Are you from an accountant education background and looking for what is junior accountant and how to get junior accountant jobs, you are in the right place. This is the article where you will get all your answers related to who are junior accountants, how to become a junior accountant, what are the requirements, and much more.
Junior Accountants play a crucial role in supporting businesses with their financial operations. Responsible for managing day-to-day accounting tasks, such as accounts receivable and accounts payable functions, they contribute to the preparation, maintenance, and reconciliation of financial statements.
Junior accountants assist in tax preparation and submission, financial reporting, and participate in audits to ensure compliance with regulations and adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). In this dynamic role, they play a key part in maintaining the financial health of the organization.
To become a junior accountant, certain factors come into play. Employers typically look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a minimum of two years of relevant work experience. Proficiency in computer skills, particularly in Excel and other accounting software programs, is essential.
Related: Accounting associate job description
The ideal candidate should possess problem-solving, attention to detail, communication, organizational, and analytical skills. With an average annual salary of $47,627, ranging from $35,000 to $64,000, a career as a junior accountant offers a financially rewarding path for those with the right qualifications and skills.
Let us understand everything about becoming a junior accountant in detail and dive into the guide on how to become a junior accountant in detail.
What is Junior Accountant?
A junior accountant is a financial professional responsible for handling daily accounting tasks within a business. This role involves overseeing aspects like accounts receivable and payable, managing financial statements, and assisting in tax preparation.
Junior accountants play a crucial part in maintaining the financial health of an organization by ensuring compliance with regulations and adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Related: Chartered accountant job description
As a career expert, understanding the role of a junior accountant is essential for those aspiring to enter the field. These professionals contribute significantly to the smooth operation of businesses by managing core financial functions.
From tracking accounts to aiding in audits, junior accountants form a vital link in the financial chain, requiring a combination of technical skills and attention to detail to excel in their roles. For individuals considering a career in accounting, grasping the practical aspects of what a junior accountant does is a key step toward building a successful and rewarding professional journey.
Who Are Junior Accountants?
What is junior accountant?
A junior accountant is responsible for compiling and maintaining financial reports, ensuring they meet government regulations. They analyze balance sheets, manage general ledger accounts, and update financial statements.
Related: Financial accountant job description
Their duties extend to overseeing accounts receivable and accounts payable, handling monthly payroll, and preparing financial reports. Typically working full-time, junior accountants, along with accountants and auditors, may need to put in overtime hours, especially during tax season or at the end of the fiscal year.
Junior accountants are someone who are:
- A junior accountant serves as an entry-level professional within an accounting firm or department.
- The responsibilities of a junior accountant encompass tasks such as posting journal entries, updating financial statements, managing accounts receivable and accounts payable, handling monthly payroll, and crafting financial reports.
- Oversight for a junior accountant comes from a senior accountant or accounting manager, providing guidance and support in their role.
- Attaining a bachelor’s degree in accounting is usually a requirement for this position, coupled with a keen focus on detail.
Junior accountant roles serve as entry-level positions in the field of accounting. As a junior accountant, your main tasks involve recording and reporting on corporate finances.
Related: Corporate accountant job description
This includes balancing the company’s financial records, reconciling bank account balances, identifying and correcting errors, and generating regular reports on the company’s budget, debt, deficits, and expenditures.
Collaborating with both junior and senior accountants, you contribute to maintaining corporate financial records and participate in quarterly and annual bookkeeping and tax processes. Essential for this role are strong teamwork skills, with a particular emphasis on excellent mathematical and analytical abilities.
Understanding the Role: Junior Accountant
As a career expert, a junior accountant’s tasks and career outlook hinge on individual circumstances and skills. This entry-level position is typically within the accounting department of a firm or government agency.
Junior accountants display a keen interest in finance and gain comprehensive industry knowledge by overseeing a business entity’s expenses, revenues, and investments.
In terms of compensation, the median pay for a qualified accountant in 2020 stood at $73,560, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Understanding the duties and potential growth in this field is crucial for those considering or pursuing a career as a junior accountant.
The Role of a Junior Accountant
In an organization, a junior accountant’s duties fluctuate but typically involve accounting for all business transactions through journal entries, updating financial statements, preparing monthly financial reports, calculating payroll taxes, and auditing and managing accounts receivable and accounts payable.
These tasks are conducted under the manager’s supervision, providing a learning environment for the junior accountant to grasp the intricacies of accounting and navigate diverse client situations.
