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Job outlook for finance assistants in the United States
Finance assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected finance assistant job growth rate is -8% from 2018-2028.
About -286,900 new jobs for finance assistants are projected over the next decade.
Finance assistant salaries have increased 12% for finance assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 65,145 finance assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 118,749 active finance assistant job openings in the US.
The average finance assistant salary is $37,926.
Are finance assistant jobs in demand?
Finance assistant job and salary trends over time
Finance assistant jobs over time
Finance assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 65,145 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 63,792 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 67,570 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 68,682 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 69,171 | 0.02% |
Average finance assistant salary over time
Finance assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $37,926 | $18.23 | +3.1% |
| 2025 | $36,794 | $17.69 | +2.9% |
| 2024 | $35,759 | $17.19 | +2.9% |
| 2023 | $34,744 | $16.70 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $33,992 | $16.34 | +2.7% |
Finance assistant jobs by state
Most common states for finance assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 224 | 32% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,852 | 27% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 180 | 24% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,916 | 23% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,288 | 23% |
| 6 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 724 | 23% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 226 | 23% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 164 | 22% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,167 | 21% |
| 10 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 124 | 21% |
| 11 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,144 | 20% |
| 12 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 389 | 20% |
| 13 | Vermont | 623,657 | 125 | 20% |
| 14 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,384 | 19% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,145 | 19% |
| 16 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 255 | 19% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 202 | 19% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 663 | 18% |
| 19 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 193 | 18% |
| 20 | New York | 19,849,399 | 3,337 | 17% |
Most common cities for finance assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cambridge | 10 | 9% | $43,706 |
| 2 | Chelmsford | 2 | 6% | $43,281 |
| 3 | Plant City | 2 | 5% | $34,492 |
| 4 | Boynton Beach | 2 | 3% | $34,602 |
| 5 | Andover | 1 | 3% | $43,096 |
| 6 | Boston | 4 | 1% | $43,774 |
| 7 | Miami | 3 | 1% | $34,667 |
| 8 | Mobile | 2 | 1% | $33,661 |
| 9 | Spokane | 2 | 1% | $38,318 |
| 10 | Tallahassee | 2 | 1% | $34,148 |
| 11 | Wichita | 2 | 1% | $28,985 |
| 12 | Alexandria | 1 | 1% | $49,038 |
| 13 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $40,462 |
| 14 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $34,679 |
| 15 | Houston | 2 | 0% | $39,049 |
| 16 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $33,374 |
| 17 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $51,611 |
Finance Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of finance assistant experts
Western Kentucky University
Muhlenberg College
Misericordia University
University of Maine Orono
Florida Atlantic University
Centenary University
Austin Peay State University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Iona College
Penn State Wilkes-Barre and World Campus
University of Texas at El Paso
Ohio University - Lancaster Campus
Florida International University
Winona State University
Bucknell University
College of Charleston
Meredith College
Western Carolina University
New Jersey City University
Stacy Bibelhauser Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorWestern Kentucky University
Accounting And Related Services
What Finance Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stacy Bibelhauser Ph.D.: Do your very best on every task you are asked to do and do not act as if a task is beneath you. You do not know who is watching, and your attitude and work ethic on each and every job will be noticed by those who are around you.
What will help Finance Assistants increase their earning potential?
Ermira Mazziotta MBA, CPA, CFE: Accounting students are in a very good position to land well paying jobs because of the demand. Most important advice I would give is to continue to learn and grow and invest in your professional growth by taking classes, working on different clients from different industries and most importantly network. If you have an option to work in the office, do that instead of working remotely. Making those face to face connections will help propel and grow your career.
Charles Makar
Instructor of BusinessMisericordia University
Business Department
What soft skills should all Finance Assistants possess?
Charles Makar: Communications skills (oral and written).
Dr. Henri Akono Ph.D.
Associate Professor of AccountingUniversity of Maine Orono
Maine Business School
What hard/technical skills are most important for Finance 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 will help Finance Assistants earn the most?
Dr. Henri Akono Ph.D.: -Most accounting jobs pay really well, and there is demand.
