What Jobs are Available to Associate's in Accounting Graduates?

While most students assume that they’ll need a bachelor’s or master’s in accounting to get a good paying job, the truth is that those with an Associate’s in Accounting can bring home a substantial paycheck. Usually, it’s a stepping stone to a higher paying job, though. Those with an associate’s degree can seek a position in any field including government agencies, corporations, small businesses and healthcare offices. The beauty of accounting careers is that every business needs a professional to handle the daily financial transactions.

Accounts Payable or Receivable Clerk

Accounts receivable or payable clerks work with customers and clients to maintain financial records, collect and record payments and make payments to vendors and other companies. These positions within a company are essential to the flow of money in and out of the business. Without these positions and departments, the business can’t keep track of what is owed as well as what’s coming in for cash. It’s a vital position within most companies. These are positions that are in demand and should increase over the next 10 years.

Bookkeeper

While receivables and payables clerks are the ones who chase the money and keep track of invoices and bills paid, it’s the bookkeepers who oversee the operations in many small businesses. The bookkeeper is often under the accountant in terms of hierarchy within a business. Other times, the bookkeeper has the highest financial position at the company. That could be a small or a medium business since they can’t often afford to hire an accountant full time. The bookkeeper will prepare financial statements for the owner, gather funds from receivables for deposit and track the financial data in the accounts.

Payroll Clerk

The payroll clerk gathers employee hours from various staff in the company, pays them according to their rates and files financial information with the proper government agencies. The clerk will work in conjunction with the human resources department in some large companies. This position can be the bridge between finance and human resources. Along with payroll, the clerk might do the tasks normally reserved for human resources if the organization doesn’t have an HR department.

Billing Collections

Unfortunately, there are some customers who are unwilling or unable to pay their debts. While some small companies might hire a company to do their collections, others will have entire departments dedicated to calling customers with overdue or defaulted accounts. The billing and collection specialist might deal with insurance companies depending on the industry too.

Accountant Assistant

The accountant assistant works with the accountant in the office to support the company’s financial needs. It could involve any of the tasks that would normally be performed by the positions listed above. The assistant might call for money on overdue accounts, track employee’s hours and payments, file disability or worker’s comp claims, track customer billing and report to the accountant with weekly or monthly reports.

The jobs available to an Associate’s in Accounting graduate can vary based on their interests, however they are usually an entry-level financial position. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median pay for these entry-level positions is around $40,000 per year. While these graduates may start in entry-level positions, they can progress in their careers through promotion or higher education.