Accounting Jobs in the United States

Accounting Jobs Overview

Are you good with math and crunching numbers? Do you have a knack for finding inaccuracies and solving problems? If so, your attention to detail makes you a great fit for accounting jobs.

As an accounting professional, you may prepare tax returns or oversee financial transactions. You might manage financial records for businesses or handle regulatory compliance matters. Your duties and hours will vary based on the company you work for, your experience level, and more.

Here are some common accounting jobs:

• Accounting assistants help the accounting department with bookkeeping, data entry, and other tasks.
• Accounts payable accountants manage accounts payable ledgers, process payments, and handle cash flow management tasks.
• Accounts payable managers oversee the accounts payable department staff and operations.
• Accounts payable analysts analyze payment data for accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Accounts payable clerks handle routine tasks related to data entry, processing, and verification.
• Accounts receivable coordinators communicate with other departments, staff, and customers for accounts receivable matters.
• Accounts receivable clerks handle routine data entry and processing tasks for incoming payments.
• Accounts receivable managers oversee the accounts receivable staff and operations.
• Accounts receivable specialists reconcile incoming payments, settle discrepancies, and ensure record accuracy.
• Tax preparers assist individuals or businesses with tax preparation and ensure compliance.

Salary for Accounting Jobs

Pay rates vary for different roles within the accounting industry. For example, accounting managers earn a median salary of $117,318 per year. The salary range is $89,774 to $146,122 per year.

The median salary for accounting clerks comes to $46,621 per year. Their salaries range from $35,802 to $56,420 annually.

Pay rates for accounting jobs also differ by location. The top cities for accounting manager jobs are New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The top cities for accounting clerk jobs are Houston, Los Angeles, and New York.

Are you curious about how much accounting positions pay where you live? Use Monster's Salary Tool to search the salaries for specific roles in your area.

How to Find the Accounting Job for You

When looking for a new job, think about what you need from an accounting role. In addition to the work itself, consider your personal life, family commitments, and anything else that's important to you. Make sure the job's demands fit your lifestyle.

It also helps to consider your strengths and weaknesses when browsing through job listings and creating a resume. When you know your strengths, you can find jobs that align with your skillset and allow you to succeed. Recognizing your weaknesses will help you understand where to prepare for challenges and identify where you should seek additional training.

Research the Company

Look at the employer's website and read about their values, mission, and vision. How big is the company, and do they offer advancement opportunities? Are the roles of workers and managers clear?

You can often determine how well a company fits your needs by examining its website. Look for information about the work environment, team structure, and company culture. With some deeper research – through news releases or professional networks – you could even learn about a company’s accounting practices and standards.

Highlight Your Accounting Qualifications

Examine the requirements, qualifications, and skills of your chosen accounting job listing to see if they match your talents. For example, the listing may require experience with QuickBooks or another accounting software program, tax preparation background, or management skills.

Some accounting positions require special certification or education. For example, a bachelor's degree and a certification are essential for some jobs. These accounting certifications are some of the most attractive to hiring managers:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Widely recognized credential necessary for public accounting, tax preparation, corporate accounting, and finance roles.
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA) - Helpful for management accounting positions as well as corporate finance and strategic planning roles.
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) - Valuable for financial analysis and corporate finance positions.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) - Important for all internal auditing, risk management, and compliance jobs.

Calculate Growth Potential

Can you expand your skills and use them at the same company? You may start as an accounts payable clerk. With additional training, you may qualify for an accounts payable manager position.

Perhaps you have an associate degree and want to ultimately obtain a master's degree and a CMA certification. If the company also has higher-level jobs for professionals, it may be a good fit.

Many people prefer to work for a company where they can grow. If that sounds like you, make sure the employer offers the advancement opportunities you need. Also, consider any assistance the employer offers for training or education.

How to Apply for Accounting Jobs

Read through the job description again to make sure you meet the minimum requirements. Use your list of matching skills and qualifications to guide your next steps. For example, you may have a certain amount of experience preparing taxes or using a specific software program.

You can increase your chances of getting a position if you use resume keywords. All you need to do is use words from the job listing in your resume.

Imagine that a job listing requires business tax preparation experience. It also requires five years of experience and strong time-management skills. You can list those specific skills as keywords in your resume.

This accountant resume is a good example because it's specific. It uses relevant phrases and keywords like GAAP standards, general ledger, and SOX compliance experience.

When you optimize your resume for accounting jobs, you have an advantage over many other applicants. You can use our Monster Professional Resume Writing Service if you need assistance. You will receive a professional, polished resume that helps you maximize your potential.

Create a Thoughtful Cover Letter

A good cover letter can encourage employers to contact you. Creating a custom cover letter demonstrates your desire for the job. Also, it shows the company why you're the right choice.

