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Job outlook for accounting assistants in the United States
Accounting assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected accounting assistant job growth rate is -5% from 2018-2028.
About -77,200 new jobs for accounting assistants are projected over the next decade.
Accounting assistant salaries have increased 10% for accounting assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 1,199,527 accounting assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 63,945 active accounting assistant job openings in the US.
The average accounting assistant salary is $39,569.
Are accounting assistant jobs in demand?
Accounting assistant job and salary trends over time
Accounting assistant jobs over time
Accounting assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,199,527 | 0.36% |
| 2020 | 1,148,572 | 0.34% |
| 2019 | 1,201,023 | 0.36% |
| 2018 | 1,213,829 | 0.37% |
| 2017 | 1,214,708 | 0.37% |
Average accounting assistant salary over time
Accounting assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,569 | $19.02 | +2.9% |
| 2024 | $38,468 | $18.49 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $37,544 | $18.05 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $36,611 | $17.60 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $35,818 | $17.22 | +3.1% |
Accounting assistant jobs by state
Most common states for accounting assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 244 | 35% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 948 | 14% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 151 | 14% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 123 | 13% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 651 | 12% |
| 6 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 677 | 11% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 644 | 11% |
| 8 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 210 | 11% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 152 | 11% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 84 | 11% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 819 | 10% |
| 12 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 423 | 10% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,206 | 9% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 324 | 9% |
| 15 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 293 | 9% |
| 16 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 93 | 9% |
| 17 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 69 | 9% |
| 18 | Vermont | 623,657 | 56 | 9% |
| 19 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,278 | 8% |
| 20 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 690 | 8% |
Most common cities for accounting assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bethesda | 3 | 5% | $42,894 |
| 2 | Altamonte Springs | 2 | 5% | $38,068 |
| 3 | Tempe | 3 | 2% | $38,360 |
| 4 | Torrance | 3 | 2% | $45,298 |
| 5 | Worcester | 3 | 2% | $44,870 |
| 6 | Ann Arbor | 2 | 2% | $37,110 |
| 7 | Atlanta | 5 | 1% | $37,614 |
| 8 | Miami | 5 | 1% | $38,334 |
| 9 | Detroit | 4 | 1% | $37,486 |
| 10 | Sacramento | 4 | 1% | $46,855 |
| 11 | Pittsburgh | 3 | 1% | $37,786 |
| 12 | Urban Honolulu | 3 | 1% | $35,302 |
| 13 | Los Angeles | 9 | 0% | $45,383 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 4 | 0% | $34,495 |
| 15 | Austin | 3 | 0% | $37,983 |
| 16 | Baltimore | 3 | 0% | $43,435 |
| 17 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $44,677 |
| 18 | New York | 3 | 0% | $47,876 |
| 19 | Phoenix | 3 | 0% | $38,397 |
Accounting Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of accounting assistant experts
Angelo State University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Bucknell University
University of Missouri - St Louis
Eastern Oregon University
Indiana University Northwest
Eastern Illinois University
Misericordia University
Pacific Lutheran University
University of Maine Orono
Florida Atlantic University
Centenary University
Michigan State University
Austin Peay State University
What general advice would you give to an Accounting Assistant?
Amir Moeini Chaghervand PhD, CMA: I would advise a graduate beginning their career in the field to focus on continuous learning and skill development. The accounting field is constantly evolving, so staying up-to-date with industry trends and regulations is crucial for success.
What will help Accounting Assistants increase their earning potential?
Amir Moeini Chaghervand PhD, CMA: To maximize salary potential when starting a career in accounting, I recommend gaining relevant certifications such as CPA or CMA, pursuing advanced degrees, and seeking opportunities for professional growth and development. Additionally, networking and building strong relationships within the industry can also help in negotiating better salary offers.
What general advice would you give to an Accounting Assistant?
