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Graduate Accountant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Core One seeks an entry-level or recent-graduate Accounting Associate who will be part of an energetic and motivated team that directly impacts the growth and success of our organization. Reporting ...

Accounting Associate

Sterling, VA · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Core One seeks an entry-level or recent-graduate Accounting Associate who will be part of an energetic and motivated team that directly impacts the growth and success of our organization. Reporting ...

$49K/yr

Master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate ... Accounting; or a degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public ...

Staff Accountant 16834039

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

This position offers exposure to a broad range of accounting functions and is ideal for either a recent Accounting graduate or an accounting professional with 5+ years of experience. Responsibilities:

Research Accountant Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536790 Work type: Staff Senior ... This position will assist the Graduate Student Coordinator in resolving sponsored funding issues ...

Three years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience which provides: * Progressive responsibility for accounting, preferably in general ...

Three years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience which provides: * Progressive responsibility for accounting, preferably in general ...

Three years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience which provides: * Progressive responsibility for accounting, preferably in general ...

Three years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience which provides: * Progressive responsibility for accounting, preferably in general ...

Senior Accountant

Fairfax Station, VA · On-site

$74K - $80K/yr

Three years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience which provides: * Progressive responsibility for accounting, preferably in general ...

High School Graduate or equivalent. Additional Considerations Coursework in Accounting, Business or related field. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM ...

CCAM Staff Accountant

Disputanta, VA · On-site

$54K - $71K/yr

The Staff Accountant will primarily be responsible for managing accounts payable to include ... graduate students. These teams work collaboratively with one another as well as with partner ...

CCAM Staff Accountant

Disputanta, VA · On-site

$54K - $71K/yr

The Staff Accountant will primarily be responsible for managing accounts payable to include ... graduate students. These teams work collaboratively with one another as well as with partner ...

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Graduate Accountant information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$26

$41

How much do graduate accountant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate accountant in Virginia is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.96 and $29.33 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Accountant jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Graduate Accountant jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Accountant jobs in Virginia? For Graduate Accountant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Graduate Accountant job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,279 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Supervisory Accountant

$129K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 536 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 50 rated military and defense


Job description

This position is part of the Department of Defense (DoD), Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of complex and critical financial management tasks.
Salary Ranges are the following unless statutory/regulatory rates prevail.
For the Schriever AFB, CO Location: $129,096 to $197,200
For the Redstone Arsenal, AL Location: $130,987 to $197,200
For the Fort Belvoir, VA and/or Dahlgren Location: $143,913 to $197,200
Qualifications:You may qualify at the NH 04 Broadband Level, if you fulfill the following qualifications:
A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the NH-03/GS-13 grade level in the Federal service as listed below and must meet 2 of the 3 specialized experience listed below to be qualified:
  • Authority in General Ledger Reconciliations: Experience reconciling transactions across general ledger and DoD financial management systems to validate existence, completeness, valuation, accuracy.
  • Proven knowledge of DoD Audit: Experience reviewing internal controls and financial statement transactions in preparation for a Financial Statement audit; experience coordinating with auditors and stakeholders to provide satisfactory and timely audit responses.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working effectively across functional areas to align operational requirements to accounting/audit objectives to drive towards auditable processes, transactions, and financial statements.
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; religious; 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.
In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 0510, series as listed below:
In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 0510, series as listed below:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0500/accounting-series-0510/
A. Degree: 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. (The term "accounting" means "accounting and/or auditing" in this standard. Similarly, "accountant" should be interpreted, generally, as "accountant and/or auditor.");
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:1. Twenty-four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality. This can include up to 6 hours of business law;2. A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, obtained through written examination; or3. 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.NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.Education:Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.
All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours that your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.htmlEmployment Type: OTHER

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