Financial Accountant Jobs in the United States

Financial Accountant Jobs Overview

Financial accountant jobs require you to monitor financial data, forecast revenues and costs, perform internal audits, take care of tax payments, and compile accurate statements. You'll deal with cash flow statements, balance sheets, and income statements to provide a clear view of a company's financial status.

As a financial accountant, you'll usually work a standard 40-hour week in an office setting. Job growth for this position is expected to increase by 6% over the next several years, which is faster than average.

Salaries for Financial Accountant Jobs

A financial reporting accountant earns a median salary of $99,768 per year. The range for this position is between $75,112 and $205,545 annually.

Markets where financial accountants are most in demand include:

• New York, NY
• Chicago, IL
• Houston, TX
• Denver, CO
• Boston, MA

Are you wondering how much money you can make as a financial accountant? Use our salary calculator to learn what you can expect where you live.

Finding the Right Financial Accountant Job for You

As you start reading job descriptions, consider how each financial accountant position would impact your lifestyle and long-term career goals. From assessing your strengths and qualifications to examining company size and culture, the following tips will help you select the right job.

Figure Out Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Everyone has personal strengths and weaknesses, but the trick is to be aware of them and use them to your advantage. Showcasing emotional intelligence in this way is a critical tool in your job search.

Determine your strengths in accounting, such as analytical and problem-solving skills, so that you can emphasize them in an application and interview. Acknowledge your weaknesses and create an improvement plan to help you qualify for more positions. For example, if you lack time management skills, set a goal to enhance efficiency by using time-tracking software or calendar tools to help you stay on schedule.

Investigate Company Sizes

Another point to consider is the ideal size of the company you want to work for. You might already have ideas about this, depending on your career aspirations and desire for work-life balance.

A small company might offer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere but more responsibilities if there are fewer people in the finance department. Meanwhile, a large company might be busier but enable you to specialize in one area of your typical job duties.

Honestly Assess Your Skills and Qualifications

To be a good financial accountant, you'll need a strong attention to detail and the ability to work both on a team and independently. Additionally, good interpersonal and communication abilities and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite are essential. Furthermore, you'll need to be organized and have several years of experience.

Some positions require certification, such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Make a plan to get more training or education if you see these in job descriptions for financial accountant jobs that interest you.

Look for Cultures that Match Your Values

Take the time to look for a company with a mission you can believe in. Your company's work culture will play a vital role in determining your productivity, job satisfaction, and success. Therefore, it's critical to check a company's website to learn about its goals, mission statement, and values and see if they align with your own.

After you've learned what you can from their website, branch out to look at employee reviews, customer reviews, and press. That way, you'll get a better overall picture of whether they stick to their stated values.

Pay Attention to Growth Opportunities

Although you're currently applying for financial accountant jobs, it's a good idea to also consider your future. Take a look at the company's organizational chart and look for positions that provide room for growth. Of course, if you're content to gain experience in one position long-term, a smaller company with only a few higher positions could be an ideal fit.

How to Apply to Financial Accountant Jobs

You've found the perfect job opening! Now, utilize the following tips to greatly increase your odds of landing an interview.

Carefully Read Through the Job Posting

Begin by reading through the financial accountant job posting. Pay special attention to any listed job skills and qualifications, along with any necessary certifications.

Create an Appealing Resume

Tailor your financial accounting resume to the specifics outlined in the job description that speak to your strengths.To do this, relevant keywords to your resume that highlight your skills and accomplishments. Keywords for financial accountant jobs may include:

• compliance
• communication skills
• data analysis
• invoicing
• balance sheet
• detail-oriented
• financial reporting
• financial analysis
• reconciling

Additionally, it's always wise to include your certifications and the programs you're proficient in, such as:

• QuickBooks
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Excel
• U.S. GAAP
• CPA
• ACCA

While it’s not likely that an employer will ask for one, you might also create a portfolio that showcases your skills and sets you apart from the competition. An increasing number of candidates for financial accounting positions are starting to do this.

Would you like to have an expert put together a winning resume for you? Choose Monster's Professional Resume Writing Services to craft the perfect financial accounting resume.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter

Financial accountant jobs usually require you to include a cover letter. Open your cover letter with a strong statement regarding what you can bring to the company. Highlight your achievements, such as a CPA or ACCA certification, and don't forget to mention U.S. GAAP too.

A strong finance cover letter also employs industry keywords to capture attention, including terms like:

• auditing
• journal entries
• bank reconciliation

For more tips, check out what else to include in a cover letter.

Submitting Your Application

Read through your application and cover letter one more time to guarantee they're free of errors. Then, it's time to create your free Monster account. With Monster, you can receive custom job recommendations, get a free professional resume review, and submit your application quickly and easily.

How to Follow Up on Applications for Financial Accountant Jobs

Show your initiative and interest in the financial accountant job by following up with an email. Waiting one week before you do so shows respect for the hiring manager's time as they sift through numerous applications.

To find out who to contact, return to the original job posting. Read through it for any clues regarding what department or individual is in charge of hiring. If you don't find any, go to the company's website to find out how to contact human resources.

It's best to follow up via a brief and courteous email. Be sure to let the hiring manager know your interest in joining their team. You can gather some additional ideas by reviewing our tips for following up.

Interviewing Tips for Financial Accountant Jobs

The moment you've been working toward has arrived, and you have an interview! Before you go in, refresh your memory about the company's core goals, values, and mission. It's also wise to make sure you can provide good answers to the following financial accountant interview questions:

• Why Do You Want to Be an Accountant?
• What Accounting-Related Experience Do You Have?
• What Do You Expect to Do Day-to-Day in an Accounting Job?
• Which Accounting Software Programs Are You Most Proficient In?
• Describe the Types of Financial Transactions You Typically Handle.
• Describe the Difference Between Deferred Revenue and Accounts Receivable.
• How Do You Ensure Accuracy in Accounting?
• What Is Working Capital?

Also, familiarize yourself with the STAR method to help you answer behavioral questions. For instance, the interviewer may ask, "Tell me about a time when you were under pressure to meet a tight deadline."

Your financial accountant interview could be in-person, over the phone, or via video. Regardless of type, always treat your interviewer warmly, and don't forget to remain respectful and open.

After your interview is over, be sure to send your interviewer a thank you note. This small detail could be exactly what makes you stand apart from everyone else. Always send your message within one business day.

Responding to a Job Offer

It's vital to take some time to analyze a job offer rather than immediately taking it. Let the hiring manager know you appreciate the offer and that you'll review it and respond within a reasonable time. Generally, you should only take a few days.

Pull up the original job posting and compare it closely to your offer. Essentially, you'll want to confirm that everything they've offered you meets or exceeds what was stated in the job posting. Consider the salary as well and determine if you'll need to negotiate the offer.

Career Paths for Financial Accountants

Once you've established your position as a financial accountant, you can move up into other positions in the same field. Consider advancing your career as a controller or an accounts payable manager.

For more opportunities, sign up for continuing education classes to help improve your skillset. Furthermore, seek out professional networking organizations such as the Financial Management Association or the American Accounting Association.

Similar Occupations

Whether you want to follow a different accounting career path or are just curious about what other positions you're qualified for, here is a list of some similar occupations:

• accounts receivable manager
• accounting coordinator
• accounting analyst