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Accounting Associate Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred * Strong understanding of general accounting principles * Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP ...

Accounting Specialist

Zeeland, MI · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred * Strong understanding of general accounting principles * Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP ...

Senior Accountant

Rochester, MI · Hybrid

$70K - $90K/yr

Controller Direct Reports: 1 Accounting Associate About the Opportunity We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Accountant I to join our finance team. This position plays a ...

Senior Accountant

Rochester Hills, MI · Hybrid

$70K - $90K/yr

Controller Direct Reports: 1 Accounting Associate About the Opportunity We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Accountant I to join our finance team. This position plays a ...

Currently, we are seeking a meticulous, detail-oriented individual to fill a position on our Accounting team. A qualified individual will be expected to: * Reconcile all phases of A/P * Resolve any ...

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Accounting Associate information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$21

$31

How much do accounting associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for accounting associate in Michigan is $21.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $24.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges Accounting Associates face when managing multiple deadlines?

Accounting Associates often juggle various tasks such as processing invoices, reconciling accounts, and preparing financial reports, all of which may have overlapping deadlines. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong organizational skills and effective time management. It's common to use accounting software and spreadsheets to prioritize work, but unexpected requests or discrepancies can arise, requiring quick problem-solving. Staying proactive in communication with team members and supervisors helps ensure that critical deadlines are met without compromising accuracy.

Can you make $100,000 as an accountant?

Accounting associates typically earn less than $100,000 annually, especially at entry or mid-level positions. Higher salaries are more common for senior accountants, managers, or those with specialized skills and certifications like CPA, often in larger organizations or with extensive experience.

What are Accounting Associates?

Accounting Associates are entry- to mid-level professionals who assist with the daily financial operations of a business or organization. Their main responsibilities often include processing invoices, managing accounts payable and receivable, reconciling bank statements, and preparing basic financial reports. They work closely with accountants and other finance team members to ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with relevant regulations. This role often serves as a stepping stone for those looking to advance in the accounting or finance field.

What Is an Accounting Associate?

An accounting associate provides basic bookkeeping assistance to auditors or accountants at a company. As an accounting associate, your primary duties include writing reports, providing data analysis and entry, and maintaining good relationships with company clients. You may also provide clerical assistance to the accounting or auditing department. Qualifications for the job include an associate degree or higher in accounting, statistics, or economics, and experience working in the insurance or financial fields. To succeed in this career, you need excellent math, communication, and organizational skills. An accounting associate is an entry-level role perfect for aspiring accountants.

Can I do anything with an associate's in accounting?

An associate's degree in accounting qualifies individuals for entry-level roles such as accounting clerk, bookkeeper, or payroll assistant. These positions often involve tasks like data entry, basic financial reporting, and using accounting software, and may serve as a stepping stone to higher positions with additional experience or certifications. Some roles may require further training or a bachelor's degree for advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Accounting Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Accounting Associate, you need a solid understanding of basic accounting principles, attention to detail, and a degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with accounting software such as QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, and ERP systems, as well as relevant certifications like a CPA or Bookkeeping certification, is often required. Strong organizational skills, analytical thinking, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart. These skills ensure accurate financial records, compliance with regulations, and efficient support for business operations.

What is an associate in accounting?

An accounting associate is an entry-level professional responsible for supporting accounting tasks such as data entry, bookkeeping, and preparing financial reports. They typically use accounting software like QuickBooks or Excel and may need basic knowledge of accounting principles and certifications like a CPA or accounting degree. The role often involves working in an office environment with standard business hours.

What is the difference between Accounting Associate vs Bookkeeper?

AspectAccounting AssociateBookkeeper
CredentialsTypically an associate degree in accounting or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; some may have certifications
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, accounting firms, finance departmentsSmall businesses, freelance, or in-house for various companies
Job ResponsibilitiesData entry, assisting with financial reports, supporting accountantsRecording financial transactions, maintaining ledgers, reconciling accounts

While both roles handle financial data, an Accounting Associate often works alongside accountants in more analytical tasks, whereas a Bookkeeper focuses on recording and maintaining financial records. The roles are complementary but differ in scope and complexity.

What does an accountant associate do?

