Accounting No Experience Jobs: How to Start a Career in Accounting Without Experience
Breaking into the accounting industry without prior experience can be challenging, but it is possible with the right approach. Many entry-level accounting jobs require minimal experience and provide on-the-job training, making them ideal for recent graduates, career changers, and those with basic financial knowledge.
This guide explores accounting jobs for beginners, how to gain experience, and tips for landing your first accounting position.
Can You Get an Accounting Job Without Experience?
โ Yes! Many employers hire entry-level candidates who have completed coursework in accounting, finance, or business administration.
โ Some roles require only basic math skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Excel or accounting software.
โ Certifications like QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, or bookkeeping courses can boost your chances.
Best Entry-Level Accounting Jobs with No Experience
Many accounting jobs for beginners require little to no experience and provide hands-on training.
1. Accounting Clerk
โ Duties: Data entry, reconciling invoices, recording transactions.
โ Skills Needed: Basic Excel knowledge, organizational skills.
โ Average Salary: $40,000 – $50,000 per year.
2. Bookkeeper
โ Duties: Tracking expenses, processing invoices, preparing financial reports.
โ Skills Needed: QuickBooks or Excel proficiency.
โ Average Salary: $42,000 – $52,000 per year.
3. Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk
โ Duties: Processing payments, managing vendor/customer invoices.
โ Skills Needed: Attention to detail, math skills.
โ Average Salary: $40,000 – $48,000 per year.
4. Payroll Assistant
โ Duties: Assisting with payroll processing, tax withholdings, and salary calculations.
โ Skills Needed: Basic payroll software knowledge.
โ Average Salary: $45,000 – $55,000 per year.
5. Tax Preparer Assistant
โ Duties: Assisting with tax returns, reviewing financial documents, data entry.
โ Skills Needed: Basic tax knowledge, ability to work under deadlines.
โ Average Salary: $40,000 – $50,000 per year.
6. Auditing Assistant
โ Duties: Reviewing financial records for errors, supporting audits.
โ Skills Needed: Attention to detail, ability to follow guidelines.
โ Average Salary: $45,000 – $55,000 per year.
7. Junior Financial Analyst
โ Duties: Assisting with financial reports, data analysis, budgeting.
โ Skills Needed: Strong Excel skills, problem-solving abilities.
โ Average Salary: $50,000 – $65,000 per year.
How to Get an Accounting Job Without Experience
1. Highlight Transferable Skills
โ Soft Skills: Attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving.
โ Technical Skills: Excel, QuickBooks, bookkeeping, financial reporting.
โ Administrative Skills: Data entry, document organization, customer service.
2. Gain Accounting Certifications
โ QuickBooks Certification โ Validates your bookkeeping skills.
โ Microsoft Excel Certification โ Helps with financial modeling and spreadsheet management.
โ Certified Bookkeeper (CB) โ Offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).
3. Take Online Accounting Courses
โ Coursera & Udemy โ Offer beginner-friendly accounting courses.
โ Khan Academy & AccountingCoach โ Free resources for accounting fundamentals.
โ LinkedIn Learning โ Provides finance and bookkeeping courses with certificates.
4. Get Internship or Volunteer Experience
โ Apply for part-time bookkeeping roles at local businesses.
โ Volunteer as a treasurer for a nonprofit or student organization.
โ Look for internships in corporate finance, accounting firms, or government offices.
5. Optimize Your Resume for Entry-Level Accounting Jobs
โ List relevant coursework (Financial Accounting, Taxation, Payroll).
โ Highlight technical skills (Excel, QuickBooks, data entry).
โ Emphasize customer service, clerical, or administrative experience.
6. Network & Use Job Search Websites
โ Join LinkedIn groups for accounting professionals.
โ Attend career fairs and meet recruiters at accounting firms.
โ Apply on Indeed, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and company websites.
Where to Find Accounting Jobs with No Experience
โ Indeed.com โ Search for “entry-level accounting jobs” or “accounting clerk no experience”.
โ LinkedIn Jobs โ Connect with recruiters and apply for junior roles.
โ Robert Half & Accountemps โ Specialize in accounting and finance staffing.
โ Government Jobs (USAJobs.gov) โ Look for entry-level accounting roles in public sector agencies.
Future Career Growth in Accounting
โ Start as an Accounting Clerk or Bookkeeper โ Gain experience โ Get promoted to Staff Accountant or Analyst.
โ Earn a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) for higher salaries.
โ Move into corporate finance, tax consulting, forensic accounting, or auditing.
Final Thoughts
Finding an accounting job with no experience is possible with the right skills, certifications, and job search strategies. By gaining basic bookkeeping knowledge, online training, and networking, you can secure an entry-level position and build a successful career in accounting.
