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Graduate Accountant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Accountant

Folsom, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Accountant

Watertown, SD · On-site

$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 ...

Accountant

Montrose, CO · On-site

$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 ...

Accountant

Folsom, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Accountant

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$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 ...

Accountant

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$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 ...

Accountant

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$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 ...

Accountant

Billings, MT · On-site

$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 ...

Accountant

Bismarck, ND · On-site

$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 ...

Accountant

Yazoo City, MS · On-site

$63K/yr

Degree: accounting; or a degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, or ... Graduate education must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of ...

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Graduate Accountant information

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How much do graduate accountant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 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.

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.

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 cities are hiring for Graduate Accountant jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Accountant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Accountant jobs? The most popular types of Graduate Accountant jobs are:
What states have the most Graduate Accountant jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Accountant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Graduate Accountant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% Full Time, and 73% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,749 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Accountant

$50K/yr

Other

Posted 21 days ago


U.S. Department Of Energy rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 644 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is part of the WAPA Headquarters. As an Accountant, you will accomplish a variety of professional accounting work requiring application of accounting theories, concepts, principles, and standards to Western Area Power Administration financial activities.
This open and continuous announcement establishes a standing register of eligible applicants. See Additional Information section.Qualifications:

Applicants MUST meet both the Basic Requirement and Specialized Experience as outlined below for each grade level.
BASIC REQUIREMENT:
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 oneof 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; 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.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as:

  • To qualify for the GS-07: Applicants must have either:
    • One (1) year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement -OR-
    • One (1) year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-05 grade level or equivalent pay band. This experience MUST include:
      • Assisting with preparing financial reports or journaling entries.
  • To qualify for the GS-09: Applicants must have either:
    • Two (2) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree -OR-
    • One (1) year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level or equivalent pay band. This experience MUST include (2) of the (3) following:
      • Conducting queries, analyzing, and reconciling account balances, processing corrections if required and incorporating results into financial reporting process assignments.
      • Preparing financial reports and account analysis or journaling entries in ledger.
      • Presenting financial data in graphic, written or oral form.
  • To qualify for the GS-11: Applicants must have either:
    • Three (3) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. -OR-
    • One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level or equivalent pay band. This experience MUST include (2) of the (3) following:
      • Resolving and/or providing advice on accounting problems;
      • Prepares, reviews, and/or approves journal entry adjustments;
      • Analyzes financial data to provide accurate financial information.
  • To qualify for the GS-12: For the GS-12 level, education cannot be substituted for experience. Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent pay band. This experience MUST include (2) of the (3) following:
    • Compile data to process and/or prepare financial statements;
    • Performing financial analysis to ensure accuracy or identify issues;
    • Develop and/or implement financial policies or procedures.
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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: Education and experience may be combined for all grade levels for which both education and experience are acceptable.
Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Education:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Employment Type: OTHER

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