Requirements for a Junior Accountant
For this role, having a bachelor’s degree in accounting is necessary, accompanied by a keen attention to detail. Desirable traits encompass mathematical aptitude, analytical skills, proficiency in organizing documents, and a genuine interest in finance.
Given the reliance on accounting software, a crucial skill is the ability to use and adapt to new computer systems.
The Outlook for a Junior Accountant
The junior accountant role is ideal for individuals who find enjoyment in mathematics and have a genuine interest in finance. It offers an opportunity for above-average earnings and exposure to diverse clientele.
The demand for accounting services remains steady as corporations and small businesses continually require these services. For those aspiring to advance their career, pursuing certifications like Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) by successfully completing the respective exams can open up new avenues.
Related: Management accountant job description
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the accounting profession is projected to grow at an average rate of around 4% annually from 2019 to 2029. Employment growth in accounting is closely tied to the overall economy, with a growing economy necessitating an increased demand for accountants.
Related: Project accountant job description
What Does a Junior Accountant Do?
Junior accountants play a crucial role in managing the financial records of companies. They analyze general ledger accounts and balance sheets, posting journal entries, maintaining accounts receivable and payable, and updating financial statements.
Handling monthly payroll, reconciling ledgers, and submitting payroll taxes are also part of their responsibilities. Key skills required for this role encompass analytical thinking, problem-solving, maintaining information confidentiality, proficiency in accounting software and technology, and a strong emphasis on detail.
Related: Payroll accountant job description
In entry-level roles, junior accountants contribute to the preparation and analysis of financial records. Their responsibilities encompass data entry, file maintenance, and assistance with compliance tasks. Key tasks managed by junior accountants include:
- Prepare financial statements
- Reconcile bank statements
- Post journal entries
- Document fixed assets
- Assist with compliance reporting
- Communicate with vendors
Let us understand each of the junior accountant tasks in brief:
1. Prepare financial statements:
Entry-level accountants collaborate closely with accounting supervisors in the preparation of financial statements. Their role extends to reviewing and scrutinizing financial statements to guarantee accuracy and adherence to state and federal regulations.
2. Reconcile bank statements:
Junior accountants frequently handle the task of comparing bank statements with general ledgers, ensuring their alignment. Their focus includes identifying and resolving any discrepancies that may arise between the two records.
3. Post journal entries:
Numerous junior accountants are involved in financial data entry responsibilities, including posting expenses and revenues in the company’s general ledger. The precision demanded for these data entry tasks is particularly crucial, especially when dealing with ledgers that encompass multiple accounts.
4. Document fixed assets:
Junior accountants often take on the role of recording, updating, and managing documentation related to fixed assets. Additionally, they may handle the depreciation of assets to accurately reflect their diminished value over time or manage the disposal of assets that are no longer in use.
5. Assist with compliance reporting:
Given the imperative to adhere to state and federal regulations within accounting departments, junior accountants frequently play a key role in preparing, reviewing, and filing reports to ensure compliance.
6. Communicate with vendors:
As junior accountants engage in the oversight of accounts and the updating of the general ledger, they commonly take on the responsibility of communicating with vendors regarding billing issues. Within this capacity, they address inquiries and offer basic customer service.
What is the Junior Accountant Average Salary?
The majority of junior accountants hold full-time positions, with their average salaries influenced by factors such as education, credentials, and location.
- Common salary in the U.S.: $45,519 per year
- Some salaries range from $17,000 to $85,000 per year
- Junior accountant salary in U.S.: $50,444 per year
- Junior accountant salary in India: 2.4 Lakhs per year (₹20,000 per month)
- Junior accountant salary in UK: £27,000 per year or £13.85 per hour
- Junior accountant salary in Australia: $70,000 per year or $35.90 per hour
- Junior accountant salary in Canada: $55,000 per year or $28.21 per hour
- Junior accountant salary in Singapore: $54,000 per year or S$23.60 per hour
- Junior accountant salary in Philippine: ₱236187 per year or ₱24152 per month
- Junior accountant salary in Germany: $47890 per year
- Junior accountant salary in Brazil: R$64000 per year
What Are Junior Accountant Requirements?
