Breaking into the world of accounting can be intimidating, especially for those who are just starting out. However, there are a variety of entry-level accounting jobs available for those who are willing to put in the work and effort.
While there are many different entry-level accounting jobs available, there are three main roles that are often compared to each other:
- Billing analyst accounts
- Payable clerk
- Staff accountant.
In this article, we will try to make a comprehensive description of each of these to help you in starting your career in the accounting industry. Also, we will give you some of our personal tips on how to apply and land one.
Billing Analyst Accounts
Billing analysts are responsible for creating accurate invoices and collecting cash on time. They spend most of their time gathering information to create invoices from purchase orders and shipping notices for physical products. They also monitor accounts receivable aging to ensure that cash is collected on time and follow up with customers who are late on a payment.
While a high school diploma or a two-year business-related degree can be enough to land a billing analyst position, Most of the time it will be required to have a four-year business-related degree in economics, business administration, accounting, or finance. Obviously having a professional certification, such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), make your starting point much easier, it is not offline required for these positions and you will still be entering the accounting industry.
Take into account that this position is a short or limited career progression as, as we said, you don’t need special certifications to do it. You can go as far as becoming a senior billing analyst or billing supervisor. These positions can be excellent opportunities to launch your professional career, particularly if you are still studying and seeking to gain experience before obtaining your CPA certification.
Payable Clerk
Payable clerks are responsible for collecting vendor invoices, matching them up with purchase orders, and making sure they are approved for payment. They also answer queries from vendors.
The educational requirements for payable clerks are comparable to those of billing analysts, as an entry-level position generally only requires a high school diploma or a two-year business-related degree. However, there are some distinctions in terms of career progression. Payable clerks can advance to become senior accounts payable clerks or accounts payable supervisors. Pursuing a four-year business degree and/or a CMA license could lead to opportunities as a procurement director. Alternatively, obtaining a CPA license could pave the way for a career as a corporate controller.
Staff Accountant
Staff accountants are responsible for making all of the necessary period-end adjustments, ensuring that the company follows accrual accounting instead of cash accounting. They spend about 10-15 days each month closing the previous period and ensuring the company follows accrual accounting. The next 10-15 days are spent responding to auditor questions, analyzing financial statements, and improving current processes.
To start your career as a staff accountant you’ll usually need a two-year business-related degree, but a four-year degree in accounting will pave the way not only to make your first job but to build a stronger progression to grow into. Remember a four-year degree is a minimum requirement for obtaining the CPA certification. As you gain experience in this role, Ayour can go as far as an Accounting Manager or the Assistant Controller level. But with these licenses, CPA or CMA, you may be able to advance to positions such as Controller, Director of Revenue, or Chief Accounting Officer, offering the potential for growth and career advancement.
Where to start?
Entry-level accounting jobs offer a great opportunity to start your career in the field of accounting, especially if you are still studying to get your CPA or CMA certifications. While getting to your first job can be stressful, remember it’s better to start soon than later. It’s always advised to apply to as many entry-level positions as you can, even if you don’t meet all of the requirements in the descriptions. Just go for it.
To get you started, here are some useful tips and pieces of advice to help you start your career and land your first job in the accounting industry of the future.
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Kevin Mitchell, CPA
Senior Manager and CPA with over 20 years of experience in accounting and financial services, specializing in risk management and regulatory compliance. Skilled in managing audits and leading teams to deliver exceptional services. Proud father of two.
References:
This guide was built following the information and tips provided by
The Financial Controller
. See the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1B7lOaew_4
