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Public Accounting Entry Level Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This is an opportunity to build foundational accounting skills inside a scaling, enterprise-focused ... our external CPA. The right candidate will have the opportunity to grow into expanded ...

Staff Accountant

Jericho, NY · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Entry-Level Staff Accountant to join our team. This ... in public accounting. You will work directly with experienced accountants and partners while ...

Staff Accountant

Jericho, NY · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Entry-Level Staff Accountant to join our team. This ... in public accounting. You will work directly with experienced accountants and partners while ...

Audit Staff Accountant

Miamisburg, OH · Hybrid

$49K - $65K/yr

Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field. - Internship or entry-level public accounting experience. - Foundational knowledge of GAAP and basic audit principles ...

Public accounting experience or internship experience is preferred. * Exposure to auditing, fixed asset accounting, or month-end close processes is a plus. Competencies: * Strong attention to ...

Junior Staff Accountant

Miami, FL · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Role Summary Join our Miami-based CPA firm as a Junior Staff Accountant. Gain hands-on experience ... Learning and applying complex tax and accounting regulations as an entry-level professional.

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Public Accounting Entry Level information

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How much do public accounting entry level jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for public accounting entry level in the United States is $20.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public accounting entry level job?

Public accounting entry level jobs are positions for recent graduates or individuals new to the accounting profession, typically at firms that provide audit, tax, and consulting services to a variety of clients. These roles often include titles such as staff accountant, audit associate, or tax associate. Entry level employees in public accounting are responsible for tasks like preparing financial statements, assisting with audits, and completing tax returns under the supervision of senior staff. These positions provide valuable on-the-job training and are often the first step toward earning a CPA license.

What is the difference between Public Accounting Entry Level vs Bookkeeper?

AspectPublic Accounting Entry LevelBookkeeper
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in accounting or related field; CPA eligibility often beneficialHigh school diploma or associate's degree; certifications like QuickBooks ProAdvisor are common
Work EnvironmentPublic accounting firms, audit and tax departmentsSmall to medium-sized businesses, accounting firms, or freelance
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by accounting firms, corporations, and government agenciesUsed by small businesses, non-profits, and freelance clients

Public Accounting Entry Level roles focus on auditing, tax preparation, and financial consulting within firms, often requiring a degree and CPA path. Bookkeepers handle day-to-day financial record-keeping, usually with less formal education and certifications. While both roles involve financial data, Public Accounting Entry Level positions are more analytical and client-facing, whereas Bookkeeping is more administrative and transactional.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public accounting entry level professional?

To thrive in an entry-level public accounting role, you need a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, strong analytical abilities, and a solid understanding of GAAP. Familiarity with accounting software such as QuickBooks or Excel, and progress toward or completion of the CPA exam, are typically expected. Attention to detail, effective communication, and time management are valuable soft skills for collaborating with clients and managing multiple deadlines. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure accurate financial reporting, compliance with regulations, and effective client service in a demanding environment.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level professionals in public accounting, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level professionals in public accounting often face challenges such as managing multiple client deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing workloads during busy seasons, and mastering complex accounting software. Building strong organizational skills and seeking guidance from experienced team members can help address these hurdles. Additionally, taking the initiative to ask questions and participate in team meetings fosters learning and supports smoother integration into the firm’s workflow.
More about Public Accounting Entry Level jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Accounting Entry Level jobs? Cities with the most Public Accounting Entry Level job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Accounting jobs? The most popular types of Public Accounting jobs are:
What states have the most Public Accounting Entry Level jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Accounting Entry Level jobs include:
Infographic showing various Public Accounting Entry Level job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,262 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Staff Accountant - Entry Level

IES Residential, Inc.

