How to Become An Accounting Assistance

An accounting assistant is responsible for bookkeeping, budgeting, financial reporting, and accounts management. They provide customer service and administrative support to accounts departments.

They require strong problem-solving, analytical, and mathematical skills. They don’t need advanced degrees or licenses for employment.

This guide provides information on the process, required credentials, job hunting tips, and opportunities for upward mobility for individuals pursuing accounting assistant careers.

In this guide, I will explain what accounting assistance is and how to become one. I’ll be giving all the necessary information you need to know about accounting assistance.

Let’s begin!

Who is an Accounting Assistance and What Do They Do?

An accounting assistant assists accounting managers, CFOs, or other personnel with accounting needs. They may work with a company’s accounting department, and purchasing department.

They can also work in the finance department, or with a solo accountant to perform specific tasks such as processing invoices, maintaining financial records, and assisting accounts payable with payments and outgoing checks.

They may also perform general office administration, answering phones, filing, handling customers, and other administrative tasks.

Duties may include providing general support to the accounting department, preparing and processing invoices, sales receipts, and customer payments, and processing new vendor paperwork.

Also, their task includes updating the general ledger, reconciling payroll hours, preparing and distributing employee checks, preparing purchase orders, scanning and filing accounting documents, helping process accounts payable and receivable checks and payments, and routine bookkeeping.

An accounting assistant typically works directly under the supervision of an accountant or in a team with other assistants to manage a broad range of financial duties, such as data entry, processing invoices, recording transactions, producing financial reports, and assisting with audits.

How to Become an Accounting Assistant?

To become an accounting assistant, one must have a combination of education, practical experience, and intrinsic skills. The first step is to obtain a high school education, focusing on mathematics and business studies.

A college degree is essential for a degree program in an accredited school. An associate degree in accounting takes two years, while a bachelor’s degree typically takes four years.

After high school, it’s beneficial for accounting assistants to pursue higher education in finance-related fields, such as accounting, business administration, or a related field.

These professionals require strong attention to detail and math skills, and while college degrees aren’t mandatory, employers prefer candidates with undergraduate programs in accounting or business.

Self-training is also possible. Many accounting assistants start with two-year associate degrees covering finance, bookkeeping, and math skills, which can be completed in two years.

Alternatively, an undergraduate certificate in accounting or business finance can be sufficient to qualify for entry-level accounting jobs. Many colleges offer these programs, which can be completed in one year.

An internship can also be a valuable opportunity to build fundamental skills required for an accounting assistant role.

Qualified candidates can then look for full-time positions. Lastly, new graduates can pursue entry-level accounting clerk or bookkeeping jobs, with more experience qualifying them for more advanced roles.

In today’s digital world, proficiency in accounting software is crucial for financial management. Companies use software like QuickBooks, Excel, and Sage. Online courses or certifications can enhance employability in this profession.

Professional certifications like Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) or Certified Accounting Assistant (CAA) can also boost career prospects by showcasing dedication and competency to potential employers.

Skills Requirements

1. Attention to Detail – Ability to spot and correct errors in financial records and calculations.
2. Numerical Proficiency – Strong math skills for accurate data entry and reconciliation.
3. Time Management – Effectively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
4. Communication Skills – Clear verbal and written communication for interacting with team members, clients, or vendors.
5. Organizational Skills – Ability to manage multiple accounts, files, and tasks simultaneously.
6. Proficiency in Accounting Software – Familiarity with software like QuickBooks, SAP, or other financial management tools.
7. Microsoft Office Expertise – Advanced knowledge of Excel for creating spreadsheets, managing budgets, and data analysis.
8. Problem-Solving Abilities – Identifying discrepancies and finding solutions to financial or procedural issues.
9. Confidentiality – Maintaining the privacy and security of sensitive financial information.
10. Teamwork and Collaboration – Working effectively with accountants, managers, and other departments.

Qualifications

Education

1. High school diploma or GED (minimum).
2. Associate degree or coursework in accounting, finance, or business administration (preferred).

Experience

1. Entry-level experience in bookkeeping or administrative roles.
2. Prior experience as an accounting assistant or clerk (preferred).

Knowledge of Accounting Principles

1. Understanding of basic accounting concepts such as debits, credits, and journal entries.

Certifications (Optional but Beneficial)

1. Certified Bookkeeper (CB)
2. Accounts Payable Specialist Certification
3. Proficiency in accounting software through vendor certifications.

Should I Pursue a Career as an Accounting Assistant?

The demand for accounting assistants has decreased due to the rise in automation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The BLS estimates a 3% decline in accounting, auditing, and bookkeeping jobs from 2020-2030, leading to increased competition in the industry.

To increase employability, accounting assistants can pursue advanced degrees and professional certifications. To find employment opportunities, accounting assistants can search for leads through the school’s career services department, internships, networking organizations, and online job boards.

The AICPA Job Board, Accounting Jobs Today, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor are some of the job boards that can help professionals find accounting assistant opportunities.

These platforms allow users to browse open jobs without a membership, search for opportunities using keywords, titles, and locations, and connect with professionals from around the world.

The BLS reports that accounting managers, often with CPA credentials, hold senior roles in accounting firms. They oversee various functions, including financial reporting, payroll, billing, collections, and tax filing.

They also recruit and train staff and implement the company’s financial strategy. With years of experience, they typically hold a master’s degree. The median salary for accountants and auditors is $77,250, with the top 10% earning over $128,970 annually.

Learn how to craft a compelling RESUME before applying for the role of accounting assistant.

FAQs

How do you become an accounts assistant?

There are several routes to becoming an accounts assistant. Most companies will require a basic understanding of accountancy and bookkeeping, including knowledge of accounts software.

You can gain the qualifications you need by doing a college course, an apprenticeship, or by applying to an employer directly for work.

What do you need to be an accounts assistant?

To enter the profession, you typically need a postsecondary diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in accounting. Most employers also require a strong working knowledge of spreadsheets and popular accounting programs and software platforms.

What does an accounting assistant do?

You may be required to maintain the general ledger, assist accounts payable with payments and outgoing checks, reconcile payroll hours, and distribute checks to employees.

You may also perform general office administration, including answering phones, filing, handling customers, and other administrative tasks.