Typically, job descriptions for junior accountants necessitate a blend of college education, technical and soft skills, along with optional certifications. Here are the junior accountant requirements:
- Education
- Training
- Certifications
Let us understand in brief all the requirements of junior accountant:
1. Education
Employers commonly mandate junior accountants to hold a bachelor’s degree, with some choosing to pursue additional education, such as a Master’s Degree in Accounting or Business Administration. Standard majors for junior accountants include:
Accounting:
Individuals pursuing an accounting degree can anticipate acquiring knowledge in advanced mathematical principles, technical accounting methods, and business practices and ethics. This educational journey also involves gaining proficiency in the fundamentals of auditing, cost and managerial accounting, and accounting information systems.
Finance:
Individuals choosing a degree in finance can anticipate building a solid foundation in accounting, economics, and financial theory. Throughout their studies, candidates also delve into topics such as investments, risk management, valuation, and strategies for interpreting financial data.
2. Training
As junior accountants hold entry-level positions, the majority undergo on-the-job training at the commencement of their roles. The duration of these training programs varies by employer and typically encompasses software tutorials as well as company-specific workflows and procedures.
3. Certifications
While professional certifications are not typically mandatory for junior accountants, many opt to obtain these additional credentials to enhance their qualifications and potentially increase their earning potential. The most prevalent professional certifications include:
1. Certified Management Accountant (CMA):
Provided by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), the CMA credential is tailored for accountants aiming to specialize in financial data and strategic thinking. To attain this certification, candidates undergo a two-part exam covering 12 competency areas, including cost management, technology and analytics, and risk management.
Related: Cost accountant job description
2. Certified Public Accountant (CPA):
The CPA credential stands as the most prevalent certification for accountants, especially for those who submit reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Achieving this credential involves passing a four-part exam conducted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Additionally, in most states, candidates seeking a CPA license must possess a minimum of two years of experience in public accounting and hold a bachelor’s degree.
3. Enrolled Agent (EA):
For junior accountants inclined towards specializing in tax preparation, pursuing the Enrolled Agent (EA) credential is an option. This designation enables professionals to file tax returns and represent taxpayers.
Attaining this credential involves passing a three-part exam overseen by the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA).
What Are Junior Accountant Skills?
To excel as a junior accountant, essential skills include:
- Accounting software
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Computer skills
- Math skills
- Organization skills
Let us understand each junior accountant skills in brief:
1. Accounting software:
Many companies utilize enterprise-level accounting software, necessitating junior accountants to acquire proficiency in their usage. Commonly employed software suites include those from SAP, Sage, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Dynamics GP.
2. Analytical skills:
Junior accountants require strong analytical skills to identify problems and propose effective solutions. This involves the ability to research various options, evaluate risks, and suggest well-informed courses of action.
3. Communication skills:
As junior accountants frequently collaborate within teams, possessing effective communication skills is crucial. This includes the capability to comprehend written and verbal instructions and the ability to articulate their findings verbally, whether in discussions or presentations.
4. Computer skills:
Given that junior accountants extensively rely on computers for tasks like reviewing statements, updating accounts, and posting entries, possessing robust computer skills is essential. Proficiency in standard spreadsheet, word processing, presentation, database, and file management programs is a requisite for effective performance in this role.
5. Math skills:
Constantly dealing with numbers, junior accountants necessitate robust math skills to execute their duties efficiently. Their responsibilities require them to perform basic math calculations, formulate equations, and identify and rectify mathematical errors.
6. Organization skills:
Given that junior accountants frequently handle multiple accounts simultaneously, possessing excellent organizational skills is imperative. They need to efficiently manage various tasks and clients concurrently, especially during busier periods.
What Will Be the Junior Accountant Work Environment?
Junior accountants typically operate in office settings, utilizing desks and computers. Their work environment may consist of dedicated cubicles or open-layout offices.
While the standard workweek is around 40 hours, junior accountants may encounter overtime demands during peak periods, particularly during month-end, year-end, and tax season. These periods are marked by heightened activity, requiring extensive reconciliation and paperwork.
Related: GL accountant job description
Given the universal demand for accounting professionals, junior accountants find opportunities in virtually every industry. They may be employed by financial companies or work in accounting departments spanning a diverse range of businesses, including marketing, public relations, manufacturing, and retail.
How to Become a Junior Accountant?
To become a junior accountant, obtain a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, mathematics, or a related field. Proficiency in accounting tools like calculators and computers, including software like PeachTree and Quickbooks, is essential.
You should understand accounting practices, asset audits, payroll, invoicing, and corporate tax guidelines. With these qualifications, junior accountant roles are available in diverse industries such as construction, education, finance, and healthcare, as all businesses require accountants to manage their finances.
