Finding work from home accounting jobs is easier today than it has ever been.
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One of the best things about being an accountant is that once you get your licenses and certifications, there are always opportunities for work.
From large corporations to small nonprofits, to budding entrepreneurs, there’s always a demand for accountants.
In recent years, this industry has been shifting, as more and more companies recognize that there’s no need for an accountant to be available on-site, full-time.
Instead, there’s a big shift towards hiring accountants who work from home.
While working as an accountant from home may seem like the dream, it’s still hard work and requires the same qualifications and skills that most companies would vet for when hiring in-house accountants.
It’s not all about being dedicated to the job, however.
The beauty of online accounting jobs is that you can work in your own time and often get in some leisure or travel in-between too.
Here’s everything you need to know about work at home accounting jobs: what you need, where to find them, and some tips to be a successful online accountant.
What Does It Take to Start a Remote Accounting Job?
Of course, you’re seeking to live your best life, but employers are still seeking quality work.
Companies usually demand the same requirements for remote accounting jobs, including education, certifications, and experience.
Those fresh out of college who are looking to simply skip the office cubicle and get straight into working from home need not worry, though.
Newbies who are just starting out will still have a chance of getting hired.
It’s not impossible, just harder.
As long as you have the necessary qualifications, skills, and licenses in place, you have a shot.
The other thing you have to worry about is having the right environment and setup in your home office.
Some companies may have specific requirements for this area as well, but for the most part, you’ll need a laptop or PC, the right software, and a headset and webcamera so you can take the occasional phone call and attend virtual meetings as needed.
How Much Do Accountants Who Work From Home Make?
First, the exciting part: According to ZipRecruiter, accountants who work from home make about $32 an hour on average (but more commonly, the range is around $26 to $32). From what I found on Indeed, the average hourly wage for a remote accountant is around $24 per hour.
Second, a word of caution: While online accounting work is undoubtedly booming, there are still people who will try to take advantage of you over the internet.
Be careful of falling for a scam or doing work for a company that doesn’t intend to pay you.
Make sure to set up parameters where you get paid per pre-approved milestones. If that’s not an option, read the contract through very carefully and consult a lawyer if you need to.
Just as with any job, you shouldn’t do any work before a contract is in place.
15 Companies Currently Hiring Remote Accountants
I’ve found a few companies that hire remote accountants.
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Of course, there are plenty more out there, but these companies look legitimate and have good reviews from employees and customers.
Not all of these companies may be hiring right now, but it’s still worth a shot to send them your resumé. And if all else fails, then there’s always the option of becoming a freelance accountant.
You could also consider looking at all of the “Big Four” accounting firms (Ernst & Young, Deloitte, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.), as they also regularly hire remote accountants.
1. FlexJobs
I highly recommend you start your search at FlexJobs.
The staff at FlexJobs go through all the job postings and publish only the most accurate, up-to-date ones.
As of this writing, Flexjobs currently had over 1,500 open accountant jobs all ranging from entry-level to senior-level positions (plus thousands of other legitimate work from home jobs too.)
Browse the current postings at FlexJobs now.
2. Bookminders
Bookminders is one of the biggest outsourced bookkeeping companies in the US.
They mainly cater to startups, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations that cover a wide range of industries.
To be considered, you must be within 45 miles of a Bookminders office (they have offices in Pittsburgh, PA, Philadelphia PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and Baltimore, MD).
They allow for very flexible hours but do offer training and have client meetings conducted during business hours. You’ll sometimes also have to be willing to meet with clients in person.
They require a four-year degree (preferably in accounting) and about 5 years of experience in accounting or finance.
3. Robert Half
This company often hires bookkeepers and accountants for remote work, as well as for full-time and part-time work.
Currently, there are hundreds of available jobs on their website. However, there is less than 50 work from home accounting jobs listed.
If you do manage to snag a job with them, you’ll be paid well and receive great benefits.
4. Ernst & Young
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If you’ve been in the accounting industry for any amount of time then you’ve probably heard of Ernst & Young (EY). This is one of the so-called “big four” accounting firms that also hires remote workers periodically.
Their headquarters are in the UK, but they have offices all over the world that are constantly on the lookout for new talent. They’ve been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by Fortune magazine, so you can’t go wrong with this one.
5. Crowe
Crowe (previously named Crowe Horwath) is one of the biggest accounting firms in the world, with over 4,000 employees, many of whom are accountants that work from home.
They mainly hire people from the US, UK, and India, however, so if you live outside of these countries, you might want to look elsewhere.
