An entry-level accountant is a great way to put your accounting education to work. These professionals use various tools to prepare and maintain financial accounting records as well as work with data analysis to help companies meet their business goals. Depending on the specifics of the role, an entry-level accountant may need to have a high attention to detail and strong communication skills, as they will often be juggling multiple tasks at once. This role can also involve frequent interaction with the senior accountant above them to discuss timelines and progress on their accounting projects.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an entry-level accountant can expect a salary between $44,480 and $62,984 per year. This salary includes both base pay and additional compensation like bonuses and overtime pay. However, it is important to note that these figures represent the median yearly salary for all accounting professionals, which means that many professionals will earn significantly more or less than these numbers.
As you gain more experience and continue to learn on the job, your salary will rise as you take on responsibilities that require more in-depth knowledge of accounting practices and regulations. It is also common for accountants to receive annual bonuses that are based on company performance and other metrics. These bonus amounts can be substantial and increase your overall compensation package substantially.
Typically, an entry-level accountant will report to a senior or mid-level accounting professional, such as a CPA, CMA, or other accounting specialist. This person will oversee the work of an entry-level accountant, providing guidance and training in the basics of accounting practices and procedures. In some cases, an entry-level accountant may even have the opportunity to participate in audits or other more advanced accounting projects.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a public accountant, you will likely need to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Fortunately, there are many flexible online programs that can be used to pursue these degrees, and can be completed while working in an entry-level accounting position. Professional certificates are also an option for those seeking a career in accounting, and they cost less and take less time to complete than a post-secondary degree.
Entry-level accountants can work in a wide variety of industries, from private corporations to government agencies and everything in between. The type of industry can impact the type of work an accountant does, as certain industries may have more complex tax laws or regulatory requirements than others.
An entry-level accountant may also be responsible for a variety of other duties, such as payroll processing or preparing and filing taxes. This can require a broad range of knowledge in order to ensure that all tax obligations are met, and that the company remains compliant with any applicable rules and regulations. In these roles, an entry-level accountant will often need to work closely with the human resources and finance teams within an organization.Entry-level accountant pay