In this guide we’ll look at some of the most common entry level accounting jobs and the things you can do to improve your chances of success when applying and interviewing for accountancy roles.
We’ll also think about what makes a good entry level accounting job, while looking ahead to your future in accountancy and finance.
What are entry level accounting jobs?
An entry level accounting job is the first rung on the accountancy career ladder. These are jobs that might require some qualifications and/or experience but should be suitable for almost anyone entering the profession for the first time.
Entry level accountancy jobs are most likely to appeal to anyone who has recently left school, college or university, anyone transferring into a career in finance from a non-related sector, and potentially anyone looking to step down from a more senior role in order to have less direct responsibility.
What accounting jobs are entry level?
Entry level accounting jobs can include roles like accounts associate and accounting executive. You may also see words used in the job title to indicate that the role carries less responsibility and seniority.
Some examples of this include:
- Accounts assistant
- Bookkeeping assistant
- Graduate accountant
- Junior accountant
- Trainee accountant
Many entry level accounting jobs have an element of training involved, such as accountancy apprenticeships, fast-track training schemes and graduate programmes.
What are the best entry level accounting jobs?
The best entry level accounting jobs are those that help you to achieve what you want from this first step in your finance career. Salary might not be the most significant factor, as long as the job pays enough for you to survive until your first pay rise or promotion.
Other elements to look for in entry level accounting job adverts include:
- Access to mentors
- Opportunities to learn and grow
- Training towards professional qualifications
Think of your entry level job as a springboard towards the next step in your career. Anything you can get now in terms of training, coaching or other support will pay the highest dividends over potentially 40+ years of working in the sector.
How much do entry level accountants make?
The UK Government’s National Careers Service offers some estimates of salaries for accountancy jobs, with entry level roles likely to be at the lower end of the pay scale.
Remember, salaries can vary depending on the location of the job, the number of hours worked per week, and a huge number of other factors.
As a rule of thumb, the National Careers Service lists the following low-end salaries for a number of accountancy careers:
- Accounting Technician: £17,000
- Bookkeeper: £18,000
- Management Accountant: £22,000
- Public Finance Accountant: £22,000
- Private Practice Accountant: £22,000
Bear in mind the non-monetary remuneration on offer for a role, such as employee perks and benefits, plus the availability of training or mentoring to help you advance to a more senior role with higher pay in the future.
How do I find entry level accounting roles?
Knowing how to find entry level accounting jobs isn’t too challenging. It’s a highly mature sector with lots of job fairs and widely advertised vacancies.
If you’re attending a finance jobs fair, dress professionally and have copies of your CV with you. You never know when a potential employer might take a shine to you, and you could walk right into a job before you know it.
Students should consider attending jobs fairs even before the end of your degree. This shouldn’t be a distraction from final exams, but can help you to beat the rush of new graduates competing for the same few vacancies.
How to get an entry level accounting job
If you can’t talk your way into a beginner accountancy job at a careers fair, don’t worry, as there are plenty of other ways to land your first job in finance:
- Internships can help you build a relationship with a company as a precursor to hiring you permanently
- Networking can allow you to find a mentor in the sector, who may take a personal interest in helping you find employment
- Job sites, social media and even a simple web search can all lead you to advertised vacancies with reputable employers
Keep your CV updated with no gaps, and don’t lose faith. It might take some time to land an entry level job that suits your ambitions, but you won’t be flipping burgers forever.
How to get an entry level accounting job with no experience
Finally, if you have no experience, the same rules apply. Networking, internships and even volunteering with local charities can all give you something to put on your CV.
Hiring managers understand that, especially for entry level roles, most candidates will have little to no experience; however, this means that jobs are much more likely to go to an applicant with even a small amount of experience behind them.
As such, even if you call in a favour and shadow the accountancy team in a friend or family member’s business, this can give you a powerful foot in the door when applying for paid jobs in accounting.
Ready to get started?
Send your CV across and we’ll be in touch.