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Graduate Accountant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Accountant

Saint Louis Park, MN · Hybrid

$66K - $74K/yr

Graduate work or HUD accounting experience a plus! Compensation: * $66,000 - $74,000 Work Model: * Hybrid, with 3 days in office required

Accountant

Saint Louis Park, MN · Hybrid

$66K - $74K/yr

Graduate work or HUD accounting experience a plus! Compensation: * $66,000 - $74,000 Work Model: * Hybrid, with 3 days in office required

Accounting Tutor

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$16.50/hr

Accounting Tutor PAY RATE: $16.50/hr HOURS: 5-10 hours/week but hours are TBD based on tutor ... Thomas students must be degree seeking at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. Students ...

Accounting Tutor

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$16.50/hr

Accounting Tutor PAY RATE: $16.50/hr HOURS: 5-10 hours/week but hours are TBD based on tutor ... Thomas students must be degree seeking at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. Students ...

Accounting Manager

Saint Louis Park, MN · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Whether you're a recent graduate eager to launch your career, seeking meaningful work that aligns ... Accountant) or CMA preferred. * Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and ...

Busy Season Intern

Minneapolis, MN

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Current or recent graduate from an undergraduate or graduate degree program with an interest and aptitude to work in public accounting * Ability to prioritize tasks and handle numerous assignments ...

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Graduate Accountant information

See Minnesota salary details

$14

$25

$41

How much do graduate accountant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate accountant in Minnesota is $25.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.72 and $28.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges new Graduate Accountants face during their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Graduate Accountants often encounter challenges such as adapting to professional accounting software, balancing multiple client deadlines, and understanding complex regulatory requirements. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to actively seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, participate in training sessions, and maintain organized work habits. Proactively asking questions and regularly reviewing technical accounting updates can also help ease the transition and build confidence in the role.

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?

Graduate accountants typically earn lower salaries, with earnings increasing with experience, specialization, and seniority. High-level senior accountants or those in specialized fields such as forensic or tax accounting can potentially reach six-figure salaries, but earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and usually requires executive-level roles or ownership in firms. Achieving such income often involves additional certifications, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities.

Can you make $100,000 as an accountant?

Graduate accountants typically start with lower salaries, but experienced accountants, especially those with certifications like CPA or CMA, can earn $100,000 or more annually. Salary levels depend on factors such as location, industry, years of experience, and specialization.

What jobs can accounting graduates get?

Accounting graduates can pursue roles such as staff accountant, financial analyst, auditor, tax associate, or management accountant. These positions typically require knowledge of accounting principles, proficiency with accounting software, and sometimes professional certifications like CPA or ACCA.

What are graduate accountants?

Graduate accountants are recent university graduates who have completed a degree in accounting or a related field and are starting their professional careers in accounting. They typically work under supervision, assisting with tasks such as preparing financial statements, conducting audits, and supporting senior accountants or managers. Graduate accountants gain practical experience and often work towards professional certifications, such as CPA or CA, to advance their careers.

What is the difference between Graduate Accountant vs Junior Accountant?

AspectGraduate AccountantJunior Accountant
Required CredentialsTypically a recent degree in accounting or financeOften holds a degree or is in early career stage
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused roles in accounting firms or corporate financeSupport roles in accounting departments, assisting with basic accounting tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by firms hiring recent graduates for training programsCommonly used in companies for entry-level accounting support
Comparison Search IntentLooking to start a career in accountingSeeking an entry-level accounting position

The main difference between a Graduate Accountant and a Junior Accountant lies in experience and career stage. Graduate Accountants are typically recent graduates entering training programs, while Junior Accountants are early-career professionals supporting accounting functions. Both roles serve as stepping stones in the accounting industry, with Graduate Accountants focusing on learning and development, and Junior Accountants handling more routine tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Accountant, and why are they important?

