What Does an Accounting Assistant Do?
An accounting assistant is a foundational member of the finance team, responsible for keeping financial operations organized and running smoothly. They handle a range of administrative and clerical duties, such as processing invoices, recording transactions, preparing financial documents, and updating accounting databases. Their work supports accountants, controllers, and finance managers by ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of essential accounting functions. This role helps companies stay compliant with financial policies, meet reporting deadlines, and maintain organized records for audits or reviews.
Because accounting assistants work across multiple facets of a business’s financial operations, they often coordinate with other departments like payroll, procurement, and operations. They may help resolve discrepancies with vendors, assist with expense reimbursements, and prepare summaries for monthly or quarterly close processes. Although typically an entry-level position, this role offers hands-on exposure to accounting practices and can serve as a stepping stone toward more advanced roles in finance or bookkeeping.
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Accounting Assistant Key Responsibilities
- Enter and maintain financial data in accounting systems with accuracy
- Prepare invoices, receipts, and payment documents for processing
- Reconcile bank statements and general ledger accounts
- Organize and manage digital and physical financial records
- Assist with payroll processing and employee expense reporting
- Monitor accounts payable and accounts receivable workflows
- Support month-end and year-end closeout procedures
- Communicate with vendors and departments to resolve billing issues
- Generate financial summaries and reports as requested
- Ensure adherence to internal controls and accounting best practices
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Familiarity with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas, data entry)
- Understanding of basic accounting principles (debits, credits, ledgers)
- Ability to process invoices, manage reconciliations, and update records
- Strong data entry and numerical accuracy
Soft skills
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
- Clear communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strong time management with the ability to multitask
- High level of discretion with sensitive financial information
- Positive, collaborative attitude with a willingness to learn
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate degree in accounting, finance, or a related field preferred
Certifications
- Bookkeeping or accounting clerk certification (optional, but valuable)
- Microsoft Office Specialist (Excel) certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 1+ years of experience in a finance or accounting support role
- Experience using cloud-based accounting tools or ERP systems
- Exposure to payroll processing, expense tracking, or vendor relations
- Ability to work under deadlines and maintain accuracy under pressure
National Average Salary
Accounting assistant salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Accounting Assistant is:
$45,248
Sample Job Description Templates for Accounting Assistants
Entry-Level Accounting Assistant
Position Overview
We’re seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Accounting Assistant to join our finance team. This entry-level role is perfect for someone starting out in accounting who wants to build foundational skills in a professional, team-driven environment. You’ll be responsible for supporting routine accounting tasks that ensure financial operations run smoothly.
Accounting Assistant Responsibilities
- Record daily financial transactions and update internal systems
- Assist with invoice preparation, payment processing, and document filing
- Reconcile bank statements and expense reports
- Support the finance team during month-end closing
- Communicate with vendors and internal departments to resolve issues
Accounting Assistant Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic accounting software
- Familiarity with general accounting concepts and processes
- Accurate data entry and document handling
Soft skills
- Excellent organization and time management
- High attention to detail
- Strong written and verbal communication
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Associate degree or coursework in accounting preferred
Certifications
- None required, but Excel certification is a plus
Accounting Assistant Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or volunteer experience in an office or finance setting
- Knowledge of QuickBooks or other entry-level accounting platforms
Senior Accounting Assistant
Position Overview
We’re hiring a Senior Accounting Assistant with at least 3 years of experience in accounting support roles. This position will handle more complex finance tasks, assist with process improvements, and serve as a key point of contact within the accounting department.
Senior Accounting Assistant Responsibilities
- Prepare journal entries and assist with monthly general ledger close
- Analyze account discrepancies and prepare reconciliations
- Assist in the preparation of financial statements and reports
- Provide support during internal and external audits
- Guide junior accounting staff and review their work for accuracy
Senior Accounting Assistant Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle
- Advanced Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs)
- General ledger knowledge and financial reporting
Soft skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Leadership and mentorship capabilities
- High attention to detail under pressure
Educational requirements
- Associate degree in accounting or related field required
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
Certifications
- Bookkeeping certification or equivalent training is beneficial
Senior Accounting Assistant Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years in accounting support or finance operations
- Experience supporting financial audits and reporting deadlines
Remote Accounting Assistant
Position Overview
We’re looking for a Remote Accounting Assistant who can work independently and communicate effectively in a virtual team environment. This position supports general accounting tasks and requires strong time management and technical skills.
