Accounting Assistant: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What Does an Accounting Assistant do?

Accounting assistants provide support by managing bookkeeping tasks, entering financial data, and reviewing statements for accuracy. They also assist with clerical duties like scanning documents, taking notes, and maintaining filing systems.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Accounting Assistants in the Accounting field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

Financial Record Maintenance

• Organizes and maintains accurate financial records
• Assists with data entry and reconciliations

Report Preparation

• Helps prepare financial statements and reports
• Reviews documents for accuracy and completeness

Clerical Support

• Performs clerical duties like scanning and filing
• Assists with general office tasks as needed

How to Become an Accounting Assistant

Launching a career as an Accounting Assistant requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Basic understanding of accounting principles
• Entry-level experience in finance or administration

Requirements & Skills

• Certification such as CPA is advantageous but not required.
• Ability to apply analytical skills in managing financial documents.
• High ethical standards and professionalism in handling confidential information.
• Adaptability to learn new software or processes quickly.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team.

Accounting Assistant Salary Guide

Wondering what Accounting Assistants earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for an Accounting Assistant in the U.S. is approximately $44,800 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Accounting Assistants may receive a wide range of benefits.

Accounting Assistant Salary Career Steps

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$56,000
Senior	11+ years	$49,280
Experienced	6-10 years	$44,800
Mid Level	3-5 years	$40,320
Entry Level	0-2 years	$33,600

How to Advance Your Career

Accounting Assistants typically begin their careers with a high school diploma, although many employers prefer candidates who have completed some post-secondary education in accounting or a related field. They may also start with certifications like the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation or coursework in bookkeeping and accounting software.

Starting in entry-level positions, Accounting Assistants learn the basics of financial record-keeping, including managing invoices, processing payments, and reconciling accounts. With experience and continued education, they can advance to roles such as Senior Accounting Assistant, where they handle more complex financial tasks and may supervise other clerical staff.

Further advancement could lead to positions such as Accountant or Accounting Manager, especially with the completion of further education like a bachelor’s degree in accounting or obtaining professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Continuous professional development, including staying updated on changes in accounting practices and software, is crucial for career progression in this field.

Typical Work Environment

Accounting Assistants work primarily in office settings across various industries, including public accounting firms, corporate accounting departments, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Their work environment is typically quiet and structured, allowing for focused attention on detailed financial tasks.

The role involves regular use of computers and accounting software to enter data, create reports, and manage financial documents. Accounting Assistants may also interact with other departments to gather information, verify records, or assist with budget preparation.

Work hours for Accounting Assistants are usually full-time during regular business hours, though some may experience overtime during periods such as tax season or the end of the fiscal year when additional hours are needed to meet deadlines. The position requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and proficiency in managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

While the work can be demanding, especially during busy periods, Accounting Assistants find satisfaction in supporting the financial operations of their organizations and contributing to the overall financial health and efficiency of their teams.