Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for senior accounting associates in the United States
Senior accounting associate job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected senior accounting associate job growth rate is -5% from 2018-2028.
About -77,200 new jobs for senior accounting associates are projected over the next decade.
Senior accounting associate salaries have increased 10% for senior accounting associates in the last 5 years.
There are over 340,624 senior accounting associates currently employed in the United States.
There are 45,846 active senior accounting associate job openings in the US.
The average senior accounting associate salary is $105,152.
Are senior accounting associate jobs in demand?
Senior accounting associate job and salary trends over time
Senior accounting associate jobs over time
Senior accounting associate job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 340,624 | 0.10% |
| 2020 | 326,521 | 0.10% |
| 2019 | 337,579 | 0.10% |
| 2018 | 335,944 | 0.10% |
| 2017 | 332,523 | 0.10% |
Average senior accounting associate salary over time
Senior accounting associate salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $105,152 | $50.55 | +2.9% |
| 2025 | $102,226 | $49.15 | +2.5% |
| 2024 | $99,771 | $47.97 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $97,292 | $46.77 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $95,184 | $45.76 | +3.1% |
Senior accounting associate jobs by state
Most common states for senior accounting associates
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 186 | 27% |
| 2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 121 | 12% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 103 | 11% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 694 | 10% |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 575 | 10% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 510 | 9% |
| 7 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 513 | 8% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 315 | 8% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 146 | 8% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 113 | 8% |
| 11 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 81 | 8% |
| 12 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,731 | 7% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 879 | 7% |
| 14 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 596 | 7% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 266 | 7% |
| 16 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 225 | 7% |
| 17 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 218 | 7% |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 706 | 6% |
| 19 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 453 | 6% |
| 20 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 418 | 6% |
Most common cities for senior accounting associates
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dedham | 1 | 4% | $99,050 |
| 2 | Brentwood | 1 | 2% | $70,624 |
| 3 | Boston | 5 | 1% | $99,062 |
| 4 | San Francisco | 5 | 1% | $114,026 |
| 5 | Tampa | 4 | 1% | $69,355 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $85,915 |
| 7 | Saint Louis | 3 | 1% | $64,458 |
| 8 | Des Moines | 2 | 1% | $64,860 |
| 9 | Orlando | 2 | 1% | $69,144 |
| 10 | Richmond | 2 | 1% | $101,806 |
| 11 | Syracuse | 2 | 1% | $85,453 |
| 12 | Chicago | 9 | 0% | $72,108 |
| 13 | Los Angeles | 4 | 0% | $98,982 |
| 14 | New York | 3 | 0% | $87,096 |
| 15 | Dallas | 2 | 0% | $72,587 |
| 16 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $64,625 |
| 17 | Detroit | 2 | 0% | $79,243 |
| 18 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $76,736 |
| 19 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $73,999 |
| 20 | Fort Worth | 1 | 0% | $72,834 |
Senior Accounting Associate job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of senior accounting associate experts
Washington and Lee University
Loyola University Chicago
Virginia Commonwealth University
Bucknell University
University of New Orleans
Skyline College
Muhlenberg College
Eastern Oregon University
University of California, Riverside
Eastern Illinois University
Misericordia University
Pacific Lutheran University
University of Arkansas
Southern Utah University
What will help Senior Accounting Associates increase their earning potential?
Patty Goedl PhD: There are several things you can do to maximize your salary potential when you are starting your career. The first would be participating in a meaningful co-op education or internship experience in school. If these opportunities are not available, talk to a recruiter in your field about part-time opportunities while in school or other opportunities when you graduate. Additionally, try to distinguish yourself from your classmates. Some examples of things you can do are maintain a high GPA, participate in student groups, volunteer in your community, or pursue online badges or certifications in your field. For example, the University of Cincinnati's two-year accounting degree program has two industry-recognized certification exams embedded into the academic curriculum—Certified QuickBooks User and Certified Bookkeeping Professional. Our students have the opportunity to graduate with an associate degree and two industry-recognized professional certifications. Professional certifications or other badges are an excellent way for students to maximize their salary potential when starting their careers. Many options for courses, certifications, and badge programs are available online since they are not included in most academic degree programs.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Accounting Associate?