Landri Ognowski MAcc, CPA: The accounting profession is currently experiencing a shortage. Per the TXCPA, the pipeline of licensed CPAs has been decreasing for the last decade nationally. This shortage creates opportunities for accountants and provides job security as the demand for accounting professionals exceeds the supply. I also attached a presentation prepared by the TXCPA for use in promoting the CPA license specifically. You can see on slide 10, that the salary ranges per the Robert Half, 2024 Accounting & Finance Salary guide are quite competitive, offering additional incentive to enter the accounting profession.
What Accounting Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Landri Ognowski MAcc, CPA: I believe people like the stability that an accounting degree provides in terms of job security and salary. There are also a vide variety of things that one can do with an accounting degree, from public accounting to forensic accounting. The opportunities that come from an accounting degree provide additional incentive for choosing it as a profession. One of the hardest things about being an accountant in public accounting specifically, is the hours that are required during peak season (January – April); however, public accounting firms have worked to smooth out demand during this peak season by performing more “interim” prep work in the fall to help reduce the hours in the winter and spring.
Prof James Holland
Professor of AccountingVirginia Commonwealth University
Accounting And Related Services
What will help Accounting Assistants increase their earning potential?
Prof James Holland: Listen and learn all you can, focus on improving with a goal toward excellence. Always be willing to help others.
What general advice would you give to an Accounting Assistant?
James Lawson: Learn as much as possible. At many large accounting firms, the salary is relatively fixed for the first few years. However, if you spend those years truly learning then you will be able to leverage that knowledge into a higher salary, either within your current firm or elsewhere.
What general advice would you give to an Accounting Assistant?
Dr. Amber Lawson CPA: One of the most frustrating things as an accountant is the misconception of what our jobs entail. Simple data entry and bookkeeping is a thing of the past that are almost completely automated now and accounting is so much more than sitting at a desk reconciling ledgers all day. It may be our little secret that the job opportunities of an accountant are endless, but it can be unfortunate when we're written off as 'bean counters' rather than viewed as 'trusted business advisors'. As far as the thing that most accountants like the most, I would imagine it's the variety and the knowledge that we can do just about anything with our degree and experience. Knowing that you could start out as a staff auditor and end up as the CFO of a top corporation with a detour into consulting or private equity along the way is a huge incentive and incredible dream we get to hold.
What general advice would you give to an Accounting Assistant?
Kirsten Cook: In accounting (like most other fields), I hope that graduates "began their careers" long before crossing the stage at commencement. That is, most college and universities offer a wealth of opportunities for students to interact with employers throughout their college careers. When an employer speaks in a class, holds an informational session, or tables at a career fair, make a point to introduce yourself, ask informed questions, and generally leave a favorable impression in that employer's mind. Also, if possible, complete one or more internships while in college to understand the culture of professional accounting before your first day of full-time employment after graduation.
What will help Accounting Assistants increase their earning potential?
Ms. Leah Parker-Roth 15, CPA: Due to the broad nature of accounting, it is challenging to describe an accountant's typical day-to-day life accurately. However, this is a good thing because there are various specific areas within accounting, such as public accounting and governmental accounting. Accounting professionals generally expect to perform a standard set of tasks and utilize specific skills, including analytical skills and effective communication with colleagues and clients. While anyone can gather and organize data, accountants possess the expertise to analyze and communicate the data. Accountants perform specific tasks, including preparing financial statements and tax returns, payroll processing, maintaining accounting systems, and providing consulting services.
What general advice would you give to an Accounting Assistant?
Abbie Daly PhD, CPA: Accounting is often referred to as the "language of business" because accountants communicate financial information. So communication is an integral part of an accountant's day. For example, auditors and tax preparers meet with their clients to understand their financial information, and accountants at organizations prepare and communicate financial information to guide strategic decisions. To facilitate these communications, accountants analyze and interpret many data points. For example, in auditing the revenue recognized by a company, an auditor would examine the underlying transactions, contracts, and supporting documentation.
