How Do I Become an Accounting Assistant?

The requirements to become an accounting assistant will likely vary from employer to employer. Some employers will hire you for this job with a high school diploma while others state a preference for job candidates with accounting program diplomas or bachelor's degrees. Related experience may also improve your chances of landing this job. For example, bookkeeping or sales experience that involved calculation and administrative duties might prove helpful. Additionally, having a range of skills important for this job, including math, communication, and computer skills, may help you succeed in this position.

The level of education you need to become an accounting assistant will likely depend on the employer with whom you apply. In many cases, employers prefer to hire people who have bachelor's degrees for these types of positions. Some, however, may prove willing to hire you after you have completed some college but not yet earned a degree, while others might offer you a job if you have a high school diploma or its equivalent, especially if you show promise in other areas. Additionally, you may find that some employers will give you preference if you have an accounting degree, are currently pursuing one, or have completed an accounting diploma program.

Typically, employers hire individuals for this job on an entry-level basis. This means you could qualify to become an accounting assistant with very little or no experience. If experience is required, you can usually land this type of job with a year or less of accounting-related experience. For example, if you have experience working with numbers, such as in a sales job or a clerical position, this may sometimes prove enough to help you get hired as an accounting assistant. You might also find employers who offer on-the-job training.

Potential employers will likely prove very interested in your skills when you want to become an accounting assistant. For example, you will likely need basic accounting skills as well as knowledge of common bookkeeping practices and terminology. If you do not have such skills and knowledge when you apply for the job, the company that hires you will typically expect you to learn fairly quickly through on-the-job training. Computer and administrative skills are usually important for this job as well. Additionally, you will likely need good communication and organizational skills, the ability to problem solve, and a talent for accuracy when you want to become an accounting assistant.