6. Supporting Strategies
This is another firm that specializes in outsourcing accounting and bookkeeping work for small businesses through remote employees.
While Supporting Strategies employees mainly work from home, the company does hold events that “bring people together and foster a sense of community.”
So if you’re worried about missing out on those aspects when working remotely for a company, then they’ve got you covered.
7. Accounting Department
Accounting Department specializes in virtual accounting for various clients and businesses across the US.
They currently have a few remote accounting positions open so make sure to jump on those before they’re gone.
8. Fusion CPA
Fusion CPA has been around since 2011, offering a holistic, bespoke approach to financial planning.
They are constantly looking for accountants and bookkeepers to fill various finance-related positions.
Currently, they are looking for Accounting Specialists to work from home.
9. 1-800Accountant
This company prides itself on being a full-service firm, with a virtual team of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Enrolled Agents (EAs), payroll and tax specialists, bookkeepers, and other professionals working to help startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses with their financial needs.
They’re currently looking for tax preparers and consultants for remote work.
10. Accountingfly
Accountingfly is a job board similar to FlexJobs but specializes in telecommuting accountant jobs.
Currently, there are companies looking for remote tax and accounting specialists, tax reviewers, and senior accountants.
11. Paro
Paro matches businesses of all sizes with the right financial professionals to address their specific needs and challenges.
There are plenty of freelance accounting positions available on their Careers site.
12. CPA MOMS®
CPA MOMS® help out startups and fast-growing small businesses set up their finances to handle tight cash flow and other struggles specific to those businesses.
They have plenty of full-time and part-time remote positions available.
And despite the name, you don’t have to be a CPA mom to apply. There are available positions for men and even non-CPAs.
Note: Here are more work at home jobs for moms to consider, if you’re interested.
13. Accounting.com
Accounting.com is a resource for aspiring accountants looking for a course and college to study accounting, entry-level accountants looking to start their careers, and experienced accountants looking to improve their skills and keep abreast of the latest news and trends in the field.
They have an updated job board, including work from home accounting jobs both locally and internationally.
14. iHireAccounting
iHireAccounting is another niche job board dedicated solely to the accounting industry, bringing job seekers and employers together to make sure the right people are doing the right jobs.
The basic membership gives you enough to get started, including access to all the jobs within their network and tools to improve your resume for free. Premium membership costs around $25 a month and gives you access to more jobs on their network, exclusive webinars, and a dedicated career advisor
15. FinancialJobsWeb.com
As their name implies, FinancialJobsWeb is an online job board offering all types of finance-related jobs, including those in the accounting industry.
Aside from a wide variety of accounting jobs and locations, you can also post your resume on their site, which can then be searched by employers looking for a specific skill set such that you get contacted by potential employers for jobs that may fit you.
Tips for Success in a Work From Home Accountant Job
Now that you know where to look for online accountant jobs, here are some tips so you can be a successful one.
1. Equip yourself with the best possible equipment you can get.
Almost all your tasks as a work-at-home accountant are centered around your computer.
If you’re serious about pursuing a career as an online accountant, you need to invest in equipment that can handle all the software and accessories you’ll need to do your job from home (or from anywhere, really).
2. Get certified with the most popular accounting software.
Quickbooks, Xero, and Sage are the most popular accounting software for various reasons.
When employers see that you’re certified in this software, it’s more likely that you’ll at least be shortlisted as a work-from-home accountant for them.
Of course, if the company you’re applying for is using different software, see if you can learn that software and get certified for it, too.
3. Create an environment and culture that increases your productivity.
Being an online accountant, or in any position that allows you to work from home, really, means that you’re in charge of when you work, where you work, and how long you work at a time.
But this freedom can also be your downfall if you don’t know how to maximize it.
It’s important to know yourself: what motivates you, what inspires you, what makes you produce your best work.
On the flip side, you want to know what distracts you, what takes away from your work, what stresses you out.
Based on this information, set up your home office for your success and not for the Pinterest aesthetic. If having a plant distracts you more than it inspires you, then don’t get one.
In the same way, set up your schedule for your success. If you work best during the afternoons, schedule work at that time and move other things in your day around that.
You’ll need to compromise some of the time, like for business meetings with one common time, scheduled activities that you can’t move, etc. But the beauty of working remotely is that it gives you the flexibility to adjust.
Final Thoughts on Virtual Accounting Jobs
No one wants to feel like they’re stuck in a 9-to-5 rut. Luckily, there are many opportunities out there for accountants to break away and find flexible jobs that fit their own pace.
