Entry Level Accounting Jobs in the USA (No Experience Needed)

It can be scary to enter the accounting field, especially because most job postings require “2+ years of experience.” In actuality, though, you may get a career in accounting in the United States without any prior experience.

All you need is the appropriate strategy, abilities, and knowledge of how modern entry-level accounting operates. This book will lead you through all you need to know about entry-level accounting jobs in the US without any experience, regardless of whether you’re a new graduate, changing careers, or just interested in money.

Why Accounting Is a Great Career Path

For good reason, accounting is frequently referred to as “the language of business.” Accountants are necessary for every business, from startups to governmental organisations, in order to monitor finances, oversee budgets, and guarantee tax compliance.

Some benefits of starting a career in accounting include:

• Job security: Demand for accountants remains steady even during economic shifts.
• Career growth: You can move up from entry-level positions to senior roles like financial analyst, auditor, or controller.
• Good pay: Even at entry level, accounting jobs offer competitive salaries.
• Transferable skills: Accounting knowledge applies across industries — tech, healthcare, finance, and more.

Do You Need a Degree or Experience?

One of the biggest misconceptions about accounting is that you need years of experience or advanced degrees to start. While a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business helps, it’s not always required for entry-level positions.

If you don’t have direct experience, employers look for these alternatives:

• Internships or volunteer experience: Even unpaid work builds credibility.
• Accounting courses or certifications: Online programs in QuickBooks, Excel, or bookkeeping show initiative.
• Soft skills: Attention to detail, organization, and communication skills matter just as much as technical knowledge.

If you’re serious about breaking in, you can start with certifications like:

• QuickBooks Online Certification (great for small business roles)
• Microsoft Excel Specialist Certification
• Bookkeeping Certificate (Coursera, Udemy, etc.)

Common Entry-Level Accounting Jobs in the USA

Here are some realistic accounting roles you can apply for without prior professional experience:

1.Accounts Payable Clerk

Handles invoices, processes vendor payments, and reconciles statements. It’s a perfect first step to learn the basics of corporate finance.

2.Accounts Receivable Clerk

Manages incoming payments, tracks customer accounts, and prepares reports. Strong attention to detail is a must.

3.Bookkeeper

Often found in small businesses, bookkeepers record financial transactions and manage ledgers. This role helps you understand the full accounting cycle.

4.Payroll Assistant

Helps process employee payments and maintain payroll records. It’s great for learning compliance and HR-related finance tasks.

5.Junior Accountant

Assists senior accountants with preparing financial statements and auditing entries. Ideal for graduates looking to grow within a firm.

6.Billing Clerk

Responsible for preparing and sending invoices, verifying payments, and maintaining accurate billing records.

7.Accounting Assistant

Supports the finance department with administrative and data entry tasks, providing a good foundation for future promotion.

Companies That Hire Entry-Level Accountants

Many organizations in the USA hire candidates with little or no experience, especially for training positions. Here are a few examples:

• Big 4 Firms (Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY) – offer internships and associate roles for recent grads.
• Small & mid-sized CPA firms – often more flexible with experience requirements.
• Government offices – federal, state, and local agencies hire accounting clerks and assistants.
• Nonprofits and startups – typically value passion and reliability over long resumes.

Tip:

Apply on platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn using search terms such as “entry level accounting jobs no experience USA” or “junior accountant training.”

Essential Skills to Learn Before Applying

Even if you don’t have professional experience, you can prepare by building relevant skills that stand out in your resume and interviews.

Technical Skills:

• Basic bookkeeping principles
• Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets
• Accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks)
• Data entry and financial reporting basics

Soft Skills:

• Strong attention to detail
• Analytical thinking
• Time management
• Communication and teamwork

Many online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare offer beginner accounting courses that take less than a month to complete. Including these in your resume demonstrates initiative and readiness to learn.

Average Salaries for Entry-Level Accounting Jobs

Salaries vary depending on the city, employer, and your educational background. Here’s a rough idea based on 2025 data:

Job Title	Average Salary (USD/year)
Accounts Payable Clerk	$42,000 – $50,000
Accounting Assistant	$40,000 – $48,000
Junior Accountant	$45,000 – $55,000
Payroll Clerk	$44,000 – $52,000
Bookkeeper	$38,000 – $50,000

Major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago offer slightly higher pay, while remote roles may vary.

How to Apply (and Actually Get Noticed)

Breaking into the accounting field without experience means marketing your skills smartly. Here’s how to stand out:

1. Customize your resume – Focus on coursework, certifications, and relevant skills, not just job history.
2. Include quantifiable results – For example, “Managed budgets for student finance club worth $10,000.”
3. Write a strong cover letter – Explain your motivation to enter accounting and your commitment to learn.
4. Leverage LinkedIn – Follow accounting firms, connect with professionals, and comment on finance-related posts.
5. Apply widely – Don’t hesitate to apply to 10–20 postings a week. Persistence pays off.

Career Growth Opportunities

Once you gain 1–2 years of experience, the doors open for roles like:

• Staff Accountant
• Financial Analyst
• Tax Preparer
• Auditor
• Budget Analyst

From there, you can pursue certifications like CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) to boost your salary and career potential.

Final Thoughts

Landing an entry level accounting job with no experience in the USA isn’t impossible — it’s a stepping stone. With basic training, a solid resume, and the willingness to learn, you can get your foot in the door and start building a stable, rewarding career in finance.

Start small, stay consistent, and invest in yourself. Every great accountant once began with zero experience — the difference is they started.