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Home › Accounting Assistant

Learn how to become an accounting assistant

Accounting assistants play a direct role in the success of an organization.

Are you detail-oriented and enjoy working with numbers? If so, a career as an accounting assistant might be perfect for you. Accounting assistants are responsible for basic bookkeeping and accounting tasks, like monthly reconciliations and transaction management, and this career is a great entry into the field of accounting.

Accounting assistants play a direct role in the success of an organization, helping managers and owners manage cash flow, invoice customers timely, pay vendors, and track profitability and growth.

What does an accounting assistant do?

Typical daily tasks

Some accounting assistants will focus on one area of the organization, like accounts payable, while others will take on a broader role in the organization. Here are some of the daily tasks you might complete as an accounting assistant:

• Data entry: Accounting assistants will ensure all transactions are included in the accounting system and properly categorized.
• Invoice processing: One of the main tasks accounting assistants handle is the processing of invoices from both vendors and customers. This can include entering the initial invoice and following up with vendors and customers on outstanding amounts.
• Account reconciliation: Each month, accounting assistants will help close out the books by completing bank reconciliations and verifying that ending balances are correct.
• Payroll processing: Accounting assistants can help gather payroll information, enter hours, and make sure employees are paid on time.

Remember, the specific daily tasks you take on as an accounting assistant can differ by organization.

Variety of roles

The roles and responsibilities of an accounting assistant vary by industry and company size. For example, a business in the manufacturing industry might assign inventory cost management to an accounting assistant, while this job duty wouldn’t be applicable to a software company.

Moreover, the organization’s size plays a pivotal role in the daily tasks you complete. A growing organization might have the budget to hire multiple accounting assistants to tackle different functions, like accounts payable and accounts receivable, while this wouldn’t be the case for a small organization or startup.

Interaction on the job

Accounting assistants work closely with other accounting professionals, like bookkeepers and finance teams. Other financial professionals often use the internal reports these assistants prepare to create formal financial statements, prepare tax returns and plan for business growth.

Skills needed to become an accounting assistant

Education and certifications

Minimum accounting assistant requirements

Although it’s up to the hiring company to determine which requirements you need, there are a few different minimum requirements that most accounting assistants have. The first general minimum requirement is a high school diploma or an equivalent, like a General Education Development (GED).  

Experience completing the tasks of an accounting assistant might also be required. Since accounting assistants take on various roles, you might already have experience from different positions.

Preferred education

An associate degree, certificate program or certification in accounting is preferred by many employers. Your associate degree can vary, such as a degree in finance, accounting, managerial accounting, payroll accounting or tax. The same is true for certifications, as well. Industry certifications and software-specific credentials are also common career builders for an accounting assistant.

Helpful certifications

Industry-recognized certifications, like a Certified Bookkeeper (CB), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Enrolled Agent (EA) through the IRS, may be helpful when pursuing a career as an accounting assistant, and may show potential employers that you are serious about the job and your responsibility.

Career outlook for accounting assistants

Job growth

The U.S, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a growth rate over the next decade of -5.8%, which is lower than the national average. Any openings should stem from workers retiring from the labor force or switching positions.

Accounting assistant salary potential

The salary you can expect does vary based on a few factors. For one, your credentials can impact your salary range. If you have a software credential or industry certification, you may be able to request a higher salary.

In addition, your geographic location will play a major role in your annual salary. High cost of living states, like Hawaii and New York, may have a salary range that’s above the average.

Remember, your hourly compensation or your salary rate isn’t the only compensation factor to consider when evaluating an accounting assistant position. It’s also important to consider benefits, like retirement matches, health insurance and paid time off.

Here are median salaries nationally and by state:

Career path

Accounting assistants can take advantage of advancement opportunities, like becoming a bookkeeper or staff accountant. There are steps you can take to increase your likelihood of securing advancement opportunities.

First, develop your hard and soft skills. Managers and owners look to promote individuals with both hard skills, like technical applications, and soft skills, such as effective communication. Be sure you are refining your skillset to leverage advancement opportunities.

Next, continue learning. Are there certifications you can obtain to help you advance? Maybe this is a credential specific to the software program your company uses or finishing your associate degree in accounting. Find ways you can expand your knowledge. Remember, employers might be willing to pay for you to take these courses.

Additionally, make sure your accounting managers are aware of your career goals. Ask your supervisor or manager about what you need to do to be promoted. This helps you know the tangible steps you need to take to reach the next level of your career.

Is an accounting assistant career right for you?

Ideal personality traits

Are you still unsure if a career as an accounting assistant is right for you? You may want to assess your traits against those that are ascribed to doing the job well. Here are some traits that accounting assistants possess:

• Detail-oriented: Accounting assistants handle a variety of tasks on a daily basis. Being detail-oriented is crucial to properly categorize transactions, process payroll and generate reports.
• Numbers-inclined: Each day, you will work with numbers, from calculating invoice amounts to tying out transactions. If you enjoy working with numbers, this might be a career for you.
• Organized: Staying on top of your growing to-do list is important as an accounting assistant. Organizational skills help you meet deadlines.
• Strong communicator: Accounting assistants work with different departments in the company, including operations and finance. Being able to communicate with other individuals clearly is important to complete daily tasks and excel in your position.

Pros and cons of the job

A career as an accounting assistant comes with both pros and cons:

Pros

Cons

Nevertheless, there may be one disadvantage:

Securing your next opportunity as an accounting assistant

The possibilities are nearly endless with a career as an accounting assistant. To learn more about accounting programs online or near you, all you need to do is click the Find Schools button. Now is the time to take that first step towards a rewarding accounting career.

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Published: March 5, 2024