Entry Level Staff Accountant Job Description
Private firms, government agencies and other organizations typically offer entry level staff accounting positions to recent graduates who obtained a bachelor's degree in accounting. As a profession, accounting consists of four major fields: public accounting, government accounting, management accounting and internal auditing. Entry level staff positions may be available in any of those four fields. Entry level staff positions do not require prior work experience.
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Description
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Accountants monitor financial data, keeping track of an organization's money. Accountants prepare financial reports for managers to analyze and use to make decisions. Tax accountants assess how much tax the organization must pay. In addition to managers, outsiders may look at an organization's financial reports to decide whether to do business with the organization or lend it money.
Education
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Most, if not all, entry level staff accounting jobs require the applicant to have at least a bachelor's degree in accounting. Some employers require a master's degree. Many universities now offer dual bachelor's/master's programs where the student can complete a five-year program and graduate with a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting. Educational requirements are particularly important for entry level jobs because such jobs place less emphasis on work experience.
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CPA
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Entry level positions typically do not require the applicant to have obtained the Certified Public Accountant designation. However, these positions often place the entry level accountant under the supervision of an experienced accountant who is a CPA.
Environment
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Entry level accountants work in typical office environments, and some can work at least part time from home. Travel is often required for public accountants and auditors when it is necessary to conduct audits from client business locations or government offices. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that close to half of all accountants, including entry level accountants, work a typical 40-hour week. Entry level accountants at large firms, however, usually work longer hours. Entry level accountants who focus on taxes tend to work heavy hours during tax season.
Income
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants earned a median annual wage of $59,430 as of May 2008, with the lowest 10 percent earning under $36,720. Entry level staff accountants tend to earn at the lower end of the income scale, and wages generally increase as an accountant gains experience. Most entry level accounting jobs provide benefit packages with health insurance, retirement and paid leave.
Outlook
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job prospects for accountants in general to be favorable through 2018. Those with professional certification and master's degrees are projected to be the most competitive. For entry level positions, high grades and substantive internships may increase job prospects.
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References
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