Sugar Land, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


IES Residential rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

General Job Description
Position Overview
The Staff Accountant supports the organization's financial operations through accurate recording, analysis, and reporting of financial data in accordance with U.S. GAAP and public company reporting requirements. This role ensures compliance with accounting principles, internal controls (including SOX 404), and company policies, and collaborates routinely with cross-functional departments to maintain financial integrity and support strategic business decisions. The Staff Accountant supports month-end and quarter-end close, financial reporting, external and internal audit preparation, execution of internal controls, and the implementation of accounting best practices in a fast-paced, deadline-driven public company environment. This is an entry-level position well suited to a recent accounting graduate or early-career professional looking to build a strong foundation in corporate accounting, with clear growth potential toward Senior Accountant.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Prepares and posts weekly and monthly journal entries with appropriate supporting documentation.
  • Assists with month-end and quarter-end close and financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
  • Prepares and maintains balance sheet account reconciliations, researching and resolving discrepancies timely.
  • Prepares and distributes weekly and monthly management reports.
  • Assists with external audit (annual financial statement audit) and internal audit requests, including preparing schedules and supporting documentation (PBC items).
  • Supports SOX 404 internal control testing and documentation.
  • Facilitates intercompany transactions and reconciliations.
  • Reconciles financial discrepancies by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting account information.
  • Prepares and posts job cost transfers.
  • Maintains accrual records and amortization schedules.
  • Maintains the fixed asset system and records monthly depreciation entries.
  • Assists with technical accounting research and documentation as directed by senior accounting staff.
  • Performs ad hoc analysis and special projects as needed.
  • Provides general support to team members on accounting questions and issues.
  • Supports execution of effective internal controls to ensure the integrity of financial data and compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Other related duties as assigned.

#LI-DNI
Minimum Education
College
Minimum Years of Experience
0-2
Specific Qualifications
Required Skills and Abilities
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and general accounting principles.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, basic formulas); comfortable learning new systems.
  • Exposure to or familiarity with ERP/accounting systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, or similar) is a plus.
  • Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven public company environment.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to research and resolve discrepancies.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet recurring close deadlines.
  • Working knowledge of job-related laws, regulations, and internal control (SOX) concepts.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and job-specific software and programs.
  • High degree of integrity and discretion when handling confidential financial information.

Education/Experience
  • Bachelor's degree with a concentration in Accounting or Finance required.
  • 0-2 years of accounting experience; relevant internship experience will be considered.
  • CPA candidacy, or progress toward CPA licensure/150-credit hour requirement, is a plus but not required.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to perform motions including typing.
  • Work in a typical office environment, sitting at a desk and performing prolonged computer work, with occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
  • Maintain dependable transportation and consistent, reliable attendance to meet customer service and operational needs.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions within established company policies and procedures.
  • Ability to work overtime, modified schedules, or occasional weekends as business needs require.
  • Communicate in person, by phone, and electronically, including on a tablet, smartphone, and other office technology.
  • Travel as required to support project and operational needs.
  • Perform all work on-site and in person; this is not a remote or hybrid position.
  • Lift, carry, push, and pull at least 25 pounds.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or work authorization support. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without current or future need for employer sponsorship.
License Required
Yes
Job Locations
US-TX-Sugar Land
Company Overview
IES is a national provider of industrial products and infrastructure services to a variety of end markets, including electrical, mechanical and communications contracting solutions for the commercial, industrial, residential and renewable energy markets. IES is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol IESC. As of the end of IES's 2025 fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, IES produced over $3.3 billion in revenue and employed over 10,200 employees at over 174 domestic locations across the United States.
Our commitment to our employees is reflected by our actions:
  • Safety is Priority One - and our record shows it
  • Competitive Pay
  • Company 401K plan with Employer Contribution Match
  • Company Paid Time Off
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Choice of Medical Coverage including Prescription and Short Term Disability Plans
  • Choice of Dental and Vision Coverage
  • Optional Long-term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, Legal and Pet Coverage
  • Auto and Home Insurance Discount Programs

EEO Statement
PLEASE NO AGENCY CALLS.
NOTE TO ALL AGENCIES: Any unsolicited agency resumes or agency represented candidates that are presented to any IES employee without first having a signed contract between that agency and the IES Talent Acquisition organization will become the property of IES and no fees will be paid.
EEO & Affirmative Action
The IES policy on equal employment opportunity prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, individuals with disabilities, protected veterans, or any other protected status or characteristic. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment, and also states that retaliation against any employee who files a complaint regarding possible violations of this policy will not be tolerated. IES is also committed to taking affirmative steps to promote the employment of minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. IES develops affirmative action programs to support its commitment to equal employment opportunity, consistent with company policy and the company's obligations as a contractor to the United States government.
View Your Equal Employment Opportunity rights under the law. "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal; Conozca sus Derechos: La Discriminación en el Lugar de Trabajo es Ilegal
Disability Accommodation
IES is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. IES provides reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Applicants who need accommodation in the job application process should contact the IES corporate office at (713) 860-1500 or any IES office to request assistance.
IES Participates in E-Verify/IES participa en el programa E-Verify
E-Verify Information/ Información sobre E-Verify
English/Español
Right to Work/Ley de Derecho al Trabajo
English/Español

What IES Residential employees say

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