average Annual Salary (October 2024): $48,540
- Number of Jobs: 1,663,800
- Average Annual Openings: 174,900
- Job Outlook (2023-33): -5%
Common Job Titles
- Accounting Administrator
- Administrative Specialist
- Financial Administrator
- Junior Accountant
Tax Preparer
As a tax preparer, you will help individuals and businesses calculate their tax liabilities, complete tax forms and documents, submit payments, and collect refunds. Tax preparers also apply basic strategies for maximizing tax advantages and minimizing liabilities.
Requirements vary among states, but you typically need a combination of technical education, experience, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) documentation. Some states require a license.
Credentialing requirements may also depend on the services you offer. For instance, any tax preparer representing clients to the IRS must be an enrolled agent (EA), CPA, or licensed tax attorney. Upward mobility in this career path includes becoming an EA, CPA, or attorney.
- Required Education: Accounting certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree
- Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $49,010
- Number of Jobs: 109,500
- Average Annual Openings: 12,400
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +1.5%
Common Job Titles
- Enrolled Agent
- Tax Analyst
- Tax Associate
- Tax Consultant
- Tax Specialist
Entry-Level Accounting Jobs With a Bachelor's
An accounting bachelor's degree may help you land any entry-level or more advanced accounting roles, including:
- Budget Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Tax Consultant
- Tax Examiner
A bachelor's degree is also the minimum education you need to qualify for a CPA license, which requires an additional 30 credits beyond a bachelor’s. Alternatively, you can enter career paths in actuarial science and work toward becoming a credentialed actuary.
Questions About Starting an Accounting Career
What is the best entry-level accounting position?
It depends on your career goals and interests. For example, an entry-level tax preparer role can be a great match if you want to become a tax consultant or tax attorney. If you want to become a CPA or staff accountant, then an accounting assistant, clerk, or bookkeeper role might be better.
How do you land an entry-level accounting job?
Networking, professional associations, and internships can help you make valuable connections. Most postsecondary institutions offer career search and job placement services, and you can also look for advertised vacancies on specialized job boards for accounting and finance professionals.
How hard is it to get your first accounting job?
Without prior experience, it can be difficult to land an initial job and your success may depend on a combination of hard work, perseverance, and luck. You can boost your chances by advancing your education, networking, and developing your skills through internships and practicums.
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