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Side Accounting Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Client Accounting Specialist

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both the technical side of accounting and building strong client relationships. The right candidate is organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, and excited to ...

Staff Accountant

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$52K - $69K/yr

You will spend the majority of your time on accounting related deliverables and have the opportunity to contribute to some financial projects on the side. This position reports to our Director of ...

Staff Accountant

Grand Rapids, MI

$52K - $69K/yr

You will spend the majority of your time on accounting related deliverables and have the opportunity to contribute to some financial projects on the side. This position reports to our Director of ...

Tax Manager-Flow-Through

Southfield, MI · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients ... You will work side-by-side with firm leadership to serve clients and build the business, having a ...

Tax Manager-Flow-Through

Southfield, MI

$101K - $133K/yr

Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients ... You will work side-by-side with firm leadership to serve clients and build the business, having a ...

Controller

Southfield, MI · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

... side with our management and staff, invested in improving patient care. You will be part of a ... Requirements: * Bachelors Degree in Accounting is required. * Master's Degree in Accounting ...

Proactively engage investors and sell-side analysts to articulate the strategy of and status of ... CFA/CPA preferred. Undergraduate degree required; master's degree preferred. * Strategic Business ...

Controller

Southfield, MI · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

... side with our management and staff, invested in improving patient care. You will be part of a ... Requirements: * Bachelors Degree in Accounting is required. * Master's Degree in Accounting ...

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Showing results 1-20

Side Accounting information

See Michigan salary details

$38.4K

$83.4K

$120.3K

How much do side accounting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for side accounting in Michigan is $83,376.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $97,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Earning $500,000 annually as an accountant is uncommon and typically requires senior-level positions such as CFO or partner in a large firm, extensive experience, specialized skills, or ownership of a firm. Most accountants earn significantly less, with salaries increasing with experience, certifications like CPA, and working in high-paying industries or executive roles.

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

To thrive as a Side Accountant, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and bookkeeping, often supported by a degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or Excel, and sometimes certifications such as CPA or CMA, are typically required. Strong attention to detail, time management, and effective communication skills help you manage multiple clients and deadlines efficiently. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring accurate financial records, regulatory compliance, and successful client relationships in a flexible or freelance setting.

What Are Side Jobs in Accounting?

Side jobs in accounting involve part-time or freelance positions for accountants who provide advice and various financial services for clients. As a part-time or freelance accountant, you work with each client or account to provide services such as financial tracking and goal setting, budgeting, tax filing, and financial file organization. Part-time positions for accountants may also entail short-term data entry and bookkeeping responsibilities. For example, you may be hired to only manage QuickBooks software for a client. In this role, you may be able to carry out your duties remotely, or you may be asked to work part-time in an office.

What is the 150 hour rule in accounting?

The 150 hour rule in accounting refers to the requirement that candidates must complete at least 150 semester hours of education, including specific accounting and business courses, to qualify for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and licensure. This rule ensures candidates have sufficient academic preparation for the profession.

What side hustle can an accountant do?

An accountant can pursue side hustles such as freelance bookkeeping, tax preparation, or consulting services. These roles often require strong knowledge of accounting software and certifications like CPA or Enrolled Agent, and they can be scheduled flexibly outside regular working hours.

Can you be an accountant as a side job?

Yes, accountants can work as a side job by offering freelance bookkeeping, tax preparation, or consulting services outside their primary employment. Many accountants use their skills for part-time work, often leveraging accounting software and certifications like CPA to manage clients efficiently. However, they should ensure their side work complies with their primary employer’s policies and relevant regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by accountants working in a side or part-time capacity, and how can they be managed?

Accountants working in a side or part-time capacity often face challenges such as balancing multiple clients, staying updated on regulatory changes, and managing their time effectively alongside other commitments. Communication is key, as you may need to coordinate with clients who have varying schedules and expectations. To manage these challenges, it's important to set clear boundaries, use accounting software to streamline workflows, and regularly update your professional knowledge to provide accurate and timely services.

What is the difference between Side Accounting vs Bookkeeping?

AspectSide AccountingBookkeeping
CredentialsOften requires accounting certifications (e.g., CPA, CMA)Typically requires basic financial or accounting knowledge, no certification needed
Work EnvironmentCan be part-time or freelance, working with clients or businessesUsually performed in-office or remotely for small to medium businesses
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across various industries for financial managementCommonly employed in small businesses and accounting firms

Side Accounting involves more comprehensive financial management and often requires professional certifications, whereas Bookkeeping focuses on recording financial transactions. Both roles are essential in financial operations but differ in scope and complexity.