Related: Construction accountant job description
Thinking about becoming a junior accountant? Learn from actual junior accountants’ resumes. This guide outlines the common education, experiences, and skills you need for the role.
To become a junior accountant, you need the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field (accounting or business) is typically required for junior accountant positions.
- 2-4 years of experience in related fields is a common prerequisite for typical junior accountant jobs.
- Before becoming a junior accountant, individuals often hold positions such as accounts payable clerk, accounting clerk, or bookkeeper.
- Soft skills, including analytical, communication, and organizational skills, are expected by hiring managers for junior accountant roles.
- Job training duration for junior accountant’s averages between 1-3 months.
- Obtaining a junior accountant certification, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), can enhance earning potential.
70.3% of junior accountants hold a bachelor’s degree, and an additional 8.4% have earned master’s degrees before entering the field. While the majority of junior accountants possess a college degree, it’s noteworthy that becoming a junior accountant with only a high school diploma is feasible – approximately one in eight individuals in this role have taken this route.
For those pursuing college education, junior accountants commonly obtain degrees in accounting or business. However, there are instances where degrees in finance or economics are less frequently earned by individuals entering the field of junior accounting.
How to Become a Junior Accountant in 7 Steps?
To become a junior accountant, follow the following 7 steps:
- Step 1: Explore junior accountant education
- Step 2: Develop junior accountant skills
- Step 3: Complete relevant training/internship
- Step 4: Get junior accountant certifications
- Step 5: Research junior accountant duties
- Step 6: Prepare your junior accountant resume
- Step 7: Apply for junior accountant jobs
Let us understand the 7 steps to become a junior account in brief:
Step 1: Explore junior accountant education:
If the prospect of becoming a junior accountant intrigues you, the level of education required becomes a crucial consideration. Analyzing real junior accountant resumes reveals that 70.3% of individuals in this role possess a bachelor’s degree, with an additional 8.4% holding master’s degrees.
Despite the prevalence of college degrees, it’s noteworthy that attaining the position of a junior accountant is feasible with only a high school diploma or GED – a path taken by approximately one in eight individuals in this profession.
Choosing the appropriate major plays a pivotal role in the journey to becoming a junior accountant. Insights from junior accountant resumes underscore that the most common majors include accounting, business, and finance.
Most common junior accountant degrees:
- Bachelor’s – 70.3%
- Associate – 16.3%
- Master’s – 8.4%
- Diploma – 2.0%
- High School Diploma – 1.9%
- Certificate – 0.8%
- Doctorate – 0.1%
- License – 0.1%
Most junior accounting majors:
- Accounting – 55.60%
- Business – 23.70%
- Economics – 2.10%
- Finance – 7.60%
- Other Degrees – 11.20%
Step 2: Develop junior accountant skills:
Before entering the job market as a junior accountant, acquiring essential skills is crucial. The following capabilities are commonly highlighted in junior accountant job descriptions:
- Reconciliations – 17.69%
- General Ledger Accounts – 7.89%
- Account Reconciliations – 5.40%
- Data Entry – 5.34%
- QuickBooks – 3.98%
- Payroll Taxes – 3.96%
Step 3: Complete relevant training/internship:
Newly hired accountants typically undergo post-employment, on-the-job training, lasting an average of 1-3 months. During this period, junior accountants acquire the skills and techniques essential for their role and specific employer.
The duration to attain competency as a junior accountant is outlined in the chart below, derived from data from real junior accountant resumes and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Average amount of time junior accountants train:
- Junior accountants less than 1 month – 7.3%
- Junior accountants 1-3 months – 30.78%
- Junior accountants 3-6 months – 18.88%
- Junior accountants 6-12 months – 27.61%
- Junior accountants 1-2 years – 3.78%
- Junior accountants 2-4 years – 7.69%
- Junior accountants 4-10 years – 2.56%
- Junior accountants more than 10 years – 1.41%
Step 4: Get junior accountant certifications:
Securing junior accountant certifications serves as an indication to employers that you possess the essential knowledge expected for the position, establishing a baseline of competence. Such certifications can enhance your competitiveness as a candidate, even when not explicitly required by employers.
Having a junior accountant certification, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA), can distinguish you from other applicants in the eyes of potential employers.