I’ve also written a separate post about virtual bookkeeping jobs if you aren’t a certified public accountant (CPA), whether you’re still working towards it or you just really love numbers and doing it on the side.
FAQs
How do you work from home as an accountant? ›
As a remote accountant, you work via the internet as part of an accounting firm or in a freelance capacity, providing services like accounts receivable or accounts payable management to businesses. Your duties include reviewing finance and tax forms, reviewing invoices, and performing data entry and tax services.
How do I get freelance accounting work? ›- Get online. ...
- Connect to cloud software. ...
- Create service bundles. ...
- Increase your revenue per client. ...
- Get free referrals. ...
- Build your digital presence. ...
- Don't forget traditional marketing. ...
- Stay on top of your expenses.
Not hard at all, particularly because managing and tabulating numbers is something easy to do from any location. Do a job search for “Accounting” and in location write “Remote” and you will see how many opportunities are out there.
How to work as an accountant online? ›How Do You Become an Online Accountant? Online accountants must follow the same educational path as in-house accountants. You must first earn a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, though some also earn a master's degree.
Can you still work as an accountant without a CPA? ›While all CPAs are accountants, not all accountants are CPAs. In fact, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and CPA licensure data, only about 50% of accountants in the United States are actively licensed CPAs.
Can accountants make 100k? ›Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as an accountant. While possible, it is unlikely to earn over $100k as an accountant because even higher-paid positions do not typically earn more than $69,000 per year. The average annual salary for an accountant is $52,965.
Does freelance accounting pay well? ›While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $104,000 and as low as $21,500, the majority of Freelance Accountant salaries currently range between $43,000 (25th percentile) to $64,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $86,000 annually across the United States.
How much does a freelance accountant charge per hour? ›Accountants charge clients an average of $175 per hour for services. Accounting service rates can range from $60 – $400+ per hour. The average median hourly pay for accountants is $37.14 per hour.
How do I break into accounting without experience? ›- Research accounting types and roles. ...
- Complete your education. ...
- Pursue additional training or certifications. ...
- Intern or volunteer. ...
- Network effectively. ...
- Apply for entry-level positions. ...
- Keep learning. ...
- Develop your soft skills.
The big four consulting firms – Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC – already allowed some form of remote working before the lockdowns and have confirmed these policies will be extended beyond the pandemic. However, leaders at the big four have warned staff that any flexibility has to be balanced against client needs.
Is entry level accounting stressful? ›
The work can be stressful
It's a safe bet to say, the more important your position is and the more money you work with, the more pressure you will face on the job. But whether that pressure results in higher levels of stress depends on your personality.
The average quickbooks accountant salary in the USA is $53,625 per year or $25.78 per hour. Entry level positions start at $41,925 per year while most experienced workers make up to $72,500 per year.
What is the best online accounting? ›- Best Overall: QuickBooks Online.
- Best for Micro-Business Owners: Xero.
- Best for Service-Based Businesses: FreshBooks.
- Best for Part-Time Freelancers: QuickBooks Self-Employed.
- Best Free Software: Wave.
While a person needs at least a four-year degree to become a professional accountant or Certified Public Accountant (CPA), there are many accounting careers one can pursue without these credentials. These roles involve learning and using accounting basics in the workplace.
Is CPA Exam hard? ›About half of the individuals who take the CPA Exam don't pass on their first attempt. According to the AICPA, the national average pass rate is 45-55%. Cumulative pass rates reported by the AICPA for the calendar year 2021 show that FAR had the lowest pass rate at 44.54% and BEC had the highest pass rate at 61.94%.
Is an accounting degree worth it without CPA? ›“For those more advanced roles, a degree in accounting or finance is often preferred.” But a proven track record can outweigh even the CPA credential. “I've seen senior accountants without CPAs who have 10 years of experience move into accounting manager and controller level roles,” says Campman.
How can I pass CPA without accounting degree? ›You do not need an accounting degree to be eligible for CPA licensure. California requires 24 semester units in accounting subjects and 24 semester units in business related subjects, 20 semester units in accounting study and 10 semester units in ethics, but many CPAs major in other business studies and then take ...
What is the top 25% salary for an accountant? ›How Much Does an Accountant Make? Accountants made a median salary of $77,250 in 2021. The best-paid 25% made $99,800 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $60,760.
What are the richest accounting jobs? ›The top-paying industries for accountants include finance and insurance, management of companies and enterprises, tax preparation, and the government.
How to earn $5,000 per month passive income? ›- Bank Deposits. ...
- Post Office Monthly Income Scheme. ...
- National Pension Scheme (NPS) ...
- Atal Pension Yojana (APY) ...
- Mutual Funds. ...
- Government and Corporate Bonds. ...
- Annuity. ...
- Life Insurance.
What are the highest paying passive income? ›
- Dividend stocks. ...
- Dividend index funds and exchange-traded funds. ...
- Bonds and bond index funds. ...
- High-yield savings accounts. ...
- Rental properties. ...
- Peer-to-peer lending. ...
- Private equity. ...
- Content.
Yes, you can do accounting as a side job. You could work part-time as an employee, freelance, offer bookkeeping services, or work as an accounting consultant or tax consultant. There are also several ways to incorporate your expertise into an online business, like creating an online course.
What are the highest paid freelance? ›- Editor. National average salary: $46,635 per year. ...
- Marketing specialist. National average salary: $49,788 per year. ...
- Tutor. National average salary: $51,742 per year. ...
- Web designer. National average salary: $52,806 per year. ...
- Copywriter. ...
- Accountant. ...
- Social media specialist. ...
- Writer.
Undoubtedly, graphic design is one of the highest-paying freelance jobs you can find. It's also one of the most in-demand fields right now. Graphic designers are responsible for creating graphics or visuals that help communicate an idea or concept.
How much does a QuickBooks bookkeeper get paid? ›Average QuickBooks Bookkeeper yearly pay in the United States is approximately $70,000, which is 49% above the national average.
How much should I charge as a bookkeeper? ›Average prices for bookkeeping services: Fast facts
To help answer some of your burning questions, take a look at a few average rates: The average hourly wage for a bookkeeper in the U.S. is $22 per hour. CPAs typically charge $200 – $250 per hour. Top bookkeepers in major cities may charge $500 per hour (or more).
Bookkeepers handle the day-to-day tasks of recording financial transactions, while accountants provide insight and analysis of that data and generate accounting reports.
What is the easiest accounting degree? ›Associate's Degrees in Accounting
The easiest level of degree you can earn in accounting is the associate's degree. This two-year degree is offered at community colleges, so it tends to take less time to earn and have a far lower price tag than a bachelor's degree.
Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) AAT is the ideal first step in any accountancy career. Its global recognition and foundational syllabus gives you a platform to get into the industry without any prior experience or accreditations.
Is accounting hard without a degree? ›Do You Need a Degree to Break Into the Field? While it's definitely possible to get into accounting without a degree, that's become more difficult in modern times where accountants are expected to join organizations ready to deliver value from day one.
What company pays the most for remote work? ›
According to Payscale.com Data Scientist is the highest paying remote job at the moment with an average base salary of $96,589. However, jobs like Network Architect can pay you up to $121,640 according to Flexjobs. What remote jobs are in-demand for 2023?
What companies don t like remote work? ›Amazon, Intel and other tech companies acknowledge rejecting remote work could cost them talent. Amazon, Pinterest, Intel and PayPal all acknowledged they could risk losing talent to competitors who offer more appealing job benefits, such as remote or hybrid work, according to securities filings.
What percent of accountants work from home? ›A growing number of accounting leaders are starting to adapt to the reality that remote work is good for business and good for their employees. According to a 2018 survey of CPA firms, 43 percent of firms now have employees who regularly work from home.
Can you make 6 figures as an accountant? ›A CPA salary usually reaches the high five figures, and senior CPAs in management can earn a six-figure salary.
What is the hardest thing to do in accounting? ›So, what are the biggest challenges facing accountants today? Cash flow, hiring new talent, adapting to new tax and regulatory changes and continuing to adjust to remote work remain some of the largest hurdles for accounting teams.
Is accounting hard if you're bad at math? ›Is Accounting Hard If You're Bad At Math. Accounting can be challenging, especially if you're not a math person. This belief is common, and even though accounting requires understanding financial principles, basic math skills are necessary to complete accounting tasks.
Why do accountants not like QuickBooks Online? ›QBO doesn't offer the features you need.
This is its own number because this is such a common rejection of the software. As mentioned QBO is not built to handle everything. Construction accounting, job costing, and inventory management are several common limitations. The apps were designed for this purpose.
- At least three years of experience with small business bookkeeping.
- A QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor certification.
- At least one year of experience with QuickBooks.
- Proficiency with technology and computer software.
- Customer service skills.
