Remote Accounting Jobs
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Are you tired of working in a stuffy office?
Do you want more independence and a better balance between life and work?
Then you’re in luck!
Accounting doesn’t have to be office-based and boring. With the following remote accounting jobs, you can transform your career and lifestyle in no time.
Now:
Searching for virtual accounting jobs isn’t straightforward. Aside from figuring out which position you want to apply for, you also need to decide what industries fall into the remote work industry. Thankfully, there’s no reason to shoulder the burden yourself – we’re here to help.
Here’s the deal:
In this post, you’ll learn more about the positions that are attainable. With our help, you’ll finally have the career you’ve always dreamed about, and getting out of bed in the morning won’t seem as difficult.
Continue reading to find out everything there is to know about how to find remote jobs for accounting.
Roles
Role |
Key Responsibilities |
Key Skills |
Average Hourly Pay |
Client Services Accountant |
|
|
$30 – $250 |
Accounting Manager |
|
|
$30 – $60 |
Bookkeeper |
|
|
$30 – $80 |
Payroll Specialist |
|
|
$10 – $60 |
Audit Specialist |
|
|
$60 + |
Tax Specialist |
|
|
$30 – $60 |
Cryptocurrency Tax Reconciliation Specialist |
|
|
$30 – $60 |
Assurance Specialist |
|
|
$30 – $60 |
Accounting Instructor/Tutor |
|
|
$60 + |
General Ledger Programmer |
|
|
$60 + |
Development Finance Consultant |
|
|
$60 + |
Assistant Controller |
|
|
$10 – $60 |
Accounts Receivable Specialist |
|
|
$10 – $30 |
Tax Treasury Manager |
|
|
$60 + |
Accounting Intern |
|
|
$10 – $20 |
Accounting Writer |
|
|
$10 – $60 |
Home Based Accounting Jobs: What To Expect
Although you might think you understand everything there is to know about the sector, there are specific things that will take you by surprise. After all, the hourly pay might be lower or higher than you expect, or the responsibilities might be more intense and varied.
In this section, we’ll outline the key takeaways from sixteen roles popular among candidates applying for remote jobs in accounting in the US.
Client Services Accountant
Description
The traditional role of a Client Services Accountant, or CAS, was to take care of the majority of the accounting work for clients. This included everything from write-ups to paying bills and complying with tax legislation.
While all this is still expected, the role has evolved to the point where a CAS also must tailor their remote accounting services to suit a customer’s individual needs, such as dealing with manual checks. Yes, some businesses continue to pay and get paid this way. You might have complete specific tasks remotely and while dealing with others in-house, too.
As always, the client comes first, so a CAS must adopt a customer-centric approach.
Background Experience Required
The majority of employers looking for remote client services accountants expect up to three years of experience in a similar position. However, because the job specification is varied, lots of accountants already have a background in some of the roles. So, it’s essential to think about transferable skills that you possess, even if your past title wasn’t in the CAS sector.
As well as experience, applicants need an undergraduate degree in accounting or a related subject such as math. A post-grad – master’s or PhD – isn’t mandatory, but it does help candidates stand out from the crowd in a saturated market.
Certifications
Naturally, employers won’t hire you unless you possess certain qualifications. A CPA isn’t necessarily obligatory for remote accounting jobs USA, yet acquiring Certified Public Account status proves you are able to work in the state. An ACCA is a UK-based certification that’s recognized globally for freelance accounting jobs in America, making it another qualification worth considering.
- Essential: Degree in accounting or similar subject
- Recommended: CPA and ACCA qualifications
Who Is it Best for?
Driven self-starters are usually very good in the role because there is a lot to handle and you must be able to multitask. That means being organized and having the ability to hit deadlines. However, you shouldn’t be introverted. A CAS needs to build relationships, making excellent communication skills imperative. Of course, candidates should be tech-savvy in this day and age. Finally, you must be able to do these things from the comfort of your home, which means you shouldn’t be a procrastinator or easily distracted.
Accounting Manager
Description
This is one of the online accounting jobs where you’ll have to oversee the daily operations of the accounting department. This can include but isn’t limited to producing financial reports and statements and monitoring accounting info using big data. As the leader, your main task is to implement the correct methods and policies to ensure that the accounting department runs efficiently.
Background Experience Required
For a management role in accounting, you will usually need five or more years of experience. Of course, the more you have, the better it looks to clients.
Education
Bachelor’s in accounting or finance. A Master’s degree is often required as lots of modern accounting managers have them.
Certifications
A CPA is essential; however, it’s the only formal certification that you’ll require. The following are what clients and employers look for in freelance account managers:
- Accuracy
- Timeliness
- Attention to Detail
- Organization
- Multitask
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Team Player
- Interpersonal Skills
- Leadership
- Collaboration
- Analysis
Who Is it Best for?
This is one of the work from home accounting jobs that are perfect for career-driven accountants who want more flexibility. Being able to manage accounts is a fantastic skill, but it’s important to have extra independence as you get older. A remote account manager position allows you to maintain a high level of authority without being tied down by a manager and office combination.
Bookkeeper
Description
Remote bookkeper jobs are similar to that of an accountant, but the responsibilities are mainly focused on numbers. As a result, a remote bookkeeper is mainly required to compile monthly, quarterly, and annual business financial statements and perform bank reconciliations and depreciation schedules.
Background Experience Required
Regarding previous job experience, the majority of employers or freelance clients expect between three to five years working in a professional capacity. Education-wise, a bachelor’s degree in a financial subject isn’t a must because an Associate’s qualification is widely accepted. Math-centric subjects are also valuable.
Certifications
The certifications you need will depend on the situation. Some businesses and individuals are happy to use customer reviews and word of mouth advertising. Others, however, might ask for a CPA if they themselves are a Certified Public Accounting firm. You should always check before applying. The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) is another fantastic certification for anybody interested in remote bookkeeper jobs.
Other beneficial skills are:
- Experience with QuickBooks, Xero, Accounting CS, and Excel.
- Excellent computer skills.
- Commitment to confidentiality.
- Solid oral and written communications skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and budgets.
Who Is it Best for?
Anyone who has a background in bookkeeping and enjoys the freedom of working from a coffee shop. As long as you have the necessary software and an internet connection, you can do this job from anywhere in the world!
Payroll Specialist
Description
For remote accounting jobs, the name is as self-explanatory as it gets. A payroll specialist deals with payment issues, whether it’s paying staff and invoices on time or solving unforeseen payment problems. Aside from processing and supporting, a payroll specialist is also required to coordinate new software that cuts costs and saves time by eliminating glitches.
Background Experience Required
Three years minimum experience. The ability to demonstrate longer job experience is a plus, as it adds trust and reliability.
Education
There are several options at your disposal. As always, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree will look excellent on your resume. However, they aren’t necessary. Many payroll experts begin with an Associate’s degree in accounting, while others opt for a voluntary American Payroll Association (APA) foundation. Although the latter is a voluntary qualification, it’s well regarded by clients and employers alike.
Certifications
Another additional formal qualification that is well-liked is a CPP. It stands for Certified Protection Professional and adds an extra layer of reliability. Keep in mind that Business Administration qualifications are also accepted.
These are the informal certifications to look out for:
- Speedy and accurate data “hand-keying”.
- Understanding of federal and state payroll-related taxation laws.
- Multi-state payroll experience a bonus.
- Working knowledge of employee and employer taxing requirements.
- Written and verbal communications skills.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Ability to work alone and find and resolve issues.
- Microsoft Excel proficient.
Who Is it Best for?
A payroll specialist position is one of those work from home accounting jobs that are great for people who can organize their time effectively. If you can handle home chores while tracking vacation allocations and hours worked, it’s a brilliant opportunity. Accountants and bookkeepers will find it less stressful to make the transition, as they should already have the relevant tracking software.