Here are the junior accountant certifications:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
- Certified Resume Specialist: Accounting and Finance (CRS+AF)
- Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA)
- International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA)
- Certified Forensic Accountant (CrFA)
Step 5: Research junior accountant duties:
The daily activities that junior accountants engage in constitute their duties and responsibilities. The following is a compilation of the primary tasks and responsibilities commonly found in junior accountant job listings:
- Manage and monitor accounting procedures for Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and coordinate external audit requirements.
- Perform and assist with month-end close procedures, including preparing monthly balance sheet and income statement account reconciliations.
- Utilize QuickBooks to identify and categorize daily transactions from banking statements and generate monthly financial reports.
- Conduct bank and credit card reconciliations and aid in month-end accruals, along with intercompany reconciliations.
- Prepare financial schedules, account reconciliations, and detailed financial statements for analysis, financial reporting, and decision-making.
- Process daily check deposits into the lockbox and allocate funds to appropriate accounts.
Step 6: Prepare your junior accountant resume:
Once your foundation is robust, commence the creation of your junior accountant resume. Simplify the resume writing process and ensure the inclusion of essential information with the assistance of any of the AI resume builders.
This tool not only makes the process easier but also provides valuable insights, offering resume tips, skill examples, responsibilities, and summaries. Allow many resume builders, be your career sidekick, guide you through crafting a compelling junior accountant resume.
Step 7: Apply for junior accountant jobs
Embarking on the search for a junior accountant position? Here are some tips to ensure a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings.
- Consult your professional network.
- Reach out to companies you’re interested in working for directly.
- Be vigilant for potential job scams.
What is the Junior Accountant Salary?
The average salary of a junior accountant is $50,444 per year or $24.25 per hour. And the entry-level junior accountant is $38,000 per year. Usually, junior accounts across various levels earn salaries as mentioned below:
- Around 10% of the junior accounts earn a salary of $38,000 (entry-level)
- Around 20% of the junior accounts earn a salary of $41,500
- Around 30% of the junior accounts earn a salary of $45,000
- Around 40% of the junior accounts earn a salary of $50,444 (median)
- Around 50% of the junior accounts earn a salary of $52,000
- Around 60% of the junior accounts earn a salary of $55,500
- Around 70% of the junior accounts earn a salary of $59,000
- Around 80% of the junior accounts earn a salary of $62,500
- Around 90% of the junior accounts earn a salary of $66,000
How much does a junior accountant make?
The average salary for junior accountants in the United States is $50,444, falling within a typical annual range of $38,000 to $66,000. On an hourly basis, junior accountants command an average rate of $24.25 per hour.
Several factors influence junior accountant salaries, including location, education, and experience. Geographically, the highest average salaries for junior accountants are found in states such as New York, New Jersey, California, Washington, and Connecticut.
Junior accountant salary summary:
- The average salary for a junior accountant is $50,444 in the US
- The average junior accountant salary ranges between $38,000 and $66,000 in the US
- Junior accountants’ hourly rates in the US typically range between $18 and $31 an hour
- Junior accountants earn the highest salaries in New York ($62,666), New Jersey ($60,976), and California ($56,051)
- Junior accountant salaries at Fuhu are the highest of any company
- Junior accountants in the construction industry are the highest-paid in the US
Highest paying states for junior accountants:
In the United States, the highest average salaries for junior accountants are observed in New York, New Jersey, and California. Conversely, the states with the lowest average salaries for junior accountants include Missouri, Idaho, and South Carolina.
Rank | State | Average Salary | Hourly Salary |
1 | New York | $62,666 | $30.13 |
2 | Connecticut | $55,609 | $26.74 |
3 | New Jersey | $60,976 | $29.32 |
4 | District of Columbia | $56,409 | $27.12 |
5 | Rhode Island | $50,777 | $24.41 |
6 | Texas | $50,069 | $24.07 |
7 | Colorado | $51,387 | $24.71 |
8 | Virginia | $51,393 | $24.71 |
9 | California | $56,051 | $26.95 |
10 | Delaware | $50,038 | $24.06 |
11 | Washington | $55,708 | $26.78 |
12 | Maryland | $51,055 | $24.55 |
13 | Minnesota | $49,016 | $23.57 |
14 | Pennsylvania | $48,636 | $23.38 |
15 | Illinois | $48,800 | $23.46 |
16 | Georgia | $49,751 | $23.92 |
17 | Massachusetts | $50,996 | $24.52 |
18 | Ohio | $47,046 | $22.62 |
19 | Alaska | $52,831 | $25.40 |
20 | Nevada | $46,393 | $22.30 |
21 | North Carolina | $49,265 | $23.69 |
22 | Nebraska | $47,117 | $22.65 |
23 | Kentucky | $47,463 | $22.82 |
24 | Oregon | $48,505 | $23.32 |
25 | Wisconsin | $45,795 | $22.02 |
26 | Alabama | $44,365 | $21.33 |
27 | Arizona | $46,164 | $22.19 |
28 | Oklahoma | $45,533 | $21.89 |
29 | Montana | $44,528 | $21.41 |
30 | Utah | $43,310 | $20.82 |
31 | Hawaii | $46,955 | $22.57 |
32 | Florida | $44,256 | $21.28 |
33 | Michigan | $43,666 | $20.99 |
34 | Tennessee | $42,472 | $20.42 |
35 | Indiana | $44,334 | $21.31 |
36 | Kansas | $44,552 | $21.42 |
37 | Arkansas | $43,856 | $21.08 |
38 | Louisiana | $44,699 | $21.49 |
39 | Iowa | $42,315 | $20.34 |
40 | West Virginia | $43,512 | $20.92 |
41 | Vermont | $42,249 | $20.31 |
42 | Missouri | $41,674 | $20.04 |
43 | New Hampshire | $43,025 | $20.69 |
44 | Mississippi | $42,891 | $20.62 |
45 | South Dakota | $42,510 | $20.44 |
46 | New Mexico | $42,423 | $20.40 |
47 | Wyoming | $39,370 | $18.93 |
48 | Idaho | $40,410 | $19.43 |
49 | Maine | $39,388 | $18.94 |
50 | South Carolina | $39,817 | $19.14 |
51 | North Dakota | $39,055 | $18.78 |
Highest paying cities for junior accountants:
Here are the highest paying cities for junior accounts in the United States that one can explore.
Rank | State | Average Salary | Hourly Salary |
1 | New York, NY | $62,880 | $30.23 |
2 | Cherry Hill, NJ | $60,516 | $29.09 |
3 | San Francisco, CA | $58,461 | $28.11 |
4 | Washington, DC | $56,450 | $27.14 |
5 | Seattle, WA | $55,973 | $26.91 |
6 | Stamford, CT | $55,935 | $26.89 |
7 | Reston, VA | $52,418 | $25.20 |
8 | Denver, CO | $51,382 | $24.70 |
9 | Baltimore, MD | $51,303 | $24.66 |
10 | Boston, MA | $50,905 | $24.47 |
11 | Austin, TX | $50,127 | $24.10 |
12 | Raleigh, NC | $49,736 | $23.91 |
13 | Atlanta, GA | $49,679 | $23.88 |
14 | Chicago, IL | $48,909 | $23.51 |
15 | Columbus, OH | $46,752 | $22.48 |
16 | Phoenix, AZ | $46,334 | $22.28 |
17 | Milwaukee, WI | $45,880 | $22.06 |
18 | Pompano Beach, FL | $44,446 | $21.37 |
19 | Kansas City, MO | $41,764 | $20.08 |
What is a junior accountant’s salary?:
Here are the junior accountant salaries for various percentiles:
Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly Salary | Hourly Salary |
90th Percentile | $66,000 | $5,500 | $32 |
75th Percentile | $58,000 | $4,833 | $28 |
Average | $50,444 | $4,204 | $24 |
25th Percentile | $43,000 | $3,583 | $21 |
10th Percentile | $38,000 | $3,167 | $18 |
Highest paying junior accountant jobs:
Here are a few of the highest paying junior account jobs that you can explore.
Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Salary | Hourly Salary |
Accounting Administrator | $48,068 | $4,006 | $23.11 |
Accounting Coordinator | $44,639 | $3,720 | $21.46 |
Account Administrator | $40,149 | $3,346 | $19.30 |
Accounting Clerk | $38,683 | $3,224 | $18.60 |
Account Auditor | $76,369 | $6,364 | $36.72 |
Accountant Internship | $33,484 | $2,790 | $16.10 |
Which companies pay junior accountants the most?:
According to our latest salary estimates, junior accountant positions at Fuhu and Kemp Technologies offer the highest pay rates. Additionally, companies such as Quinnox and W. R. Berkley boasts highly competitive average salaries for junior accountants.