-So, having knowledge and understanding of accounting analytics is definitely very important, but companies still operate and have a need for traditional accountants.
In summary:
Accountants need to demonstrate knowledge of their area of interest, ability to solve problems in their area of interest, ability to use analytics for accounting-related purposes and decisions, ability to communicate both orally and in writing, ability to work and contribute to team success, commitment to meeting deadlines, and ability to perform tasks under pressure or time constraints.
What skills stand out on Finance 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.
Frank Longo
Assistant Professor of BusinessCentenary University
Business Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Finance 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.
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 Finance 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.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Finance Assistants?
Dr. Jennifer Thayer: In addition to general accounting knowledge, critical thinking, data analytics, and advanced Microsoft Excel abilities are some of the most important skills. Clearly, having a solid foundation in general accounting knowledge is necessary to be a candidate for a job in the accounting field. However, possessing the ability to critically think and analyze data and use Microsoft Excel beyond the basics, such as pivot tables, will only improve a candidate's chances.
What technical skills for a Finance Assistant stand out to employers?
Zev Fried Ph.D.: For accountants, the same skills that were always needed such as proficiency with numbers, use of different types of computer software, and problem identification and solving are still needed. Emerging from the pandemic, there are also added skills such as the ability to work remotely and collaborate and share your work that will be important to employers.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Finance Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Andrew Griffith: With or without the pandemic, the most dominant trend in the accounting field is the need to continually upgrade one's skills and knowledge base. For several years, accounting has found ways to incorporate technology to automate routine tasks. The pandemic has been a catalyst to accelerate this evolution. This means that those who do not stay current will find their employment opportunities diminishing as their time in the workforce progresses. Those who can develop the skills and knowledge to be and remain at the front of their field's trends will have the most employment opportunities during their time in the workforce.
As I often tell my students, the days of simply having one degree and being done for life are long gone. Assuming the trends in educational attainment across the nation continue as they have since 1991, a bachelor's degree is no longer sufficient for those in the workforce. In every field, one will need at least one master's degree to remain viable in the workforce during the next 30 or more years. In fact, I've noticed a trend in the workforce where people have multiple master's degrees and some even have multiple research and professional doctorate degrees, albeit a much smaller percentage of the workforce than those that have not gone beyond the master's degree level.
Lori Dunn CPA
LecturerPenn State Wilkes-Barre and World Campus
Department of Business Administration and Accounting
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Finance Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Lori Dunn CPA: The largest trend in the job market for accounting careers is remote working. Professionals have already seen this transition even for entry level positions. Many interviews and onboarding are occurring remotely as well as most accounting tasks in a position. We may see this continue to be the trend even after the pandemic levels off. As indicated in the Robert Half Accounting and Finance Salary Guide 2021, the top skills that are going to be expected of professionals in accounting as a result of the pandemic include: technology skills in cloud based systems as well as data analytics, soft skills including working independently, exhibiting creativity, strong writing and verbal communication skills as well as the ability to be a team player virtually. Although all of these skills have been necessary, the pandemic has brought them to the forefront when hiring accounting talent.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Finance Assistants?
David Folsom Ph.D.: I believe the CPA certification is still the "gold standard" for the accounting profession. Being a licensed CPA will give new accountants the most current and future career opportunities. I recommend new graduates have a clear plan on how they will achieve this certification post-graduation. Many large accounting firms will not seriously consider candidates without a clear path to becoming a CPA. Completing at least a section of the CPA test very quickly after graduation is evidence of this commitment.
The CMA certification is also very helpful in the job market, particularly for non-public accounting job prospects. Any accounting-based certifications (e.g., internal audit, forensic accounting, etc.) will help candidates distinguish themselves from their peers. However, a CPA license will provide the most opportunities as a standalone license. Having additional certifications beyond a CPA will only enhance a candidate's job prospects.
Brandy Bailey
Career CoachOhio University - Lancaster Campus
Student Services, Career Services
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Finance Assistants?
