Accounting assistant jobs can vary from entry level to senior accounting assistant who oversees other workers depending on the experience and education of the applicant. Most of these functions are performed under the supervision of an accountant who may prepare the reports and balance books etc. The structure may vary by agency but the entry level positions will usually be very basic procedures to learn the accounting structure and procedures of the organization.
Assistant accountant jobs will require a person with an eye to detail, strong basic math skills and logical thinking skills as well as good communication skills. The ability to find errors and deduce where they might be is a strong plus for an accounting assistant even in today’s world of software driven accounting.
Education for Accounting assistant jobs
All employers will require a high school diploma or a GED for accountant assistant jobs and preference is always given to those who have completed technical accounting assistant school or hold an associate degree in accounting. There are few accounting assistant jobs that allow entry level assistants with no education or training or experience. Most will require applicants have experience with accounting software and the basic accounting methods.
Most accounting assistant training schools can be completed in 1 – 2 years. Emphasis is placed upon basic computer skills, software used in accounting and the basic accounting principles. An associate degree in accounting can give the successful graduate an advantage when applying for accountant assistants jobs and also count toward a four year bachelor degree in accounting with many programs.
Where Accountant Assistants Work
Accountant assistant jobs are found in almost every industry. Though most accounting is done on a computer there are daily, weekly and monthly routine tasks that must be attended to. Everything from t bill paying, invoicing customers, recording receipts, or working with payroll programs might be included in assistant accountant jobs. Even some city government positions exist for the accounting assistant.
Every business from greenhouses to plumbing services has accounting and many use an accounting assistant. Other office skills may be useful for those looking for accounting assistant jobs in smaller offices where they might also have other clerical duties.
Larger firms will usually have accounting assistant jobs where the employee is dedicated to that single function.
Even non-profit organizations have accountant assistant jobs because even though they do not sell anything they must pay bills, account for expenditures and disburse funds.
How to Find Assistant Accountant Jobs
Local newspapers and word of mouth from friends is still a very valid method of finding the right job but it doesn’t always work and doesn’t always find a good job.
Internet searches can locate many more jobs and those interested in higher paying jobs, or relocating may find this an ideal way to search for accounting assistant jobs. Career job sites are good ways to find jobs in a field that interests the job seeker. If the candidate is searching for a skilled position such as assistant accountant jobs then a professional site may be more productive for them.
A career job site that specializes in job searches for accountants and accountant assistants will usually yield more prospective jobs. Job seekers can enhance their chances by carefully preparing a resume which highlights their education, hobbies or scholastic achievements that they feel would make them a strong candidate for assistant accountant jobs. A professional looking resume gives potential employers a positive outlook on the job seeker even before they contact them. Most career sites will allow registered users to post their resumes so that potential employers can locate employees on their own as well.
Many of the jobs and contact details of the employers will not be visible until the job seeker registers with the site. Registration can be helpful because many job sites offer email notification when new jobs that match the job seeker’s criteria are posted.
When searching for assistant accountant jobs in a specific area it may take a little while to produce the exact job that suits the applicant.