Entry-Level Accounting Jobs: How to Land Your First Role

Starting your accounting career can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy, you can secure your first role even without extensive experience. This comprehensive guide covers where to find entry-level accounting jobs, how to make your resume stand out, and what employers really look for in new graduates and career changers.

Top Entry-Level Accounting Positions

1. Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk

Average Salary: $35,000 - $45,000

Ideal for beginners, these roles handle invoice processing, payment reconciliation, and basic bookkeeping tasks.

2. Junior Staff Accountant

Average Salary: $40,000 - $52,000

Assists with month-end close, journal entries, and financial reporting under supervision.

3. Audit Associate

Average Salary: $45,000 - $58,000

Entry-level position in public accounting firms helping with financial statement audits.

4. Tax Preparer

Average Salary: $38,000 - $50,000

Seasonal or year-round work preparing individual and small business tax returns.

Job Market Insight: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 136,400 openings for accountants and auditors annually through 2032, with many being entry-level positions.

How to Get an Accounting Job With No Experience

1. Leverage Your Education

• Highlight relevant coursework (Financial Accounting, Tax Principles, etc.)
• Include GPA if above 3.0
• List academic projects involving real accounting software

2. Gain Practical Experience

• Internships: Even unpaid ones add credibility
• Volunteer work: Offer bookkeeping services to nonprofits
• Freelance projects: Help small businesses with basic accounting

3. Develop Technical Skills

Master these essential tools:

• QuickBooks (get certified for free through Intuit)
• Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs)
• Basic ERP systems (SAP, Oracle)

"I landed my first accounting job by completing the free QuickBooks certification and mentioning it in every application. Got three interviews in two weeks." — Jamal R., Staff Accountant

Where to Find Entry-Level Accounting Jobs

1. Job Boards Specializing in Accounting

• Accountingfly
• iHireAccounting
• Robert Half (for temp-to-hire positions)

2. Company Career Pages

Target these employer types that frequently hire beginners:

• Regional CPA firms
• Staffing agencies (Accountemps, Adecco)
• Small-to-midsize businesses

3. Networking Strategies

• Attend Beta Alpha Psi meetings (accounting honor society)
• Join your state's CPA society as a student member
• Connect with alumni from your school working in accounting

Crafting a Winning Entry-Level Accounting Resume

Resume Section	What to Include	Pro Tip
Education	Degree, relevant courses, honors	Add "Expected graduation" if still in school
Skills	Technical and soft skills	Match keywords from job descriptions
Experience	Any work history (even non-accounting)	Focus on transferable skills
Projects	Class projects with real applications	Quantify results if possible

Acing the Entry-Level Accounting Interview

Common Interview Questions:

1. "Walk me through how you would reconcile a bank statement."
2. "Describe a time you worked with numbers in detail."
3. "Why do you want to work in accounting?"

What to Bring:

• Printed copies of your resume
• Transcript (unofficial is fine)
• Examples of school projects

Key Takeaways for Landing Your First Accounting Job

• Apply for the right entry-level positions (AP/AR, junior staff accountant)
• Compensate for lack of experience with certifications and skills
• Leverage every connection through networking
• Tailor your resume for each application

Remember that most employers expect to train entry-level hires - your attitude and willingness to learn often matter more than perfect qualifications.

Download Free Entry-Level Accounting Resume Template

Written by: Emily Rodriguez
Accounting Career Coach | Updated: June 2024