How to Land Your First Accounting Job: A Step-by-Step Guide
Starting a career in accounting can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have prior experience. But the good news is—you don’t need years of training to land your first accounting job!
With the right skills, certifications, and approach, you can break into the industry and start building a successful career in finance. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level bookkeeping role, an accounts assistant position, or a junior accountant job, this guide will show you exactly what to do to get hired fast.
Ready to take the first step? Let’s dive in!
📌 Step 1: Learn the Basics of Accounting & Bookkeeping
Before applying for jobs, you need to understand core accounting principles and how financial transactions work.
Key Topics to Learn:
✅ The accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity)
✅ How to prepare financial statements (Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement)
✅ Double-entry bookkeeping and debits/credits
✅ Business taxation basics (VAT, payroll, corporate tax)
💡 How to Learn These Skills Quickly:
• Take a basic accounting or bookkeeping course (online or in-person).
• Read industry blogs and books like Accounting for Beginners.
• Watch free tutorials on YouTube to understand accounting software and principles.
📢 Tip: Even if you don’t have a degree in accounting, you can start with online courses and certifications to build your knowledge.
📌 Step 2: Get Hands-On Experience with Accounting Software
Employers want candidates who are comfortable using modern accounting tools. Familiarity with accounting software can instantly boost your CV and make you stand out in job applications.
Most Popular Accounting Software:
🖥️ QuickBooks – Used by small businesses and freelancers.
🖥️ Xero – Cloud-based software for startups and SMEs.
🖥️ Sage – Popular in corporate accounting and payroll.
🖥️ FreshBooks – Best for freelancers and service-based businesses.
💡 How to Gain Software Experience:
• Sign up for free trials of accounting software and practice bookkeeping tasks.
• Take online software training courses.
• Watch free YouTube tutorials to get comfortable with different accounting tools.
📢 Tip: Some employers offer training on their preferred software, but having prior experience gives you a competitive edge.
📌 Step 3: Build a Small Portfolio (Even Without Experience!)
One of the biggest challenges for new accountants is lack of experience. But did you know you can create your own portfolio to showcase your skills—even without a job?
How to Build a Portfolio as a Beginner:
📊 Recreate sample financial statements (Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss) using Excel.
💼 Offer free bookkeeping services to a small business or family member.
📜 Complete case studies on financial reporting and budgeting.
💡 Why It Works: Employers value practical skills just as much as formal education. A small portfolio proves your abilities and sets you apart from other entry-level candidates.
📢 Tip: When applying for jobs, attach a sample report or mention your portfolio in your CV to showcase your knowledge.
📌 Step 4: Earn a Recognized Certification to Boost Your CV
While a degree in accounting can be helpful, you don’t need one to start working in finance. Instead, you can fast-track your career with industry-recognized certifications.
Best Certifications for Beginners:
📜 AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) – Great for entry-level bookkeeping and accounting jobs.
📜 ACCA (Applied Knowledge Level) – Recognized internationally for finance and auditing roles.
📜 CIMA (Certificate in Business Accounting) – Ideal for management accounting.
📜 QuickBooks/Xero Certifications – Shows employers you’re skilled in accounting software.
💡 How to Choose the Right One:
• If you want to start as a bookkeeper, go for AAT Level 2 or QuickBooks certification.
• If you want to become a chartered accountant, start with ACCA or CIMA qualifications.
📢 Tip: Many companies sponsor further qualifications once you start working, so focus on entry-level certificationsfirst.
📌 Step 5: Apply for Entry-Level Finance Jobs & Start Gaining Experience
Once you’ve built your skills and certifications, it’s time to start applying for jobs.
Best Entry-Level Accounting Jobs:
💼 Bookkeeper – Perfect for those starting with no prior experience.
💼 Accounts Assistant – Helps senior accountants with reports and data entry.
💼 Payroll Administrator – Manages employee wages and tax deductions.
💼 Finance Assistant – Works in corporate finance teams, supporting accountants.
Where to Apply for Jobs:
🔹 LinkedIn Jobs – Great for networking and direct applications.
🔹 Indeed & Glassdoor – Search for entry-level accounting and bookkeeping roles.
🔹 Recruitment Agencies – Many firms specialize in accounting job placements.
🔹 Freelance Platforms (Upwork, Fiverr) – If you prefer working as a freelance bookkeeper.
💡 How to Stand Out:
✅ Customize your CV to highlight software skills and certifications.
✅ Include a strong cover letter explaining why you want to work in accounting.
✅ Follow up with hiring managers on LinkedIn after applying.
📢 Tip: Apply to at least 10-15 jobs per week to increase your chances of landing interviews.
🚀 Fast-Track Your Accounting Career with the Right Training!
Want to start working in accounting as soon as possible? With the right training and hands-on experience, you can land an entry-level job within months.
At ELF College, we offer fast, flexible, and affordable courses to help you gain practical accounting skills, software training, and certifications—so you can start your career quickly.