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Graduate Accountant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Project Accountant 1

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Bachelor's degree in an undergraduate or graduate accounting, finance or closely related program * Must possess strong problem-solving and communication skills * This is an in-office position, local ...

US Department of the Army

Accountant

Portland, OR

$66K/yr

Serves as accounting technical expert for the Portland District Revolving Fund or Civil Works ... Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate ...

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Accountant

Bismarck, ND

$50K/yr

As an Accountant, you will accomplish a variety of professional accounting work requiring ... One (1) year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement -OR- * One (1) year (52 ...

US Department of the Treasury

Accountant

Beckley, WV

$50K/yr

One (1) full academic year of graduate level education in a related field of study such as accounting, business administration, finance, or public administration. OR Superior Academic Achievement.

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Accountant

Folsom, CA

$50K/yr

As an Accountant, you will accomplish a variety of professional accounting work requiring ... One (1) year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement -OR- * One (1) year (52 ...

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Accountant

Tulsa, OK

$50K/yr

As an Accountant, you will accomplish a variety of professional accounting work requiring ... One (1) year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement -OR- * One (1) year (52 ...

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Accountant

Huron, SD

$50K/yr

As an Accountant, you will accomplish a variety of professional accounting work requiring ... One (1) year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement -OR- * One (1) year (52 ...

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Accountant

Huron, SD

$50K/yr

As an Accountant, you will accomplish a variety of professional accounting work requiring ... One (1) year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement -OR- * One (1) year (52 ...

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Accountant

Montrose, CO

$50K/yr

As an Accountant, you will accomplish a variety of professional accounting work requiring ... One (1) year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement -OR- * One (1) year (52 ...

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Accountant

Salt Lake City, UT

$50K/yr

As an Accountant, you will accomplish a variety of professional accounting work requiring ... One (1) year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement -OR- * One (1) year (52 ...

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Graduate Accountant information

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How much do graduate accountant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate accountant in the United States is $26.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $29.57 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.

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Graduate Accountant jobs near you

Accountant

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Jackson, MS • On-site

$61K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

This position is for an accountant within the Finance Service Department at the G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Veterans Health Care System. The employee is responsible for performing various accountant duties for a wide range of fiscal appropriations. The work performed under this position has direct bearing on accounting, budget, administration, financial systems, cash processing, voucher examination, and payroll work in the South Central VA Healthcare Network.Qualifications:To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/06/2026.
You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR): The 0510 series requires specific education or experience to be met in order to be appointed into a position of this series. You must meet one of the pre-determined Education or Experience Individual Occupational Requirements listed below as set by Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
  • 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
  • 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; or
    2. A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, obtained through written examination; or
    3. 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 above Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) and Time-In-Grade, applicants must also meet the experience and/or directly related education relevant to this position.
  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service which includes
    • Experience with preparing financial statement reports
    • Experience with analyzing, verifying, reconciling and correcting fiscal records using a variety of accounting systems
    • Experience with accounting principles and procedures related to appropriation funding allotments, cost accounting, obligations, disbursements and the ability to analyze the interrelationship of accounts affected by various transactions
    • Experience using various accounting system software package applications and computer systems to resolve problems of processed transactions
    • Well versed in use of spreadsheets, SharePoint, and websites for financial processes
OR
  • Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. Examples of related fields my include, but not limited to accounting, business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting. Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts).
OR,
  • Combination: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
    • To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-09. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
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/.
Physical Requirements: The work may require some physical effort such as standing, walking, bending, sitting and some lifting (25 pounds or less). Some lifting of files and/or printed documents may be required. Alternate Automation Data Processing Application Coordinator (ADPAC) duties may require some physical exertion such as recurring lifting of moderately heavy items (e.g., computers, printers, fax machines.)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

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