Rank | Company | Average Salary | Hourly Salary |
1 | Fuhu | $61,898 | $29.76 |
2 | Kemp Technologies | $61,502 | $29.57 |
3 | Quinnox | 60298 | $28.99 |
4 | W. R. Berkley | $60,132 | $28.91 |
5 | Brookfield Properties | $59,380 | $28.55 |
6 | REI Systems | 58758 | $28.25 |
7 | Credit Suisse | $58,218 | $27.99 |
8 | Teledyne Technologies Incorporated | $57,745 | $27.76 |
9 | Fortinet | $57,739 | $27.76 |
10 | QSSI | $57,734 | $27.76 |
11 | Stability Healthcare | 57335 | $27.56 |
12 | Sherpa | 57100 | $27.45 |
13 | VST Consulting | $56,959 | $27.38 |
14 | Jackson Healthcare | $55,922 | $26.89 |
15 | NCI Building Systems Inc. | $55,502 | $26.68 |
16 | AF Paredes & Co | $55,154 | $26.52 |
17 | Key Food | $55,143 | $26.51 |
18 | ITW | $54,761 | $26.33 |
19 | Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital | $54,543 | $26.22 |
20 | Alere | $54,404 | $26.16 |
Junior Accountant salary by industry:
Salaries for junior accountants exhibit variations across industries:
- In the construction industry, the average junior accountant salary is $56,091, surpassing other sectors.
- Within the finance industry, junior accountants earn an average salary of $51,256.
- The retail industry reports the lowest average salary for junior accountants at $45,660.
Here are few of the highest paying industries for junior accountants:
Rank | Industry | Average Salary | Hourly Salary |
1 | Construction | $56,091 | $26.97 |
2 | Professional | $51,256 | $24.64 |
3 | Health Care | $50,842 | $24.44 |
4 | Technology | $50,612 | $24.33 |
5 | Hospitality | $50,113 | $24.09 |
6 | Finance | $50,040 | $24.06 |
7 | Manufacturing | $47,825 | $22.99 |
8 | Retail | $45,660 | $21.95 |
Junior Accountant salary trends:
Make a comparison between the salaries of junior accountants in individual cities or states and the national average.
Junior Accountant salary by year:
Year | Average Salary | Hourly Salary | % Change |
2023 | $50,400 | $24.25 | 2.70% |
2022 | $49,100 | $23.59 | 1.50% |
2021 | $48,300 | $23.24 | 1.60% |
2020 | $47,600 | $22.86 | 1.70% |
2019 | $46,700 | $22.47 | 1.40% |
2018 | $46,100 | $22.15 | 1.90% |
2017 | $45,200 | $21.74 | 1.30% |
2016 | $44,600 | $21.46 | 2.40% |
2015 | $43,600 | $20.95 | 1.10% |
2014 | $43,100 | $20.72 | – |
Junior Accountant Job Description Example
Here is an example of junior accountant job description:
Junior Accountant Job Description
Overview:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Junior Accountant to join our finance team. As a Junior Accountant, you will play a crucial role in supporting our accounting and financial operations.
The ideal candidate should have a solid understanding of accounting principles, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
Responsibilities:
- Financial Record Maintenance: Assist in maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records, including journal entries, ledger accounts, and reconciliations.
- Month-End Closing: Support month-end closing procedures by preparing balance sheet and income statement account reconciliations.
- Transaction Analysis: Identify and analyze daily financial transactions, ensuring accurate categorization and adherence to accounting standards.
- Financial Reporting: Assist in the preparation of monthly financial reports, providing insights into the company’s financial performance.
- Bank Reconciliations: Conduct regular bank and credit card reconciliations to ensure the accuracy of financial data.
- Compliance: Ensure compliance with accounting principles, company policies, and relevant regulations.
- Assistance in Audits: Collaborate in the coordination and facilitation of external audits, providing necessary documentation and support.
- Intercompany Reconciliations: Assist in reconciling financial activities between various entities within the organization.
- Data Entry and Documentation: Maintain organized and well-documented financial records, ensuring data accuracy and accessibility.
- Payroll Support: Contribute to the monthly payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely payments.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of accounting principles and practices.
- Proficiency in accounting software, including QuickBooks and Excel.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Effective communication and collaboration abilities.
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Health insurance and other benefits.
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
Join our team and contribute to the financial success of our organization as a Junior Accountant. Apply now to be a part of a dynamic and growing finance department!
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