Dr. Dina El Mahdy Ph.D., CFE: I would advise a graduate starting their career in the field to balance work and life, continue learning every day, and appreciate feedback and comments because they contribute to improvement. Additionally, make sure to set long-term goals and work towards achieving them, such as staying in the public accounting career until you reach the partner level.
What will help Senior Accounting Associates increase their earning potential?
Dr. Dina El Mahdy Ph.D., CFE: Surprisingly, the important and most prevalent skills in the field over the next 3-5 years are soft skills such as an analytical mindset, communication (both orally and in writing), skepticism, independence, ethics, and integrity. Furthermore, familiarity with data analytics tools and software not only improves your work productivity but also helps you build expertise in the field. All these qualities can make a great accountant who can significantly impact the capital market by helping to protect investors and enhancing the usefulness of accounting information for various stakeholders.
Colin Reid
Associate Professor of AccountingWashington and Lee University
Accounting And Related Services
What will help Senior Accounting Associates increase their earning potential?
Colin Reid: I would encourage graduates to continue to see the early portion of their career as a continued learning experience. Graduates often think that once we have graduated that the learning is over and the work begins. In fields like accounting, you really need to continue to learn and develop expertise over time. This learning should not only include building technical expertise but also include reflection on what part of the work that you enjoy. We can use this to guide our careers moving forward. The other piece of advice I would offer is consistency. Be consistent. A career is much longer than college or any other challenge you have faced. In order to be consistent though, we have to set a pace for ourselves that is reasonable.
Dr. KC Rakow Ph.D., CPA
Associate Professor of AccountingLoyola University Chicago
Business/Managerial Economics
What Senior Accounting Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. KC Rakow Ph.D., CPA: To maximize salary potential when starting a career in Accounting, individuals should focus on obtaining relevant certifications, gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions, negotiating their salary based on market research, and continuously improving their skills and knowledge.
What will help Senior Accounting Associates increase their earning potential?
Dr. KC Rakow Ph.D., CPA: In the next 3-5 years, skills such as data analysis, technology proficiency, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication will become more important and prevalent in the field of Accounting.
Prof James Holland
Professor of AccountingVirginia Commonwealth University
Accounting And Related Services
What will help Senior Accounting Associates 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 a Senior Accounting Associate?
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 Senior Accounting Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
James Lawson: I would encourage students to approach the new job with an attitude of engagement. Engaging with your teammates, clients, and job responsibilities will help you stand out from the beginning.
What will help Senior Accounting Associates increase their earning potential?
James Lawson: The ability to leverage AI (artificial intelligence). There is a lot of discussion regarding the impact of AI on society, but AI is another tool that accountants can use to complete their tasks and add value to their client relationships.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Accounting Associate?
Cynthia Bolt-Lee: At the beginning of your accounting career, you’ll find there is a lot to learn and therefore an open-minded approach involving active listening, asking solid questions, doing research at night, and approaching each day with professionalism will go far. Accounting is a wide-open career path, and while one day may be spent with a client on-site, the next day might require data analysis or research skills to apply appropriate accounting standards. Being a learner with a growth mindset will be crucial; adhering to ethical standards and ensuring integrity is at the forefront of each engagement will also go far. Communication, time management, attention to detail…all the things an individual learns during college will be invaluable at the beginning and throughout your career.
What will help Senior Accounting Associates increase their earning potential?
Dr. Amber Lawson CPA: Accounting isn't a fair-weather profession. There will always be the need for individuals with financial accounting or tax accounting knowledge, making it a great profession to enter now or always! Specifically, now, with the continued advancement in technology across all industries, accounting is a good career to pursue if you'd like to be a part of the exciting and changing environment. Although an accountant's role will never be obsolete, it will certainly continue to change and those who get in on that action now will be instrumental in what the profession will look like five years from now.
