What is an accounting associate and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Stephen Moehrle Ph.D.,

Jodi Olson

An accounting associate performs accounting tasks for a company. They maintain financial records, prepare reports, and ensure compliance. An accounting associate may also assist with budgeting, forecasting, and auditing. They typically work in an office setting and use accounting software, spreadsheets, and other tools to complete their tasks. Success in this role requires attention to detail and analytical skills. An accounting associate may also communicate with other internal departments or external stakeholders.

What general advice would you give to an accounting associate?

Stephen Moehrle Ph.D.

Professor and Chairman of Accounting, University of Missouri - St. Louis

It was a great time to be entering the accounting industry, before the pandemic. Our students were serving in internships in huge numbers and our graduates were enjoying 100% placement, usually with multiple offers. The entry-level professionals were entering a profession marked by emerging and evolving technologies that made even the entry-level duties especially interesting. Further, our tech-comfortable young professionals were experiencing quick advancement because of their ability to employ the new technologies.

Most of the above remains true so the only open question is job availability. It would be unrealistic to say things are great. However, it seems that job prospects for accounting majors will be better than for those of virtually every other entry-level profession during difficult times. I have been speaking with firm leaders across the spectrum of firms and most do intend to be on campus in the fall recruiting season. Of course, they have a lot of time to learn more about the economy over the next few months, but we are cautiously optimistic. Again, I am confident that whatever the state of job availability for young CPAs-to-be, prospects will be better for accounting graduates than virtually any other profession.

They will be entering the profession at a fascinating moment in time. Of course, the technological advances assure this regardless of economic conditions. However, there are business disruption-related issues that will provide rich opportunities for making a difference. For example, audit staff will be working with clients to see them through these troubling times. Lamentably, I fear that these young professionals will learn more about the going concern determination than they desire to know. Tax staff will help clients to optimally use the tax loss carrybacks and carryforwards that are arising by the day. Entry level professionals in corporate accounting will get a day-to-day front row seat in business management through crisis. While lamentable times, these are times when young professionals can make a difference that saves jobs.

ScoreAccounting AssociateUS Average

Salary

3.9

Avg. Salary $50,537

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.0

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.63%

Asian 6.54%

Black or African American 6.76%

Hispanic or Latino 14.38%

Unknown 3.96%

White 67.72%

Gender

female 73.50%

male 26.50%

Age - 53

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 53

Stress level

6.0

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.4

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.3

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an accounting associate?

Pros

High demand for skilled accounting professionals
Competitive salary and benefits package
Potential to work remotely or have flexible hours
Work-life balance is often encouraged
Ability to work independently or as part of a team

Cons

Monotonous tasks such as data entry can be tedious
Long hours during peak periods such as tax season
Can be stressful due to the importance of financial accuracy
Limited social interaction with colleagues or clients
Limited opportunities for travel or working abroad

Key steps to become an accounting associate

Explore accounting associate education requirements

Most common accounting associate degrees

Bachelor's

59.9 %

Associate

22.6 %

Master's

7.4 %

Start to develop specific accounting associate skills

Skills	Percentages
Reconciliations	11.28%
Customer Service	10.41%
Data Entry	7.54%
Account Reconciliations	4.34%
General Ledger Accounts	4.24%

Complete relevant accounting associate training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New accounting associates learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an accounting associate based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real accounting associate resumes.

Gain additional accounting associate certifications

Accounting associate certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific accounting associate certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for accounting associates include Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

More About Certifications

Research accounting associate duties and responsibilities

Manage revenue ledger including other subsidiary ledgers and responsible for the reconciliation of various income accounts to ensure accuracy of postings.
Reconcile bank statements and prepare company's financial data to be process by outside CPA for tax season.
Assist the firm's CPA in yearly personal and corporate income tax returns, business valuations and audits.
Reconcile cash receipts to the general ledger (lock-boxes, checks, wire transfers, and ACH payments).

Prepare your accounting associate resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your accounting associate resume.

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Choose from 10+ customizable accounting associate resume templates

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