Accounting Assistant Job Description
Overview
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Accounting assistants support an accounting department by performing accounting activities, including processing and recording transactions, preparing reports and budgets, generating purchase orders,. They also manage expense reports, expense reimbursements, and communications with clients, do bookkeeping, input records in the accounting system and ensure that financial records are current. Accounting assistants may also assist senior management with financial reporting, and management of the company's finances and auditing.
Steps to take to start your career as an Accounting Assistant and other jobs like it
- Accounting requires a strong foundation in mathematics and analytical abilities. You don’t need more advanced math like calculus but having precision in your mathematical ability is important (the math you do needs to be consistently correct).
- If you want to progress past being an accounting clerk or bookkeeper, a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for many entry level accounting positions. Common majors include accounting, finance, or a related field from an accredited university or college. Some employers may also accept degrees in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Pursuing a master's degree in accounting can open up additional opportunities but isn’t required.
- Seek internships or entry-level positions in accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations to gain practical experience in the field. This hands-on experience will help you apply your academic knowledge and develop essential skills. Start building practical knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Obtaining a professional certification can enhance your credibility and job prospects in the field of accounting and is a requirement to progress in many accounting jobs. The most common certification for accountants in the United States is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential, which is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Other certifications include the Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and others, depending on your career goals and specialization.
- Consider specializing in a particular area of accounting, such as tax accounting, forensic accounting, auditing, or managerial accounting, based on your interests and career goals. Specialization can help you stand out in the job market and advance your career.
Accounting Jobs
I'm an accountant for a family office. I started my career in public accounting. It does offer you a way to learn about different businesses and how they're run, which I thought was great at the start of my career.
Interesting Experiences
I've had to do an inventory count in a gigantic warehouse freezer and dress for sub-zero temperatures. I had to do an audit for a learning center with river otters.
Public Accounting Workload
Public accounting does have a busy season or multiple busy seasons. Usually from late January, early February to mid April, you will probably have to work longer hours, I'd say about 50 to 60 hours a week or six days a week. Most firms do offer overtime pay, so it is, they do make it worth your while when you're logging in the extra hours.
Accounting Requirements
Most public accounting firms want their accountants to pursue a CPA license. The CPA exams are a series of exams that are fairly difficult. They do require studying, so that's another thing to consider. So usually on top of your workload and the hours that you're logging in at work, you'll have to think about when you're going to study for this exam.
More Opportunity
Once you do get licensed, I do believe it does open a lot of doors. You could go to a private firm or work for a company depending on your interests and your experience.
- Client Accounting AssistantSidley Austin LLPChicago, IL, United StatesPosted: Sep 6, 2024
- Accounting AssistantUniversity of MississippiOxford, MS, United StatesPosted: Sep 6, 2024
- Accounting AssistantSunrise Senior LivingCharlottesville, VA, United StatesPosted: Sep 6, 2024
- Accounting Assistant (CORP) - 1st ShiftTurbocam InternationalBarrington, NH, United StatesPosted: Sep 6, 2024
- Accounting Assistant (full Time)Compass Group USA IncRoanoke, VA, United StatesPosted: Sep 6, 2024
- Accounting Assistant IIAmerican River BanksharesRancho Cordova, CA, United StatesPosted: Sep 6, 2024
- (Student) Accounting AssistantDavenport UniversityGrand Rapids, MI, United StatesPosted: Sep 6, 2024
- Accounting Assistant (full Time)Compass Group USA IncLenexa, KS, United StatesPosted: Sep 6, 2024
- Accounting Assistant IIAmerican River BanksharesNovato, CA, United StatesPosted: Sep 6, 2024
- Administrative Accounting AssistantEncompass Health Corp.Martin, TN, United StatesPosted: Sep 6, 2024
- Accounting Assistant IIBank of MarinRancho Cordova, CA, United StatesPosted: Sep 5, 2024
- Accounting Assistant - SCI Pine GroveState of PennsylvaniaIndiana, PA, United StatesPosted: Sep 5, 2024
- Accounting AssistantFreeport-Mcmoran Copper & Gold Inc.Morenci, AZ, United StatesPosted: Sep 5, 2024
- Senior Department Accounting Assistant - RadiologyWashington University in St. LouisSaint Louis, MO, United StatesPosted: Sep 5, 2024
- ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT 3 - Minimum Qualifications Wa...State of NevadaCarson, NV, United StatesPosted: Sep 5, 2024
Education you need to become an Accounting Assistant
These are the most common degrees or certificates earned by Jobtrees users prior to becoming an Accounting Assistant
There may be other required degrees or certifications needed for this job. The below info shows you the most commonly desired education level from employers when hiring for this job.
- Associate Degree in Associate of Arts
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor Degree in Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts (b.a.) in General Studies
- Bachelor of Business Administration (b.b.a.)
Annual Pay Estimate for Accounting Assistant and Other Important Info
See how many years Accounting Assistant's are in their job, how much they make, how long it took to get there and how available this job is in terms of open positions.
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Career Paths for Accounting Assistant
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