Brandy Bailey: Take a look at the job description for which you are applying, what certifications/licenses/courses do they list? If you personally have any of them that are included in the job description, be sure to include them on your resume. Tailoring your resume, including your skills and experiences, to the job description will have the biggest impact on your job prospects. If you have taken a course that the employer deems as necessary to be able to perform the job, list it on your resume and talk about it during your interview. If you are not quite ready to graduate and apply for jobs, you may still have some time to squeeze in a course or experience that will meet the qualifications of a job that you are interested in applying for in the future. Do your research and tailor your resume and experiences to the job you are applying for to increase your job prospects.
What's a day at work look like for a Finance Assistant?
Jose Aldrich: -Wake-up and turn on your computer to review the tasks waiting for them that day.
-Detailed work assigned by their immediate boss.
-Listening and learning at meetings whether in person or remote.
-Asking a lot of questions
-Developing a network of colleagues you can rely on when some help is needed.
-Contributing to the success of a project by detail work or providing ideas and input.
What technical skills for a Finance Assistant stand out to employers?
Jodi Olson: Accountants serve many industries and sectors, so a broad range of technical skills is required to be ready to meet the needs of employers. Graduates must be technically competent in areas such as accounting information systems, tax preparation, auditing, managerial/cost accounting, financial reporting, and financial statement analysis. Also, graduates are expected to have general business acumen in areas such as management information systems, business law, operations, strategic management, and ethics. All these skills are important for graduates, but the pandemic has made the accounting systems and management information systems skills operative in allowing graduates to deliver their other areas of technical expertise.
What skills stand out on Finance Assistant resumes?
Curtis Nicholls Ph.D.: The obvious trends are going to become more pronounced: coding and technology-related skills. I think we are going to see an elevation in the coding expectations. In the future, I expect employers to begin providing coding assessments to potential candidates. This is a common feature of engineering and finance jobs, and I think we will see it with respect to claims about coding prowess.
Data skills will also continue to become more prevalent across all business disciplines. Employers are looking for experience with large data sets, data visualization software (e.g. Tableau, PowerBI, Alteryx, etc.) and statistical analysis. Data has become a major currency, and employees' ability to utilize data for decision making will be critical to success in the employment marketplace.
Beyond the obvious, I think the pandemic has also shifted focus to skills surrounding resilience and motivation. I've heard employers during the pandemic express surprise at the disparity of responses to the pandemic: some employees made the pivot to remote work seamlessly, others required significantly more support. Skills that demonstrate resilience, such as group work, honors programs, etc. will become more important.
I would encourage job seekers to highlight skills learned during the pandemic. I would anticipate a regular interview question inquiring about how the job seeker used their extra time during the pandemic. The most common answers will likely include lots of Queen's Gambit and Tiger King, but employers will look for answers surrounding the development of new skills or acquired certifications. Imagine the employer's thoughts when you suggest that you used the extra time to pursue a lifelong dream such as learning to play the piano or guitar. If you missed the early pandemic window of opportunity, take advantage now!
This line of questions may precede a dangerous trend for employers to look for indications of mental strength. I find this possibility disheartening as we could see employers screening employees with mental health challenges at a time when the solidarity of a job could provide much needed structure.
What experience really stands out on Finance Assistant resumes?
Jacob Craig Ph.D.: I believe strongly in dexterity and a language of expertise. That means that if a student can show they can adapt to new demands by learning a new way of working, learning about a new audience, learning how to address a new purpose, learning a new genre or style, and learning a new technology, that employee attractive. Especially at the entry-level, the ability to learn and adapt is valuable. Being able to talk about their experience using a persuasive vocabulary is often useful. For instance, if students can describe their approach to communication without using cliches (short and sweet, clear) and something along the lines of purpose, audience, situation, genre, medium--that's persuasive.
What type of skills will young Finance Assistants need?
Angela Robbins Ph.D.: History majors are in high demand in government, business, and non-profits because of the knowledge and skills they gain in the classroom. History majors, in particular, are especially good at contextualizing-that is, explaining how an event or discussion fits within the big picture. This includes how things that are going on today-such as the Capitol riot on January 6-connects to the Constitution, the balance of powers, the way democracy works, and related issues such as the implications of propaganda and misinformation. This goes well beyond merely expressing an opinion or debating two sides of an issue. Students of history do their research and practice skills of analysis, collecting and scrutinizing evidence rather than taking something at face value or only relying on a single source. We take sources apart to evaluate the credentials of their creators and search for bias. We examine sources from various creators so we take into account multiple experiences and points of view. Then we synthesize-or bring the sources together-in order to communicate what it all means. These skills are desired by employers and translate well into many careers and work environments. Seeking good evidence to answer questions and solve problems, whether that's in the classroom today or working with clients later, is a skill that employers highly value.