Amanuel Tadesse Ph.D., CISA
Associate ProfessorUniversity of New Orleans
Accounting And Related Services
What Senior Accounting Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amanuel Tadesse Ph.D., CISA: I think Excel spreadsheet skills will remain to be important due to the simplicity, ubiquity, and heavy usage of the tool among senior accounting professionals and the continuous integration of new capabilities to manage, analyze, and visualize data with Excel. I imagine that Data analytic tools such as Alteryx, Tableau, and Power BI will also be essential skills. Critical thinking, analytical thinking, communication skills, and continuous learning/ self-learning skills can help graduates keep up with changes in technology. Finally, learning how to work with artificial intelligence (AI) will be invaluable as most professions will be impacted by AI. The ability of the human to detect when the AI has made mistakes will depend on their domain knowledge, their ability to detect data input quality issues, and analytic mindset to determine the reasonableness of the output provided by the AI.
What will help Senior Accounting Associates increase their earning potential?
Amanuel Tadesse Ph.D., CISA: I advise new grads to be humble, take notes, read up and prepare to show their employer that they take direction well. I also advise new graduates to sit for the CPA or another relevant professional certification exams as soon as possible once they become eligible to take the exam, even if they don't have the requisite number of credits to become certified. This will help graduates to review and catch up on the core accounting knowledge / concepts.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Accounting Associate?
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.
Tony Viertel
Accounting Dept. CoordinatorSkyline College
Accounting And Related Services
What Senior Accounting Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tony Viertel: Stability and demand: Accounting is a fundamental function for businesses across
industries. There will always be a demand for skilled accountants to manage financial
records, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide strategic financial advice.
Diverse career opportunities: Accountants can work in various sectors such as public
accounting, corporate accounting, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and
academia. This diversity allows for flexibility and the opportunity to explore different
career paths.
Professional growth: The accounting profession offers numerous opportunities for
advancement, including obtaining certifications such as Certified Public Accountant
(CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
These certifications can open doors to higher-paying positions and increased
responsibilities.
Intellectual Challenge: Accounting involves problem-solving, analysis, and interpretation
of financial data. It requires critical thinking skills and attention to detail.
What will help Senior Accounting Associates 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.
Amber Lawson CPA
Assistant Professor of Practice in AccountingWhat Senior Accounting Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amber Lawson CPA: First and foremost, meeting the necessary requirements for your CPA license is crucial for maximizing your salary potential in any field of accounting. Becoming a CPA not only elevates your earning potential within your starting position, but also creates mobility should you choose to shift your career path. The license signals that you are truly a professional and is a recognizable badge of excellence and the effort you expended to achieve it. Additionally, regardless of where you start your accounting career, become an expert. Whether that is within a particular industry or in regards to a particular methodology, learn whatever you can. Again, this allows you to not only elevate yourself in your existing role, but gives you more value (in tandem with your CPA license) as a professional should you choose to change.
What will help Senior Accounting Associates increase their earning potential?
Amber Lawson CPA: Two skill sets that are going to continue to gain importance in the field in the next 3-5 years will be the knowledge of and openness to using artificial intelligence and data analytics tools and a well-honed set of soft skills. While those two things may seem counterintuitive, they each will have their place in the industry. Undeniably, technological advancement will continue to change the approach to data-driven fields, like accounting. Being positioned to harness that technology to create efficiency in combination with your technical knowledge will propel you in your career and allow you to adapt to those changes. In regards to soft-skills, as we see more of the "data processing" aspect of the field being completed with efficient forms of technology, the job of the professional will need to change. Accountants, in particular, will need to fulfill a trusted business advisor role more so than a data input role. Being able to think critically, communicate efficiently, evoke confidence and collaboration among your teams and your clients, and just generally "humanize" the financial information industry will be crucial for being successful in the long term.