Thomas Kozloski PhD, CPA, CGMA
Chair - Department of AccountingUniversity of Missouri - St Louis
Accounting And Related Services
What general advice would you give to an Accounting Assistant?
Thomas Kozloski PhD, CPA, CGMA: This is an excellent time to enter the accounting profession! Not only because technology continues to remove some of the more mechanical tasks that used to be performed by a person, but also because there is an extreme shortage of accounting-educated personnel across the country, especially those seeking to enter the profession. This fact is increasing salaries and benefits as hiring companies compete to hire new professionals.
Amber Lawson CPA
Assistant Professor of Practice in AccountingWhat general advice would you give to an Accounting Assistant?
Amber Lawson CPA: Graduates beginning their careers in accounting need to continue to be willing to learn and easy to teach. The technical skills that are taught in the classroom are incredibly important and crucial to passing the CPA exam, but much of the necessary knowledge to succeed in the industry will come from on-the-job, in-the-moment training, so learning doesn't stop when you exit the classroom! I would also emphasize, given the importance of the license, that recent graduates should position themselves to take and pass all sections of the Certified Public Accountant ("CPA") exam as soon as possible. This may mean that the first year of your career is spent juggling both working and studying for the exam, but statistics and anecdotal evidence alike support the notion that the sooner you push towards accomplishing this goal, the more likely you are to achieve it!
Dr. Mohamed Abualhaija
Associate Professor of AccountingEastern Oregon University
Business/Commerce
What general advice would you give to an Accounting Assistant?
Dr. Mohamed Abualhaija: In the corporate world, soft skills are critical, particularly for those starting careers in accounting, business, or similar fields. These skills help people deal with diverse situations at work and communicate with others more effectively. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, flexibility, and emotional intelligence are all examples of essential soft skills.
What Accounting Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mohamed Abualhaija: Accounting students and graduates possess competencies that make them highly effective and trainable in related roles. Their attention to detail and analytical skills allow them to address challenges holistically and examine the wider influence on multiple components. They also have a comprehensive knowledge of various software and technologies, which makes it easier for them to adjust to changes in the workplace and advancements in technology. Moreover, accounting graduates and students demonstrate their practical knowledge and problem-solving skills by applying academic concepts to real-world scenarios. Employers can immensely profit from their capacity to handle challenges and thrive on difficult tasks. They have a unique combination of soft skills and technical knowledge that make them especially prepared for success in different business and commerce sittings.
Jaclyn Barkow
Clinical Assistant Professor of AccountingIndiana University Northwest
Accounting Department
What type of skills will young Accounting Assistants need?
Jaclyn Barkow: In addition to the accounting skills necessary to perform the position's duties, communication, problem-solving, ability to ask questions, and adaptability are also excellent skills to hold. While the skills learned in each accounting course are vital to success, these additional skills will help to set young accountants apart from others who have limited skills in these areas.
Effective communication is so important in the accounting industry. Young accountants must be able to speak and write clearly to colleagues, superiors, and clients. Communication is not just being able to hold a conversation. Accountants must be able to discuss information in a manner that is clear and concise. Part of communication is also being able to ask the right questions and learn from the responses received. Young accountants must ask questions to guide the learning process. Part of asking questions is to learn from the process and avoid asking the same question repeatedly.
Accountants must be able to critically evaluate information and problem solve as necessary. Textbook assignments tend to be very clear on what items are needed or not needed, but such is not always the scenario in the workplace. Young accountants must be confident in their understanding of accounting concepts and critically evaluate problems presented on a case-by-case basis.
Dr. Nicholas Robinson
Director of AccountancyEastern Illinois University
EIU School of Business
What skills stand out on Accounting Assistant resumes?
Dr. Nicholas Robinson: In a general sense, the skills that are most impactful on a resume are demonstrating success when faced with a problem. This can be difficult to convey on a resume, but if you can show problems or challenges that you face, how you overcame them, and the resolution of the problem, recruiters love that more than almost anything.