The estimated total pay for a QuickBooks Live Bookkeeper at Intuit is $32 per hour. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $25 per hour.
How hard is it to learn QuickBooks? ›Learning to use QuickBooks is easy for someone familiar with accounting concepts and how the accounting software works, but it can be hard for someone tech-challenged or with no bookkeeping knowledge. While Intuit, the company behind QuickBooks, markets QuickBooks as ready to use – it all depends on the end-user.
Can I get accounting work from online? ›
By being an online accountant can work for organisations globally, irrespective of where you live. Accountants can choose the type of company that they want to work for, the industry and also their specialisation depending on their interests, qualifications and strengths.
Can I get certified in QuickBooks? ›QuickBooks Online Certification trainings and exams are free to accounting pros and available in QuickBooks Online Accountant. Gain skills to better service your clients while earning credentials that keep your practice growing.
What are the top 3 skills necessary to be a good accountant? ›Strong written and oral communication. Organization and attention to detail. Analytical and problem solving skills. Time management.
Can you make money as an accountant without a CPA? ›Many people with degrees in accounting continue to work in the field without the CPA attached to their name. The biggest difference may come in the salary, but there are still plenty of accountants that are doing the same work as CPAs, just in the private sector.
Can I be an accountant if I don't like math? ›It may come as a surprise, but math, though important, is not necessarily the main skill you will need in accounting. Mastering basic math formulas will be important, but other skills will also help you toward success.
Can CPA be done from home? ›Flexibility – Online CPA classes are flexible, which is one of their many advantages. The applicants don't need to go and study in various distant places. All you have to do is study at the convenience of your home. Candidates can separate their personal and study time as they are all in the same location.
What percentage of accountants work from home? ›A growing number of accounting leaders are starting to adapt to the reality that remote work is good for business and good for their employees. According to a 2018 survey of CPA firms, 43 percent of firms now have employees who regularly work from home.
Are accountants working remotely? ›Accounting firms may now offer both in-person and remote options. Performing some elements of an accounting engagement remotely has become increasingly popular. But it's not all smooth sailing, and there are some drawbacks to be aware of.
Can I make a living as an accountant? ›Accountants can earn a lucrative salary, especially if they work in the sub-sectors or cities, or areas listed below. It is a job that is needed in most industries and for the most part, all businesses. Most individuals only need a bachelor's degree to get started in an accounting career.
Can accountants make 6 figures? ›According to Glassdoor salary data, the typical salary for an entry-level accountant is $49,284. However, as you progress in the accounting field, you have the potential to earn over six figures.
Can you write CPA without a degree? ›
Yes. You will need to obtain the required 150-credit hours, but you do not need to earn a master's degree to become a CPA.
Can I be a CPA as a side hustle? ›Yes, you can do accounting as a side job. You could work part-time as an employee, freelance, offer bookkeeping services, or work as an accounting consultant or tax consultant. There are also several ways to incorporate your expertise into an online business, like creating an online course.
Is the life of an accountant stressful? ›The work can be stressful
It's a safe bet to say, the more important your position is and the more money you work with, the more pressure you will face on the job. But whether that pressure results in higher levels of stress depends on your personality.
Salaries for accountants vary depending on the company. Some large companies may pay over $500,000 a year, and independent accountants with an expansive client list can also earn more.
Are accountants in demand right now? ›The profession offers a high level of job security, and accountants are always in demand. In addition, the median salary for an accountant is still higher than the median salary for all workers.
Do accountants make good money? ›Accountants made a median salary of $77,250 in 2021. The best-paid 25% made $99,800 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $60,760.
Is the CPA exam remote? ›NASBA has no immediate plans for allowing CPA Exam candidates to test remotely, but we will keep you posted as NASBA explores this option. For now, continue to study and prepare for the CPA Exam by planning to sit at a physical Prometric test center.
What are the 4 types of accountants? ›These four branches include corporate, public, government, and forensic accounting. An undergraduate degree is most often required for any accounting career, while previous master's work, especially in the accounting field, is often strongly preferred.
What type of accountant makes the most money? ›- 1) Financial Controller.
- 2) CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
- 3) Chartered Accountant.
- 4) Bank Branch Manager.
- 5) CGA (Certified General Accountant)
- 6) Senior Accountant.
- 7) Financial Analyst.
- 8) Credit Supervisor.
Strong math and analytical skills are a must for accountants — you've got those already. Accountants spend much of their time solving problems where they combine quantitative analysis with business strategy, legal perspectives and economic considerations.