Audit Specialist
Description
An audit specialist ensures an individual’s or company’s financial records are in order. Often, the role is used by people and businesses to make sure they comply with tax regulations because the rules are complicated and the penalties severe. However, an audit specialist is also necessary for the purposes of efficiency. Auditors use their knowledge and experience to analyze financial operations and make changes to save time and money.
Background Experience Required
Up to 5 years of relevant experience is required in most cases. The good news, though, is that there are plenty of other roles that give you the tools necessary to tackle the job. They include:
- Pubic accountants.
- Management accountants.
- Government accountants.
- Internal auditors.
- External auditors.
- Information technology auditors.
Education is another area where there is a lot of leeway. To begin with, colleges and schools offer internal auditing programs that are perfect for the job. But if you don’t opt for this qualification, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting or business administration is an excellent alternative. Other than that, you can use an associate’s degree or skills you acquired in bookkeeping or in remote accounting clerk jobs as long as you meet the criteria.
Certifications
A CPA certification is almost always required. Why? Because auditors have to file reports with the SEC, and it’s a legal requirement for anyone filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
A Certified Management Accountant course is available if you have a bachelor’s degree. Plus, you must have two years of experience in management accounting and pass a two-part exam while continuing a further education course. If you do, you’ll obtain skills in:
- Financial statement analysis.
- Working-capital policy.
- Capital structure.
- Valuation issues.
- Risk management.
Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Information Systems Auditor certifications are fantastic ways to stand out, too.
Who Is it Best for?
Of course, strong organizational skills are critical, as one mistake could be incredibly costly. But you also need a quiet environment in which to work. Homes or co-working spaces that are noisy and chaotic aren’t synonymous with auditors, as they must pay close attention to detail and listen closely to project briefs and specifications.
Tax Specialist
Description
Tax specialists use their experience in various positions to help companies and individuals avoid penalties and fines. A tax specialist, in a bid to ensure corporate and employee tax regulations are adhered to, should be able to keep tabs on and understand old and new rules to help create a winning strategy. The plan will revolve around monitoring and compliance to ensure every base is covered.
Background Experience Required
Five years is the absolute minimum because you need a wealth of experience to specialize in tax. That’s why the majority of people in remote tax accounting jobs have worked in the following roles previous to becoming an expert:
- Tax accountancy.
- Tax advising.
- Tax preparation.
- Tax management.
Education
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree. These can be obtained in accounting, math, business administration, and finance.
Certifications
Like all remote accounting jobs that deal with the SEC, a CPA is a legal requirement. Extra certifications that help tax specialists include everything from IRS updates to magazine subscriptions. However, the most popular certification is that of the National Association of Tax Professionals. A voluntary organization, it assists its members in all things tax preparation so that you don’t lose your competitive edge.
Skills that make successful tax experts are:
- Attention to detail.
- Time management.
- Multitasking.
- Analytical ability.
- Communication skills.
- Software compliance.
- Knowledge of international tax regulations (businesses in global markets).
- An understanding of big data (pattern spotting).
Who Is it Best for
People who will find this position exciting are those who enjoy working with figures. That being said, a tax specialist is more than a number-cruncher – they are also excellent at making complicated data straightforward to follow. And they can do this from a remote environment thanks to video-calling platforms.
Don’t assume tax specialists only help soulless corporations, either. Non-profit organizations and charities also need assistance with tax laws, so there’s no reason to work for “the Man” in a prison-like office.
Cryptocurrency Tax Reconciliation Specialist
Description
Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are used in everyday life, including business. Companies need the ability to reconcile their cryptocurrencies with IRS rules for transactions, which means you must work out taxable income and loss. This can include receipts for everything from coin-to-currency to split transactions and mining revenue.
Background Experience Required
At least three years of relevant experience is essential for cryptocurrency specialists. From an education perspective, clients and employers are happy to recruit candidates that prove they understand cryptocurrency reconciliation. Still, a degree in a math-based subject tends to catch the eye.
Certifications
While accounting and tax qualifications are welcome, this is one of those virtual accounting jobs that require no formal certifications. Instead, the focus is on the individual’s informal certifications and skills. As a result, crypto tax reconciliation experts tend to possess the following:
- Familiarity with wallets and exchanges.