Showing the ability to overcome and solve problems illustrates your skills in a practical way that will be beneficial to the company you are applying to. Every business has challenges. If you can help solve them, you are invaluable. Demonstrating a history of problem-solving will certainly make you stand out amongst the applicant pool.
What soft skills should all Accounting Assistants possess?
Dr. Nicholas Robinson: Thinking of the less than the obvious answer would be the ability to ask questions the right way. If something is unclear or you just cannot figure it out, ask a question. The key part to this is TRYING to figure it out first and understanding when you are wasting your own time not getting anywhere. People will respect that you tried before coming to them for help. Another aspect of asking questions is listening to the answer. Make sure the answer is clear, and you know where or what you are supposed to do from there. Carry a notebook or something like that to both write down the questions you have on your project and their answers. I always find it impressive when people take notes and pay attention to the answer because it happens far too often that people ask questions but never listen to the response.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Accounting Assistants?
Dr. Nicholas Robinson: Excel, excel, excel. It does not matter how much you know in Excel. There is always something more to learn, improve upon, or make more efficient. If you are coming straight out of school, you may have had a lot of exposure to Excel, but if you are not using it every day in a work-like setting, you can get slow and forget how things work. Know how to look up techniques and tools. You will spend much of your working life dealing with Excel spreadsheets, so be sure you are comfortable with them.
What skills will help Accounting Assistants earn the most?
Dr. Nicholas Robinson: Management and sales. If you can rise above your peers as a manager, you will make more. If you can drive sales, you will make more. If you enter an accounting firm and have the ability to not just do the work but can efficiently manage a team to do the work, you will be promoted to that position. Similarly, if you can attract more clients to the firm, you will become far more valuable to the firm. Your ability to create new revenue will be rewarded.
Working for a business as an internal accountant likely would not present the opportunity to drive new business. Promotion and raises will be determined by your ability to lead a team.
Charles Makar
Instructor of BusinessMisericordia University
Business Department
What soft skills should all Accounting Assistants possess?
Charles Makar: Communications skills (oral and written).
Abby Xin Liu Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorPacific Lutheran University
School of Business
What skills stand out on Accounting Assistant resumes?
Abby Xin Liu Ph.D.: Writing and communication skills were mentioned frequently by the recruiters. In addition, lots of recruiters mentioned having a good attitude for learning new things.
What soft skills should all Accounting Assistants possess?
Abby Xin Liu Ph.D.: People skills or communication skills.
Dr. Henri Akono Ph.D.
Associate Professor of AccountingUniversity of Maine Orono
Maine Business School
What hard/technical skills are most important for Accounting Assistants?
Dr. Henri Akono Ph.D.: -In today's environment, with greater usage of data big and small by companies, accountants are expected to have a better understanding of accounting analytics and a greater ability to analyze and identify patterns in data. Therefore, accounting analytics is a very important skill for accountants today.
-Just knowing excel is not enough. Being able to use software like excel QuickBooks for accounting/controllership/audit/tax-related decisions is a plus.
-In addition, being able to use visualization software like Tableau or Power BI is also a plus.
-Some type of analytics certification (Excel, general analytics, etc.) is a plus.
-However, this does not substitute for accounting-related knowledge and understanding.
What skills stand out on Accounting Assistant resumes?
Dr. George Young: Skills pertaining to software, especially software used to analyze data for reasonableness, classification non-conformity, other errors, and fraud, will always be eye-catching to employers. Students should also not overlook participation in activities that represent a contribution to the greater good. Activities like Habitat for Humanity and the local Helping Hands organizations not only convey the willingness to benefit others but also conveys the skill of getting along with others while working on a common goal.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Accounting Assistants?
Dr. George Young: Besides becoming fluent in accounting, which is the language of business, students should take every opportunity to learn more about spreadsheet software such as Excel and increase their skills in using Tableau. These types of software enable accountants to analyze, summarize, and communicate their results in an understandable manner.
Frank Longo
Assistant Professor of BusinessCentenary University
Business Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Accounting Assistants?