If you're applying for an accountant position, the job listing might emphasize that it wants someone with experience in forecasting, projections, and M&A compliance. You can highlight your relevant experience with these job duties in your cover letter.

Also, you can mention an industry problem or identify a company problem and then offer a solution. Demonstrating your ability to solve important problems can help you land an interview.

Keep the cover letter to one page. Use descriptive words and succinct sentences. Showcase who you are, what you offer, and why you're the right choice.

This accounts payable position cover letter is a good example. Using bullet points in your letter, list your skills from your current role that match the job description. If the hiring manager skims cover letters, that information is what stands out.

Submit Your Accounting Job Application

Read through your resume and application to check for typos. Check all dates and numbers for accuracy. Submit your application via Monster when you're finished.

Do you want to make your job search easier? Create a free Monster account to receive personalized job suggestions by email. Also, we'll give you a complimentary resume review.

How to Follow Up After Applying for Accounting Jobs

If you don't hear back from an employer within a week, you can follow up by phone or email. A week is usually enough time for hiring staff to review applications.

Best Practices for Your Follow-Up

Refer to the accounting job listing to see if there's information about following up. Some job listings may include the name of a follow-up contact or a preferred method. For example, the listing may state that applicants shouldn't follow up by phone.

A follow-up email should be shorter than a cover letter. Aim for one paragraph. If you call instead, write down what you'll say.

Your follow-up correspondence can simply reiterate your interest in the job and include an important detail. For instance, you can restate a special qualification.

Identify a Contact

If you can't find a contact specified in the job listing, look at the company's website. You may be able to find the name of an HR manager.

You can call the company and talk to a receptionist if you can't find any information. Ask for the name and title of the individual who makes hiring decisions.

How to Interview for Accounting Jobs

Receiving a call for an interview is an exciting experience. After you schedule your interview, it's time to prepare for it.

Sharpen Your Interviewing Skills

It's important to be prepared for the interview questions. Here are eight common accounting interview questions with examples of how to answer them.

Many interviewers ask both competency and behavioral questions. A competency-based question tests your knowledge about a topic. For example, an interviewer may ask you questions about GAAP standards.

Behavioral questions give you an opportunity to show how you think. You can answer with details about how you'll respond to a situation, such as how you maintain accuracy under a tight deadline. You may give examples of similar situations you faced in the past and your actions.

As you answer behavioral questions, keep the STAR method in mind. To use it, think about the situation, the task at hand, your actions, and the result.

Prepare for Different Interview Formats

Some accounting jobs may require multiple interviews. For example, there may be a group interview and an individual interview.

Online interviews may require certain apps or programs. Test your webcam and microphone before the interview. Allow enough time for these tasks.

If you're unfamiliar with online interviews, it helps to learn about them. This video interview guide offers useful tips.

When you're prepared for your interview, you'll be more confident. That can help you be your authentic self and provide positive answers.

How to Follow Up After an Interview

Be sure to thank the person who interviews you at the end of the meeting. Send a follow up message within 24 hours to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the job.

Did the original job listing provide a specified contact method? If so, use that for following up.

Your follow-up message should be about a paragraph long. State your interest in the position and why you're a great fit.

How to Respond to an Accounting Job Offer

Getting a job offer is a reward for all your hard work. As soon as you receive one, thank the HR representative. However, you may not be ready to accept on the spot.

Let the hiring manager know how much time you need to consider the offer. Perhaps you have received multiple job offers and want to compare them.

Consider the benefits to see if they meet your needs. Does the schedule suit you? Is the pay reasonable for your skills and experience? Do the required duties match the original job listing?

It's acceptable to negotiate salary, benefits, or hours. Let the hiring manager know what you need. Many companies are willing to make reasonable changes.

Salary is a common item that people negotiate. If you need some help, check out this salary negotiation advice.

Accounting Career Paths

People who begin a career in a lower-level accounting role usually advance. They may receive on-the-job training or further their education. Some accounting workers start with an associate's degree.

Accounting workers may pursue a bachelor's degree or a master's degree. Although accounting is a common major, some people seek similar paths. For example, finance is a common major that some aspiring accounting professionals choose.

Many accounting workers obtain a CPA license or professional certifications and licenses that relate to their interests. There are certifications for fraud specialists, financial analysts, and more.

Joining professional associations and groups can also help accounting professionals advance. These groups offer plenty of valuable networking opportunities.

After gaining education and experience, some accountants open their own successful firms. They may manage financial tasks for businesses or individuals.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountant and auditor job growth is 4%, around the average for all occupations. Accounting skills are vital for the financial success of many businesses.

Similar Occupations

Accounting workers often move into similar roles. These are some examples that are similar to accounting jobs:

• bank jobs
• financial planner jobs
• math jobs
• corporate finance jobs
• tax collector jobs