An accounting associate supports financial operations by preparing and maintaining financial records, reconciling accounts, and assisting with audits. They often use accounting software like QuickBooks or Excel and may perform tasks such as data entry, invoice processing, and basic financial analysis under supervision.
What are the most commonly searched types of Accounting jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Accounting jobs in Michigan are:
What job categories do people searching Accounting Associate jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Accounting Associate jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Accounting Associate jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Accounting Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Accounting Associate job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,185 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Accounting Associate Sr.

Accounting Associate Sr.

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

$32K/yr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago


Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

242nd of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Accounting Associate Sr.
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Accounting Associate Sr. at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
POSITION PURPOSE
Perform moderately complex clerical and bookkeeping work routines applying accepted methods and procedures in the processing and recording of various financial documents for a School, College, Division or Center/Institute of the University. Utilize technical knowledge or aptitude for making mathematical computations and handling a volume of detailed numeric work.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Audit, voucher and process a variety of financial documents including receipts and disbursements following standard bookkeeping methods and established University guidelines and procedures, e.g. Special Payment Authorization (SPA), Travel Expense Report (TER), Contract Payment Authorization (CPA), Contract Information Transmittal (CIT), Internal Requisition Billing (IRB), stipends and/or petty cash vouchers. Check and verify data and determine accuracy of submitted documents, e.g. account and invoice numbers, signatures, descriptions, etc.
  • Receive and input data into computerized financial accounting system. Update on-line records; add, delete and edit data. Create records of vendor information and payment of services. Review and verify coded data for accurate report generation.
  • Maintain and balance bookkeeping records for a specific area or unit. Reconcile special accounts (e.g. tuition) and loans (short and long-term); maintain general accounting ledger according to established procedures. Process, deposit and distribute checks (e.g. trusteeship), tickets, etc.
  • Compile statistical data; prepare special activity or productivity reports, e.g. number of documents processed. Maintain payment records and/or logs. Run tapes to proofread, check and verify accuracy of document data.
  • Answer general inquiries regarding departmental operations, activities and established applicable University guidelines and regulations, e.g. APPM, FAS, etc. Resolve problems and answer questions regarding vendor payment and on processing of financial documents. Contact appropriate University personnel regarding errors or discrepancies on financial forms.
  • May provide functional supervision to a small number (1-3) of student or part-time technician support personnel. Assign routine clerical and data entry activities. Train in appropriate methods and procedures.
  • Perform standard clerical functions. Operate computer terminal and general office equipment, e.g. calculator, typewriter, photocopier, etc. Type routine correspondence, forms and memos; schedule appointments and reservations; prepare mailings, etc.
  • Perform related work as assigned.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This senior classification level is designed to perform procedural work routines involving moderately complex clerical and bookkeeping activities in the processing and recording of various financial documents, e.g. Special Payment Authorization (SPA), Travel Expense Report (TER), Contract Payment Authorization (CPA), Contract Information Transmittal (CIT), Internal Requisition Billing (IRB), stipends and/or petty cash vouchers. Work activities involve thinking within standard practices, instructions and procedures. The incumbent should have an aptitude for making mathematical computations and the ability to process a large volume of detailed numeric documents as well as understand and follow complex oral and/or written instructions. Functional supervision may be exercised over a small number (1-3) of student or part-time technician support personnel. This classification is generally located in the Division of Fiscal Operations or designated personnel and fiscal areas of responsibility in a School, College, Division or Center/Institute of the University. This classification reports to and receives work direction from a professional Accountant, administrative or a management level position.
Qualifications:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • High school graduate or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience; coursework in bookkeeping or accounting preferred.
  • Some experience in bookkeeping, accounting or office recordkeeping.
  • Some experience using and knowledge of Financial Accounting System (FAS) preferred.
  • Ability to make mathematical computations accurately.
  • Ability to operate standard office equipment.
  • Some knowledge of University policies, procedures and regulations is necessary.
  • Ability to work within established deadlines and in pressure situations.
  • Strong organizational skills; keen attention to detail.
  • Ability to type with speed and accuracy and data entry skills may be required.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with others.
  • Typically, incumbents have held positions as Accounting Clerk, Office Clerk or Secretary.

School/College/Division:
H41 - Business Services
Primary department:
H8210 - Accounts Payable
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
  • Salary minimum: $32,007
  • Salary hire maximum: $38,404
Working conditions:
This position must be filled pursuant to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, and as such may be filled by a qualified bargaining unit member, should one apply.
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 1
  • Reposted position: No
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

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