Frank Longo: Proficiency with emerging technology is an attention-getter. We should note that the Certified Public Accountants Exam will contain three sections by 2024, including Data Analytics, Tax Compliance and Planning, and Information System and Controls. A basic knowledge will be required in each of these, and the CPA candidate will identify one area of the above for more detailed testing. This change in knowledge requirements reflects the skills employers see as most important to hire. Using technology in any of these areas can move a candidate to the top of the hiring list. We should emphasize that the job candidate does not need to be an expert in each area, but the ability to effectively use technology in one area is important. Employers are looking for the ability to use technology in information security, business processes, information systems, IT audits, data analytics, and tax planning but not all of them.
Keep in mind that successful firms performed audits, prepared tax returns, advised clients on data security, and much more during the pandemic, and they often did so remotely. This can be expected to continue into the future.
What skills will help Accounting Assistants earn the most?
Frank Longo: Accountants are generally very well compensated in each of the areas we have discussed. The ability to combine critical soft skills, problem solving and teamwork, with almost any hard skill, including data analytics and information technology, will typically lead to higher pay. Having a CPA license or Certified Management Accountant designation can add to earnings potential. Many accountants do well financially without having either.
The bottom line or key take-a-way is that critical technological skills are required along with a personality that enables you to explain and discuss that technology to better work with teams and solve problems.
What skills stand out on Accounting Assistant resumes?
Frank Longo: The Accounting Coordinator position requires a variety of soft and hard skills. Hard skills or technical skills are expected and required to secure the position. Hard skills are becoming a minimum requirement. By demonstrating key soft skills, the candidate can move to the top of the hiring list. These skills include problem-solving, teamwork, written communications, leadership, work ethic, and oral communications. These skills have been identified as required after the onset of the pandemic. It is interesting to note that before the pandemic, essentially, the same skills were viewed as critical, but the order changed a bit. Problem-solving moved from number two to number one on the list after the pandemic began. Demonstrating these skills in a concise and specific manner greatly improves the resume.
What soft skills should all Accounting Assistants possess?
Frank Longo: The skills listed above in question number one are soft skills. They are the skills that truly differentiate the candidate. All candidates are expected to possess hard skills such as excel proficiency. It is the soft skills that get the job done. The ability to solve problems and to lead a team are the top requirements. Recent studies conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers consistently arrived at this conclusion, as did a recent Centenary University survey that included New Jersey and New York employers. These skills can be demonstrated through work experience, internships, and extra-curricular activities, including clubs and sports, which can serve as examples.
Lynne Zelenski Ph.D.
Director of Academic ServicesMichigan State University
Department of Accounting And Information Systems
What skills stand out on Accounting Assistant resumes?
Lynne Zelenski Ph.D.: Quantitative, communication, critical thinking, analysis and problem solving, organization, strong work ethic.
What soft skills should all Accounting Assistants possess?
Lynne Zelenski Ph.D.: Communication skills, both written and verbal. Accountants need to be storytellers and be able to explain and interpret accounting information to non-accountants. Employers also emphasize the importance of leading and working in teams.
Dr. Jennifer Thayer
Assistant Professor of Accounting, Socrates Award for Excellence in Teaching Recipient, Clarksville Chamber of Commerce APSU Distinguished Faculty Award for Community Service Recipient, Accounting Society at Austin Peay AdvisorAustin Peay State University
College of Business
What soft skills should all Accounting Assistants possess?
Dr. Jennifer Thayer: From speaking with employers in the industry, the number one soft skill seems to be written and spoken communication. Many current students need to hone their written communication skills to avoid "text speak" when communicating with potential employers and/or clients. Other important soft skills include problem-solving, collaboration, adaptability, and willingness to deal with failure and/or criticism. Especially in the world of COVID and ever-changing work environments, the importance of adaptability and problem-solving have only been highlighted. Since most work environments involve people working in teams, effectively collaborating with others and accepting criticism are vital skills.