Junior staff accountants apply the principles, theories and concepts of accounting to their projects. The position generally requires one to two years of general accounting experience. They work under the supervision of the company or firm’s more senior accountants.
The ability to quickly learn standard accounting programs and reporting tools is a key job requirement. Aspiring professionals can gain knowledge of these programs and develop relevant skills through the career-advancing online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting program from Florida Institute of Technology.
Job Outlook for Junior Staff Accountants
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job prospects for accountants and auditors to be favorable through 2033, with an estimated 6% growth in employment. This rate of growth is notably faster than that of all occupations combined.
Those with professional certification and specialized education will be the most in demand. For junior staff accountant positions, earning high grades and gaining experience while still in school will support job prospects. Opportunities are available in private accountancy and consulting firms, government agencies, large corporations, and mid-size businesses.
Junior Staff Accountant Job Description and Duties
A junior staff accountant’s professional responsibilities can vary widely. A typical junior staff accountant job description will include a range of accounting tasks and processes, depending on the professional’s specific role, the type and size of their organization and regulations surrounding their industry.
For example, junior accountants examine financial statements for completeness, accuracy and compliance with uniform accounting classifications while reconciling reports and financial data. They also prepare relatively simple financial statements as well as charts and tables to include in reports. With an understanding of modern accounting software, junior staff accountants can help automate and optimize accounting processes as well as translate financial data analysis into actionable insight for supervisors and decision-makers.
Work Environment for Staff Accountants
Despite the stereotype of the lone accountant toiling away, accounting is actually very team-oriented. As the junior member of a team responsible for auditing an important client project or preparing financial statements, new accountants will be able to learn the accounting ropes from other knowledgeable, experienced accountants.
Typically, work for beginning staffers remains somewhat administrative. Partners and senior managers will handle the direct client and prospective client contact.
Junior staff accountants typically work a 40-hour week. However, large firms may have longer working hours, especially during tax season. While most time will be spent in the office, accountants may travel to conduct client audits or meet with potential clients.
Junior Staff Accountant Salary Potential
According to BLS data, accountants and auditors earned a median annual wage of $79,880 in 2023, with the middle 50% earning $62,720 to $103,990. The lowest-paid 10% earned around $50,440, while the highest-paid 10% earned more than $137,280 annually.
Senior accounts generally make up the top earners. Junior staff accountant salaries tend to start at the lower end of the income scale, increasing with accounting experience, certification and education. Most junior staff accountant positions offer benefits including health, dental and life insurance, as well as 401(k) and paid leave.
Junior Staff Accountant Education Requirements
Those looking to enter the junior staff accountant field need a strong academic background. A great first step can be a bachelor’s degree in accounting. A typical accounting education program gives students the skills and knowledge to:
- Estimate the value of liabilities and equities
- Prepare and apply accounting standards to financial presentations
- Incorporate cost-accounting fundamentals into daily practice
- Exercise critical-thinking methods to identify and solve problems
Once an accountant earns a bachelor’s in accounting and builds experience, they can pursue career-advancing certification such as the industry-standard Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. Additionally, graduate degrees such as a master’s in accounting or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can significantly improve high-level job prospects.
Is a Junior Staff Accountant Job the Right Choice?
Junior staff accountant work is interesting, with a schedule that can be predictable but also extremely busy at times. Future earnings potential is high. For those who enjoy working with numbers and statistics, analyzing data and creating reports — not to mention job stability — this may be an excellent career path.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online BA in Accounting program.