Dr. Mohamed Abualhaija
Associate Professor of AccountingEastern Oregon University
Business/Commerce
What general advice would you give to a Senior Accounting Associate?
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.
Eric Allen
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of California, Riverside
Accounting And Related Services
What will help Senior Accounting Associates increase their earning potential?
Eric Allen: It really depends on the type of employer you're working for. If you're working for a public accounting firm you'll most likely start as a staff auditor or staff tax preparer. In both roles you'll be responsible for reviewing client information and organizing it in a way that allows the firm to conduct an audit or prepare a tax return. In an audit role you'll often be asked to go observe and document certain aspects of a client's operations. In a tax role you may be responsible for taking the initial pass through a tax return and do research into specific tax positions.
ALternatively, if you're an accountant for a private company you'll most likely be assigned to a specific sector such as payroll, accounts payable or budgeting, and be responsible for recording transactions in that area and preparing reports that your managers can use to make decisions.
Dr. Nicholas Robinson
Director of AccountancyEastern Illinois University
EIU School of Business
What skills stand out on Senior Accounting Associate 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 Senior Accounting Associates 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 Senior Accounting Associates?
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 Senior Accounting Associates 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 Senior Accounting Associates possess?
Charles Makar: Communications skills (oral and written).
What skills will help Senior Accounting Associates earn the most?
Charles Makar: Auditing and tax preparation skills.
Abby Xin Liu Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorPacific Lutheran University
School of Business
What skills will help Senior Accounting Associates earn the most?
Abby Xin Liu Ph.D.: Generally, having professional licenses is related to a higher salary level.
Kris Allee Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Doyle Z. Williams Chair in Professional AccountingUniversity of Arkansas
Accounting Department
What skills stand out on Senior Accounting Associate resumes?
Kris Allee Ph.D.: Generally, prior experience working with US GAAP for financial reporting purposes, knowledge of regulatory standards, and the ability to reconcile accounts are necessary. Most successful candidates would likely be CPAs and have several years of work experience, sufficient general business knowledge, and have some degree of software proficiency. Abilities such as data analysis and critical thinking would be key as well. Some employers prefer accounting manager candidates who hold a master's degree to signify the level of skills and knowledge they have acquired.
What soft skills should all Senior Accounting Associates possess?
Kris Allee Ph.D.: Given an accounting manager assumes a leadership position at the firm, the ability to lead effectively, communicate well, and organize and manage projects would be the most important soft skills necessary.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Senior Accounting Associates?
Kris Allee Ph.D.: Knowledge of US GAAP and applicable regulatory standards. Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet applications as well as specialized accounting software as needed.
What skills will help Senior Accounting Associates earn the most?
Kris Allee Ph.D.: Certainly, passing the CPA exam is a must, as it is considered a necessary condition for advancement. Passing the exam also helps certify the minimum level of skills the person may possess. Financial analysis skills are also highly valued and hard to find in the average staff accountant. These skills traditionally would include computing, quantitative analysis, and understanding forecasting techniques and limitations. Finally, communication skills and the ability to effectively manage expectations and projects are what make an accountant indispensable and valuable to a firm.
Robin Boneck
Department Chair/Professor,Southern Utah University
Accounting Department
What skills stand out on Senior Accounting Associate resumes?
Robin Boneck: Skills with ERP software and data analytics software would stand out to me.
What soft skills should all Senior Accounting Associates possess?
Robin Boneck: Communication is at the top of the list. You have to be very clear in what information you need and, on the other hand, be able to summarize and share the results of your analysis.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Senior Accounting Associates?
Robin Boneck: You have to have mastered financial accounting principles. The larger the company, the more complex the accounting will be. The second is the ability to work with data (clean, manipulate it, and present it).
What skills will help Senior Accounting Associates earn the most?
Robin Boneck: Data analysis and experience with related software.