- Comfortable using spreadsheets.
- Previous experience with tools such as Bitcoin.Tax &
- Cointracking. Otherwise, must be able to learn how to use them quickly.
- Understanding of exchange APIs.
- Ability to debug common cryptocurrency tax software issues.
- Willingness to train others on all the above.
Who Is it Best for?
Anybody with a background in cryptocurrency is perfect for the role. Since crypto tax experts are in demand and in short supply, the roles are usually remotely accessible.
Assurance Specialist
Description
Freelance accounting jobs are pretty easy to spot, as they are number-centric. An assurance specialist, on the other hand, is all about quality, so why is it on this list? The answer is simple: assurance specialists use statistical data to identify problems with quality. This means you need to be able to analyze data and use the information to recommend alterations that boost quality while reducing time and expenses.
Background Experience Required
Several years of experience in the industry is a basic requirement. Employers will also want proof that your recommendations worked and helped your previous organization. So, a portfolio of achievements that includes empirical evidence of your success is a vital tool. The majority of job specifications demand a bachelor’s degree regarding education, with a master’s or doctorate more likely to land you a job.
Certifications
In the US, the American Society for Quality is a professional certification that improves your ability to earn more and secure promotions as an assurance specialist. ASQ certification isn’t a mandatory qualification, yet it helps recognize experts within the quality assurance sector. There are very few college programs that focus on the subject, and fewer regulators.
Using a number-based approach, you must be able to do the following as an assurance specialist:
- Conduct audits.
- Draft quality standards.
- Advise management on improvement techniques for current operations.
- Evaluate employee performance.
Who Is it Best for?
An assurance specialist position is fantastic for people who like working with numbers but want more variety in their role. Lots of assurance experts start in industries that include manufacturing, tech, and general startups. Working remotely is a realistic opportunity if you go into the expanding niche of software quality assurance, as it’s based on computer programs.
Accounting Instructor/Tutor
Description
Accounting instructors and tutors teach aspiring accountants the essential policies and programs needed to be successful in the industry. Using your experience in accounting, you’ll teach students the difference between GAAP and IFRS, for example, while helping them master both. In one of the remote accounting instructor jobs, you’ll teach key concepts in easy-to-understand terms by creating specific lesson plans.
Background Experience Required
Your experience will depend on the type of job. Agencies will want instructors who have worked in the industry and have an excellent track record of results. However, freelance tutors can use grades to advertise competency. After all, tutoring students is a clever way to gain relevant experience in the sector. Colleges use grade point averages, so you should be sure to highlight yours on your resume.
For obvious reasons, your education will need to center around accounting.
Certifications
To guide your students through the process, you must be able to demonstrate:
- An ability to grade exam papers and coursework.
- Open and honest communication that offers constructive feedback.
- The art of simplifying complicated concepts.
- Patience.
- Understanding of accounting software such as Quickbooks or Knowledge.
Who Is it Best for?
A tutor role is best for people who enjoy working with others without the normal restrictions. By mixing crafting lesson plans with meeting face-to-face for lessons, you can work in different locations with new people. Grad students tend to fall into tutoring, as the job offers good money and the ability to schedule work around life.
General Ledger Programmer
Description
General ledger programmers leverage their programming skills to create custom services and solutions for businesses. Mainly, you will do this for the purposes of making the payroll system more adept at handling large quantities of data so that bugs don’t occur.
Background Experience Required
You need:
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
- Or the equivalent work experience (two years minimum).
- The ability to demonstrate a basic knowledge of SQL.
- Prior payroll experience.
Employers also want to see:
- A year or more experience in an accounts or general ledger role.
- A bachelor’s degree in accounting.
- Comfortable with general ledger accounting policies.
- Understanding of Server Stored Procedures and Server.
- Reporting Services Reports (SQL).
- Understanding of XSLT translation routines.
Certifications
Candidates have to bring a multitude of real-time skills to the role. Some of these are:
- Configuring systems.
- Testing calculations.
- Analyzing reports.