Remote Accounting Assistant Responsibilities
- Process invoices, expenses, and vendor payments digitally
- Maintain electronic filing systems and accounting databases
- Collaborate with finance team members via email and video meetings
- Support reconciliations and financial reporting tasks
- Monitor shared inboxes and respond to vendor or team inquiries
Remote Accounting Assistant Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with cloud-based accounting tools (e.g., QuickBooks Online)
- Strong Excel and document management skills
- Familiarity with virtual collaboration platforms (e.g., Zoom, Slack)
Soft skills
- Self-motivated with excellent time management
- Effective written and verbal communication
- High attention to digital document security and accuracy
Educational requirements
- Associate degree or equivalent experience in accounting preferred
Certifications
- None required
Remote Accounting Assistant Preferred Qualifications
- Prior remote work experience
- Familiarity with secure digital file-sharing protocols
Accounts Payable Assistant
Position Overview
We’re hiring an Accounts Payable Assistant to support the timely and accurate processing of company expenditures. This role is ideal for someone with strong organizational skills and a keen eye for numerical accuracy.
Accounts Payable Assistant Responsibilities
- Review and process incoming vendor invoices
- Match purchase orders with invoices and resolve discrepancies
- Assist with check runs and electronic payments
- Maintain vendor files and respond to payment inquiries
- Reconcile monthly AP reports and assist with accruals
Accounts Payable Assistant Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with AP modules in accounting software
- Basic understanding of procurement and vendor management
- Strong data entry and verification skills
Soft skills
- Attention to detail and consistency
- Good communication with external vendors
- Team-oriented mindset
Educational requirements
- High school diploma required
- Associate degree in finance or business is a plus
Certifications
- None required
Accounts Payable Assistant Preferred Qualifications
- 1+ year of experience in AP or finance support
- Familiarity with NetSuite, SAP, or QuickBooks
Accounts Receivable Assistant
Position Overview
We’re seeking an Accounts Receivable Assistant to manage billing and collections support. The ideal candidate is organized, customer-focused, and comfortable managing high volumes of transactions.
Accounts Receivable Assistant Responsibilities
- Generate invoices and ensure timely delivery to clients
- Track incoming payments and follow up on overdue accounts
- Post receipts and reconcile customer accounts
- Communicate with clients regarding payment terms and issues
- Assist with AR reporting and aging summaries
Accounts Receivable Assistant Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with AR and billing systems
- Intermediate Excel skills
- Understanding of credit terms and collections
Soft skills
- Professional communication with clients
- Tenacity and persistence in follow-ups
- Strong organizational habits
Educational requirements
- High school diploma required
- Associate degree preferred
Certifications
- None required
Accounts Receivable Assistant Preferred Qualifications
- Experience handling collections or client billing
- Knowledge of accounting software like QuickBooks or Sage
Payroll Accounting Assistant
Position Overview
We’re looking for a Payroll Accounting Assistant to help process employee payroll and maintain accurate records. This role works closely with HR and accounting teams to ensure timely, compliant payroll activities.
Payroll Accounting Assistant Responsibilities
- Enter and validate employee hours and payroll data
- Assist with direct deposit setup and pay stub distribution
- Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with labor laws
- Respond to employee payroll questions
- Help prepare payroll tax filings and reports
Payroll Accounting Assistant Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with payroll software (e.g., ADP, Paychex)
- Basic understanding of payroll laws and tax deductions
- Strong numerical data entry
Soft skills
- Discretion and confidentiality
- Reliability and attention to deadline
- Strong interpersonal skills
Educational requirements
- High school diploma required
- Payroll training or certification preferred
Certifications
- FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) is a plus
Payroll Accounting Assistant Preferred Qualifications
- 1+ year payroll or HR support experience
- Experience with multi-state or high-volume payrolls
Part-Time Accounting Assistant
Position Overview
We’re hiring a Part-Time Accounting Assistant to help with essential accounting tasks on a flexible schedule. This is a great opportunity for students, parents returning to work, or professionals seeking part-time hours.
Part-Time Accounting Assistant Responsibilities
- Assist with data entry and invoice tracking
- Organize financial records and documents
- Help reconcile accounts and generate basic reports
- Provide administrative support to the finance team
Part-Time Accounting Assistant Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with basic accounting tools and Excel
- Data entry and file organization experience
Soft skills
- Dependability and punctuality
- Ability to work independently with minimal oversight
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Certifications
- None required
Part-Time Accounting Assistant Preferred Qualifications
- Previous part-time or internship experience in a finance setting
- Flexibility with work hours during month-end or tax season