What are Side Accountants?

Side Accountants are professionals who provide accounting services on a part-time, freelance, or contract basis, often alongside a primary job or other commitments. They help businesses and individuals with bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial reporting, and other accounting tasks, typically working remotely or on a flexible schedule. This arrangement allows clients to access expert accounting support without hiring a full-time staff member, and provides accountants with extra income or work-life balance.
What job categories do people searching Side Accounting jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Side Accounting jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Side Accounting job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 18% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 72% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,376 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Operation Accounting Specialist

Pentastar Aviation

Waterford, MI • On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description:

The Operations Accounting Specialist is an accounting position responsible for supporting the Accounting Department while serving as a key liaison between Accounting, Flight Operations, MRO, and other internal departments as needed.

This role is designed to improve communication, accuracy, and accountability between operational activity and financial reporting. The position will help ensure vendor activity, aircraft-related charges, operational expenses, system entries, and supporting documentation are captured accurately and in a timely manner.

This position will report to the Accounting Department but will regularly interact with multiple operational teams. They will work closely with Flight Operations, MRO, Account Management, and other departments as needed to ensure accurate financial and operational coordination. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, willing to learn, and interested in building a strong foundation in accounting while gaining exposure to aviation operations.

The purpose of this role is to bring structure, ownership, and accountability to the financial side of cross-departmental operational activity.

General Description
  • Serve as a liaison between Accounting, Flight Operations, MRO, and other departments as needed.
  • Help ensure operational activity is properly communicated to accounting for accurate billing, reporting, and financial tracking.
  • Coordinate with department leaders to clarify charges, vendor activity, aircraft-related costs, operational expenses, and supporting documentation.
  • Support process improvement between departments to reduce manual work, duplicate entry, and communication gaps.
  • Help create clear workflows for items that involve multiple departments.
  • Assist in identifying duties or reports that should remain with the operating department responsible rather than be shifted to accounting.
  • Assist with accounts payable functions, including invoice review, coding, documentation, and routing for approval.
  • Support accounts receivable activity by helping verify charges, supporting documentation, and billing accuracy.
  • Assist with vendor statement reviews and account reconciliations.
  • Support month-end close activities by gathering documentation, researching discrepancies, and preparing supporting schedules.
  • Help maintain accurate records for vendor charges, aircraft-related expenses, operational expenses, and interdepartmental transactions.
  • Assist with general ledger support, expense coding, journal entry backup, and account research as requested.
  • Coordinate with Flight Operations, MRO, and other departments to ensure vendor charges are properly assigned and communicated.
  • Review operational data for completeness and accuracy before it is used for accounting or billing purposes.
  • Identify recurring issues in vendor data, system entry, documentation, or workflow, and bring them forward for review.
  • Maintain organized records and backup documentation for recurring transactions and vendor-related activity.
  • Prepare and maintain recurring accounting and operational support reports as assigned.
  • Help document standard processes for recurring tasks, vendor coordination, and interdepartmental accounting workflows.
  • Work with Accounting leadership to improve accuracy, accountability, and timeliness of information moving between departments.
  • Assist in transitioning appropriate tasks away from manual processes when automation or clearer department ownership is more appropriate.
Requirements:
  • Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field preferred.
  • Entry-level to 2 years of accounting experience.
  • An internship experience or relevant coursework in accounting or finance is preferred.
  • Basic understanding of accounting principles, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, expense coding, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
  • Strong attention to detail and willingness to ask questions to ensure accuracy.
  • Ability to communicate professionally with multiple departments, including Accounting, Flight Operations, MRO, and other internal teams.
  • Comfortable reviewing invoices, vendor information, transaction details, and operational documentation.
  • Basic Microsoft Excel skills, including data entry, sorting, filtering, and simple formulas.
  • Ability to learn company systems, accounting software, reporting tools, and other internal platforms.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage recurring tasks and deadlines.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality with financial, vendor, customer, and operational information.
  • Willingness to learn aviation-specific processes and how operational activity connects to accounting records.
Preferred Experience
  • Previous internship, part-time role, or entry-level experience in accounting, finance, billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, or administrative support.
  • Exposure to invoice processing, vendor statements, reconciliations, purchase orders, or general accounting support.
  • Aviation experience is preferred, including exposure to aircraft operations, maintenance, flight operations, charter, aircraft management, or aviation-related billing.
  • Experience working in a business, maintenance, or operational environment is helpful but not required.
  • Experience with Excel, accounting systems, or data-entry platforms is preferred.
  • Interest in growing into a broader accounting or financial operations role.