- Interact with payroll data.
- Explain processes so that they meet customer expectations.
Who Is it Best for?
Computer programmers. If you have a CP background, you’ll be able to use language software to interface with payroll systems. And all you need is a stable internet connection.
Development Finance Consultant
Description
Development finance consultants use experience and contacts to create financial packages to clients’ budgets. You will also help clients to secure finances for projects if they don’t know where to search or don’t want to use traditional lenders.
Background Experience Required
Ten years of relevant experience in various backgrounds is generally required. This can be in everything from investing and impact to environmental finance. Experience is also expected in the following areas:
- Data sets.
- Development finance in emerging markets.
- Evaluating and reporting on development impacts.
Compared to the other remote jobs on this list, a master’s degree is necessary due to the extensive experience needed.
Certifications
As well as a CPA, a CFA or CAIA might be a required supplementary certification, depending on the role.
Who Is it Best for?
Freelancers with excellent, extensive contacts. Securing finance isn’t easy, which is why you can use your resources to assist individuals and companies with low credit scores.
Assistant Controller
Description
Reporting to the head controller, an assistant controller helps to ensure financial compliance with local, state and federal regulations. You’ll be integral in ensuring financial resources are used correctly and logically.
Background Experience Required
Many employers ask for evidence or experience. However, experience in the assistant controller sector isn’t necessary, as most businesses and clients accept a background in accounting.
Education
Bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting (or a related subject)
Certifications
A CPA is a fantastic certification if you meet the criteria. Before you take the exam, you must:
- Complete 150 semester hours.
- 1-2 years of experience working under a CPA.
On top of being organized and good with numbers, you need experience with computer software programs, such as Oracle or Blackbaud.
Who Is it Best for?
Remote workers who don’t have lots of ties. Assistant controllers usually have to travel, so it’s better for people with fewer responsibilities.
Accounts Receivable Specialist
Description
Any money that is owed to a company or individual is taken care of by an accounts receivable specialist. You will work with accountants and clerks, as well as any other financial staff, so that debts are billed and paid ASAP.
Background Experience Required
As well as a degree (minimum bachelor’s) in accounting, receivable experts are expected to understand the theories behind Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
In terms of experience, a receivable specialist is a management position. So, it’s imperative to have strong leadership skills and the ability to communicate effectively. A background in customer service is preferable.
Certifications
These are the core skills your application should focus on:
- Basic math.
- Credit authorization and billing procedures and practices knowledge.
- Computer software proficiency.
The Institute of Financial Operations and The Accounts Receivable Network are helpful groups.
Who Is it Best for
Accounts receivable managers with decades of experience in the industry who want to go to the next level of their career.
Tax Treasury Manager
Description
As the tax treasury manager, you’ll lead the tax team to make sure the business or individual is compliant with tax regulations. Treasury managers usually work with the Senior Accounting Officer to implement tailor-made processes.
Background Experience Required
Aside from the commercial and corporate tax side of the job, you’ll also be expected to lead a team. This means you need experience in listening and communicating with clients and employees. Strong project management skills are also required, so employers generally want a minimum of eight years of background experience.
Certifications
Ideal candidates are often customer-oriented leaders with a flexible approach to management that are CPA-certified.
Who Is it Best for?
Experienced and skilled managers who categorize themselves as tax experts.
Accounting Intern
Description
Accounting interns learn and gain firsthand knowledge of the industry by working in a fast-paced environment. This means researching, preparing, and assisting with financial reports.
Background Experience Required
A bachelor’s degree or the equivalent. Hours in an accounting workplace are desirable but not obligatory as the role of an intern is to learn and grow.
Certifications
The top accounting firms have GPA minimums, usually between 3.5 and 3.7. You can prepare for remote accounting internships by getting to know the company and planning your priorities.
Who Is it Best for?
Young, budding accountants who are desperate to work in the industry. Remote internships are tricky to find, but you can freelance after landing a role.
Accounting Intern
Description
Accounting interns learn and gain firsthand knowledge of the industry by working in a fast-paced environment. This means researching, preparing, and assisting with financial reports.
