Entry-level finance and accounting jobs: 10 roles explained
Roles that keep the books, check the numbers and pay the bills. 10 starting roles in finance and accounting, with what each one does and the skills it takes.
Finance and accounting roles
- Accounting Clerk
0 open now
An accounting clerk records the company's money coming in and going out, matches invoices and payments and keeps the books accurate.
Skills: Bookkeeping basics, Accounting software (QuickBooks, NetSuite or similar), Excel, Accuracy
- Accounts Payable Specialist
0 open now
Accounts payable pays the company's bills: checking invoices against orders, coding them to the right account and scheduling payment on time.
Skills: Attention to detail, Excel, ERP or accounting software, Three-way matching
- Accounts Receivable Specialist
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Accounts receivable collects the money customers owe: sending invoices, applying payments and following up politely on late ones.
Skills: Accounting software, Excel, Customer communication, Persistence
- Payroll Specialist
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A payroll specialist makes sure employees are paid correctly and on time: hours, deductions, taxes and corrections.
Skills: Payroll software (ADP, Paycom or similar), Attention to detail, Confidentiality, Excel
- Staff Accountant
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A staff accountant prepares journal entries, reconciles accounts and supports month-end close. Most require an accounting or related degree; some accept coursework plus bookkeeping experience.
Skills: Accounting principles (GAAP), Excel, ERP software, Reconciliation
- Tax Associate
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A tax associate prepares and reviews tax returns and research for individuals or businesses, often at an accounting firm with a busy season.
Skills: Tax software, Accounting basics, Research, Accuracy
- Financial Analyst
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A financial analyst studies a company's numbers: budgets, forecasts and results compared with plan. The entry version builds models and reports for a manager to use.
Skills: Excel and modeling, Accounting basics, Presentation of numbers, SQL or BI tools
- Credit Analyst
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A credit analyst decides how risky it is to lend to a person or business by reading financial statements and credit reports and writing a recommendation.
Skills: Financial statement analysis, Excel, Writing, Judgment
- Investment or Research Analyst (entry level)
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An entry-level investment analyst researches companies, markets or funds and builds the models and summaries that senior people use to decide.
Skills: Valuation basics, Excel, Financial statements, Research writing
- Junior Internal Auditor
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An auditor tests whether controls and records are accurate and follows the rules. Entry roles gather evidence, test samples and document the results.
Skills: Accounting basics, Attention to detail, Documentation, Excel
Other kinds of entry-level work
- Sales
- Marketing
- Customer success and support
- HR and recruiting
- Operations and supply chain
- Administrative and office
- Technology and IT
- Data and analytics
- Healthcare administration
- Legal and compliance
- Banking, insurance and real estate
- Project and product
- Content and design
- Public sector, non-profit and education
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