Accounting Technician Salaries
An accounting technician often has a support role in the finance department of a large corporation or accounting firm or handles all accounting work for a small business. Many also find employment with state or federal government. Starting pay is relatively low but advancement opportunities are available with further experience and education.
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Identification
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The average salary for accounting technicians is about $37,000, according to the websites Indeed and Simplyhired. Salaries are similar to payroll, fiscal and accounts payable technicians. The average starting salary is around $12 an hour, and the top salary with several years experience is approximately $46,000 for those who advance to senior positions. The website Payscale shows the median hourly wage is $14 to $17. The salary depends on location, with average accounting technician salaries in California at nearly $48,000, in Chicago about $46,000 and in the Seattle area around $45,000.
Benefits
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Positions are full-time and include health insurance, paid holidays and vacations, and a 401(k) program. Work conditions are clean and climate-controlled, with a standard Monday through Friday schedule.
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Features
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Accounting technicians may work as assistants to accountants in accounting firms. They often find employment in the finance departments of large insurance companies, food manufacturers or software and computer corporations. Here, they monitor financial transactions and create reports, and assist in internal audits. They enter transactions in a computerized system and ensure that all accounts balance. They schedule payments for supplies, equipment, and utilities and other services.
Technicians also can find work in small business office management, where they are in charge of payroll and the company budgets as well as correspondence and reception work. Many are employed by state and federal government, which typically are the highest-paying opportunities. Small business jobs usually are the lowest-paid, but may offer other advantages such as flexible scheduling and more independence.
Considerations
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Most employers require a two-year associate's degree in accounting from a vocational school or community college, although some opportunities are available for high school graduates with course work in accounting and bookkeeping. Accounting technicians must be skilled in spreadsheet software, and some positions involve database work.
Potential
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With experience, an accounting technician can advance to a position as financial counselor, lead accounting technician or management. An experienced tech also can become self-employed and provide tax preparation services for individuals and businesses. Higher-paid opportunities require further education, such as a bachelor's degree in accounting.
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