Background Experience Required
A bachelor’s degree or the equivalent. Hours in an accounting workplace are desirable but not obligatory as the role of an intern is to learn and grow.
Certifications
The top accounting firms have GPA minimums, usually between 3.5 and 3.7. You can prepare for remote accounting internships by getting to know the company and planning your priorities.
Who Is it Best for?
Young, budding accountants who are desperate to work in the industry. Remote internships are tricky to find, but you can freelance after landing a role.
Accounting Writer
Description
Accounting covers many areas, from preparing business plans to filing taxes. As a remote accounting writer, you’ll create easy to follow content on the latest industry trends and developments.
Background Experience Required
Experience in accounting is essential, so a bachelor’s degree or higher is often required. That being said, you also need strong writing skills to create new content on the latest trends. So, experience writing for a publication is often a useful tool.
Certifications
You will be more likely to secure jobs if you are:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
- Certified Financial Analyst (CFA).
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
- Enrolled Agent (EA).
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
- Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA).
Who Is it Best for?
Freelancers who want to combine their knowledge and passion for stats with a flair for writing.
Accounting as a Remote Profession
Remote Work Activities
Traditional accounting activities are pretty much the same for remote workers. That means you’ll examine the accuracy of statements, ensure they comply with state and federal regulations, and inspect accounts (including tax owed).
Remote Accounting Jobs Vs Regular Accounting Jobs
Although the tasks are the same, there are differences. For instance, you need to be a motivated self-starter. Organizing your schedule provides freedom, but it also means you have to be committed to hitting deadlines.
It’s essential to understand that feedback isn’t always on the table. So, if you want validation for a job well done, it might not be forthcoming. That’s because remote workers are out of sight and out of mind.
Lastly, strong communication skills are also vital. Just because you’re out of the office doesn’t mean you can’t talk about the job specification and any potential changes.
Remote Jobs: Things You Need To Know
- Remote accounting jobs might require you to work from the same city, state, or time zone, so you need to take a closer look at the job specifications.
- Licensing – while you can be a certified accountant in one state, you need to verify if your license is valid in the state your future employer resides, so check with the respective authorities.
- Further Education – a CPA is a legal requirement if you work with the SEC. Even if it isn’t necessary, it’s a fantastic tool for lead generation.
Top 5 Places Offering the Best Remote Accounting Jobs Benefits
- Springfield, Illinois: there are 89% more accountant roles here than the average US city.
- Houston, Texas: per capita, there are 34% more accountant jobs, while the median wage is 15% higher than the US average.
- Denver, Colorado: almost 23,000 opportunities exist in Denver, with an average remote accounting jobs salary of over $80,000. Plus, Colorado has an excellent standard of living.
- Parkersburg, West Virginia: with 68% more jobs, Parkersburg’s cost of living that’s 17% lower than the American average makes it a fantastic place for accountants.
- Wilmington, Delaware: a reputation for being business-friendly means Delaware is home to corporations and credit card companies that add an extra 5,000 accounting jobs in the city.
Top 5 Accounting Apps For Freelancers
- Slack
- Zoom
- Karbon
- Hipchat
- Twist
Frequently Asked Questions
Can accountants work remotely?
Yes. All you need is a reliable internet connection and the right accounting software/apps.
How much do bookkeepers charge?
Rates can vary. However, the US average is $20 per hour.
How much does a freelance accountant charge?
It depends on seniority, but a senior accountant charges up to $50 an hour in America.
How long is a bookkeeping course?
Anywhere between 4 and 12 weeks.
What qualifications do you need to do bookkeeping?
Unlike most remote accounting jobs, you might not need any formal qualifications. However, a Certified Public Bookkeeper certificate will prove that you’re knowledgeable and trustworthy.
Remote accounting jobs requirements?
In order to successfully work from the comfort of your home and diligently fulfill your accounting role tasks, you’ll need to consider the following are in place:
- High-speed internet.
- Time-management skills.
- Availability via chat, phone, email.
- Availability in regular business hours.