Students are practicing other skills that are necessary to success in the workplace, whether that will be in person or online. Time management, seeing a project through from start to finish, hosting and contributing to meetings, working on a team-whether it's two people or ten-and creating appropriate types of presentations to communicate ideas are all things our students can tell their employers they will come in with so they can hit the ground running. In addition, our majors develop self-awareness, empathy, and an appreciation of diverse opinions and approaches to problems through investigation of the life experiences of historical figures and their classroom discussions with classmates. Certainly, every employer wants you to learn the specifics within their sector, but these skills are fairly universal and will benefit majors as they move from the classroom to career.
Dr. N.Leroy Kauffman Ph.D.
Professor of AccountingWestern Carolina University
College of Business
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Finance Assistants in the next 5 years?
Dr. N.Leroy Kauffman Ph.D.: I don't foresee a reduction in demand for accounting graduates over the next five years. We are finding that the tools and skillsets that employers want are changing a bit. Employers are no longer looking for entry-level data employees. They are looking for graduates who know the basics well, know basic software applications, and can contribute "right out of the gate." The changes being experienced in the profession, with a significant shift to working remotely, have created several new challenges for accounting, particularly auditing, is done.
Direct observation becomes more challenging, and the nature of some business transactions is changing. More recently, in some cases, the pandemic has raised business continuity and has challenged the extended-standing models used to assess growing concern considerations. CPA firms are being required to use more professional judgment and evaluation of form and substance of transactions.
How do you envision technology impacting Finance Assistants in the next 5 years?
Nava Cohen Ph.D.: The accounting industry is undeniably evolving with the rise of technology. Cloud-based work, automation, big data, machine learning, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, and blockchain, to name a few, are changing the technological work environment and will likely have long-lasting impacts on the accounting profession.
Future accounting jobs will become available and require dedicated people who are ready to evolve alongside this change.
Although it may seem new, many companies are already using basic automated accounting processes. Audits, tax preparation, banking, and payroll are fully automatic facets of accounting. If you're scared of automation replacing your role, don't be! Technological systems will take on the time-consuming jobs, leaving the analytical tasks to people. Major software vendors, such as Intuit or Sage, offer automated data entry using AI and machine learning technologies in company bookkeeping. Another example is the utilization of robotic process automation (RPA) to reduce processing times for audits and contracts down to weeks instead of months.
Advances in technology are taking accounting to new levels. The future of the accounting profession is looking cloud-based. Companies will keep investing in cloud-based accounting and online client portals in the future. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this transition. The cloud allows instant access to data and allows the continual updating of information. Cloud computing is experiencing rapid growth as new intelligent technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, are integrated into the cloud. As more companies move their information to cloud-based systems, accountants need to become proficient in leveraging the cloud to offer clients up-to-date financial analysis and stay competitive. The future of the accounting profession is looking decidedly cloud-based.
Another trend impacting the future of accounting jobs is blockchain technology. Blockchain has gained popularity with bitcoin and has progressed significantly. The blockchain technology enables users to access ledgers in real-time, as well as record transactions. The accounting ledger can be continuously updated and verified without the threat of being altered or corrupted. Because of this, the blockchain has been very attractive for accounting professionals.
With the advances made in the technology sector, there is less focus on data entry tasks and more emphasis on accountants' strategic role in long-term planning. Accountants will expand beyond their traditional role to help clients drive their long-term business strategy, making sense of complex financial infrastructure. Companies can benefit by taking advice from their CPA when they're experiencing problems like the current pandemic.
I believe that the more we embed technology in accounting graduates' education, the more they will be prepared for the accounting profession's future. At NJCU, we incorporated data analytics into our Accounting curriculum two years ago.