To excel as a Graduate Accountant, a solid understanding of accounting principles, a relevant degree in accounting or finance, and strong analytical skills are essential. Familiarity with accounting software such as MYOB, Xero, or QuickBooks, and working towards or holding certifications like CPA or CA is highly valued. Attention to detail, effective communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accuracy in financial reporting, compliance with regulations, and effective collaboration within finance teams.

Is 30 too late to get into accounting?

Graduate accountants can enter the profession at any age, including 30 or older. Success depends on acquiring relevant skills, such as proficiency in accounting software and certifications like CPA or ACCA, and gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level roles.

What Is a Graduate Accountant?

A graduate accountant assists clients or a business in handling tax issues or day-to-day accounting needs. As the name implies, graduate accountants have typically earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce with a major in accounting and can begin finding work at a firm. Daily job duties include speaking with clients through phone and email, analyzing accounts, and providing information to clients based on this data. In this role, you also continuously undergo training to keep up with new rules and regulations as they apply to the business of managing accounts. To succeed in this career, you need strong interpersonal and organizational skills as well as knowledge of tax activities. Some graduate accountants partake in an internship at a firm to gain experience and then land a job once they’ve earned the educational qualifications.

Infographic showing various Graduate Accountant job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,622 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

$67K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Accountant supports the Health Care System Chief Financial officer and Accounting Section Supervisor. The employee performs duties consistent with accounting principles, standards, and related requirements prescribed by the Controller General of the U.S.
DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205) for this occupation.Qualifications:To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/30/2026.
Basic Requirement for Series 0510:
A. Degree:
Bachelor's degree (or higher) in accounting; or a degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting. The 24 hours may include up to 6 hours of credit in business law. OR,
B.
Combination of education and experience: At least 4 years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of accounting experience, college-level education, and training that provided professional accounting knowledge. The applicant's background must also include one of the following:
  • Twenty-four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality. This can include up to 6 semester hours of business law; or
  • A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, obtained through written examination; or
  • Completion of the requirements for a degree that included substantial course work in accounting or auditing, e.g., 15 semester hours, but that does not fully satisfy the 24-semester-hour requirement of paragraph A, provided that (a) the applicant has successfully worked at the full-performance level in accounting, auditing, or a related field, e.g., valuation engineering or financial institution examining; (b) a panel of at least two higher level professional accountants or auditors has determined that the applicant has demonstrated a good knowledge of accounting and of related and underlying fields that equals in breadth, depth, currency, and level of advancement that which is normally associated with successful completion of the 4-year course of study described in paragraph A; and (c) except for literal nonconformance to the requirement of 24 semester hours in accounting, the applicant's education, training, and experience fully meet the specified requirements.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position, you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
You may qualify for GS-09 based on your experience and/or education as described below:
  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-07 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Qualifying specialized experience includes: Drafting simple instructions to describe internal accounting procedures; Providing systems analysis, advice, & design regarding financial management and accounting systems; Taking corrective action on financial system issues or reporting errors; Analyzing general ledger accounts to ensure accuracy of reports. OR,
  • Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree. Qualifying graduate education must meet the subject areas outlined in the Basic Requirement education to be acceptable. OR,
  • Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. Only education beyond the first year of graduate education can be considered.
You may qualify for GS-11 based on your experience and/or education as described below:
  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-09 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Qualifying specialized experience includes: Maintaining and controlling accounts and accounting transactions in a highly complex finance and accounting system; Inputting data into an accounting system; Processing transactions that include verifying the accuracy & completeness of the accounting data; Verifying that payable obligations are set up timely and reports all delinquent amounts outstanding; Assisting with financial audits, including internal and financial quality assurance audits, as well as prepare documentation for audits. OR,
  • Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Qualifying graduate education must meet the subject areas outlined in the Basic Requirement education to be acceptable. OR,
  • Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. Only graduate education beyond the second year can be considered.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. The work is primarily sedentary. No special physical effort or ability is required.
Work Environment: Work is performed in an office setting that is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.Education:A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER