Entry-Level Accounting Jobs

  • Accounting Clerk
  • Loan Officer
  • Accountant
  • Financial Clerk
  • Credit Analyst

There are many entry-level accounting jobs available to candidates with minimal job experience and/or fresh out of college. Just starting out in an accounting career can be very challenging when so many employers want accounting professionals with experience. With so many entry-level jobs available, candidates can begin work in the field and gain valuable experience and also put themselves in positions for advancement. Here are 5 entry-level accounting positions.

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1. Accounting Clerk

Although they may work for smaller companies, accounting clerks typically work for larger companies and have specific job duties. Their duties do tend to vary according to the experience and the department in which they work. They often post transactions, determine interest rates, ensure payments are current and monitor loans and accounts. Accounting clerks may also balance billing vouchers, code documents and ensure the accuracy of account data. Accounting clerks are not expected to see much job growth through the decade of 2016-2026, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, it’s still a good way to begin an accounting career. Their annual wages averaged about $39,240 as of May 2017.

2. Loan Officer

Loan officers evaluate loan and credit information to determine if a customer can be approved for a loan. They typically work in banks, mortgage companies, credit unions and similar financial institutions. In addition to having some accounting knowledge, loan officers must be familiar with types of loans and lending laws. Loan officers who want to work with mortgage loans must have a Mortgage Loan Originator license Loan officers should see a job growth of 11 percent through 2026, according to a BLS report. As of May 2017, loan officers earned average annual wages of $64,660.

3. Accountant

Working as an accountant is generally the ultimate goal for someone looking for an entry-level accounting job. Accountants should have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics or a related field. Accountants who want to work as CPAs (certified public accountants) can choose to obtain additional education and take the 4-part CPA certification exam. Accountants should see a job growth of 10 percent from 2016-2026. Their 2017 average annual earnings were $69,350.

4. Financial Clerk

A financial clerk is a position that can be obtained with only a high school diploma and a little training, but it’s also a great entry-level accounting job that allows them to gain experience working in an office or accounting firm. In addition to various administrative duties, financial clerks keep records and handle a company’s financial transactions. The bureau predicts that financial clerks should see a 9 percent increase in jobs from 2016-2026. The average annual wage for financial clerks in 2017 was $38,680.

5. Credit Analyst

Credit analysts are professionals who assist banks, lending institutions and credit companies in determining if a client is creditworthy. Credit analysts analyze financial statements and credit data for firms or individuals attempting to obtain credit. They then prepare reports and provide credit information to be used for decision making. The BLS predicts that credit analysts could see job growth of 11 percent from 2016-2026. As the economy continues to grow, more consumers will be borrowing money. This bodes well for credit analysts because they’ll be called upon to help with the credit/loan determination process. Credit analysts earned annual wages ranging from $42,000 to $140,880 or more with the average yearly wage at $71,290, according to the bureau.

Accounting is a growing field and one that will continue to grow as the economy continues to grow. Whether an individual is in college, fresh out of college, or a high school graduate interested in accounting, there are many entry-level accounting jobs to provide them with challenging and rewarding work.