Finding work from home accounting jobs is easier today than it has ever been.
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One of the best things about being an accountant is that once you get your licenses and certifications, there are always opportunities for work.
From large corporations to small nonprofits, to budding entrepreneurs, there’s always a demand for accountants.
In recent years, this industry has been shifting, as more and more companies recognize that there’s no need for an accountant to be available on-site, full-time.
Instead, there’s a big shift towards hiring accountants who work from home.
While working as an accountant from home may seem like the dream, it’s still hard work and requires the same qualifications and skills that most companies would vet for when hiring in-house accountants.
It’s not all about being dedicated to the job, however.
The beauty of online accounting jobs is that you can work in your own time and often get in some leisure or travel in-between too.
Here’s everything you need to know about work at home accounting jobs: what you need, where to find them, and some tips to be a successful online accountant.
What Does It Take to Start a Remote Accounting Job?
Of course, you’re seeking to live your best life, but employers are still seeking quality work.
Companies usually demand the same requirements for remote accounting jobs, including education, certifications, and experience.
Those fresh out of college who are looking to simply skip the office cubicle and get straight into working from home need not worry, though.
Newbies who are just starting out will still have a chance of getting hired.
It’s not impossible, just harder.
As long as you have the necessary qualifications, skills, and licenses in place, you have a shot.
The other thing you have to worry about is having the right environment and setup in your home office.
Some companies may have specific requirements for this area as well, but for the most part, you’ll need a laptop or PC, the right software, and a headset and webcamera so you can take the occasional phone call and attend virtual meetings as needed.
How Much Do Accountants Who Work From Home Make?
First, the exciting part: According to ZipRecruiter, accountants who work from home make about $32 an hour on average (but more commonly, the range is around $26 to $32). From what I found on Indeed, the average hourly wage for a remote accountant is around $24 per hour.
Second, a word of caution: While online accounting work is undoubtedly booming, there are still people who will try to take advantage of you over the internet.
Be careful of falling for a scam or doing work for a company that doesn’t intend to pay you.
Make sure to set up parameters where you get paid per pre-approved milestones. If that’s not an option, read the contract through very carefully and consult a lawyer if you need to.
Just as with any job, you shouldn’t do any work before a contract is in place.
15 Companies Currently Hiring Remote Accountants
I’ve found a few companies that hire remote accountants.
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Of course, there are plenty more out there, but these companies look legitimate and have good reviews from employees and customers.
Not all of these companies may be hiring right now, but it’s still worth a shot to send them your resumé. And if all else fails, then there’s always the option of becoming a freelance accountant.
You could also consider looking at all of the “Big Four” accounting firms (Ernst & Young, Deloitte, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.), as they also regularly hire remote accountants.
1. FlexJobs
I highly recommend you start your search at FlexJobs.
The staff at FlexJobs go through all the job postings and publish only the most accurate, up-to-date ones.
As of this writing, Flexjobs currently had over 1,500 open accountant jobs all ranging from entry-level to senior-level positions (plus thousands of other legitimate work from home jobs too.)
Browse the current postings at FlexJobs now.
2. Bookminders
Bookminders is one of the biggest outsourced bookkeeping companies in the US.
They mainly cater to startups, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations that cover a wide range of industries.
To be considered, you must be within 45 miles of a Bookminders office (they have offices in Pittsburgh, PA, Philadelphia PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and Baltimore, MD).
They allow for very flexible hours but do offer training and have client meetings conducted during business hours. You’ll sometimes also have to be willing to meet with clients in person.
They require a four-year degree (preferably in accounting) and about 5 years of experience in accounting or finance.
3. Robert Half
This company often hires bookkeepers and accountants for remote work, as well as for full-time and part-time work.
Currently, there are hundreds of available jobs on their website. However, there is less than 50 work from home accounting jobs listed.
If you do manage to snag a job with them, you’ll be paid well and receive great benefits.
4. Ernst & Young
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If you’ve been in the accounting industry for any amount of time then you’ve probably heard of Ernst & Young (EY). This is one of the so-called “big four” accounting firms that also hires remote workers periodically.
Their headquarters are in the UK, but they have offices all over the world that are constantly on the lookout for new talent. They’ve been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by Fortune magazine, so you can’t go wrong with this one.
5. Crowe
Crowe (previously named Crowe Horwath) is one of the biggest accounting firms in the world, with over 4,000 employees, many of whom are accountants that work from home.
They mainly hire people from the US, UK, and India, however, so if you live outside of these countries, you might want to look elsewhere.
6. Supporting Strategies
This is another firm that specializes in outsourcing accounting and bookkeeping work for small businesses through remote employees.
While Supporting Strategies employees mainly work from home, the company does hold events that “bring people together and foster a sense of community.”
So if you’re worried about missing out on those aspects when working remotely for a company, then they’ve got you covered.
7. Accounting Department
Accounting Department specializes in virtual accounting for various clients and businesses across the US.
They currently have a few remote accounting positions open so make sure to jump on those before they’re gone.
8. Fusion CPA
Fusion CPA has been around since 2011, offering a holistic, bespoke approach to financial planning.
They are constantly looking for accountants and bookkeepers to fill various finance-related positions.
Currently, they are looking for Accounting Specialists to work from home.
9. 1-800Accountant
This company prides itself on being a full-service firm, with a virtual team of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Enrolled Agents (EAs), payroll and tax specialists, bookkeepers, and other professionals working to help startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses with their financial needs.
They’re currently looking for tax preparers and consultants for remote work.
10. Accountingfly
Accountingfly is a job board similar to FlexJobs but specializes in telecommuting accountant jobs.
Currently, there are companies looking for remote tax and accounting specialists, tax reviewers, and senior accountants.
11. Paro
Paro matches businesses of all sizes with the right financial professionals to address their specific needs and challenges.
There are plenty of freelance accounting positions available on their Careers site.
12. CPA MOMS®
CPA MOMS® help out startups and fast-growing small businesses set up their finances to handle tight cash flow and other struggles specific to those businesses.
They have plenty of full-time and part-time remote positions available.
And despite the name, you don’t have to be a CPA mom to apply. There are available positions for men and even non-CPAs.
Note: Here are more work at home jobs for moms to consider, if you’re interested.
13. Accounting.com
Accounting.com is a resource for aspiring accountants looking for a course and college to study accounting, entry-level accountants looking to start their careers, and experienced accountants looking to improve their skills and keep abreast of the latest news and trends in the field.
They have an updated job board, including work from home accounting jobs both locally and internationally.
14. iHireAccounting
iHireAccounting is another niche job board dedicated solely to the accounting industry, bringing job seekers and employers together to make sure the right people are doing the right jobs.
The basic membership gives you enough to get started, including access to all the jobs within their network and tools to improve your resume for free. Premium membership costs around $25 a month and gives you access to more jobs on their network, exclusive webinars, and a dedicated career advisor
15. FinancialJobsWeb.com
As their name implies, FinancialJobsWeb is an online job board offering all types of finance-related jobs, including those in the accounting industry.
Aside from a wide variety of accounting jobs and locations, you can also post your resume on their site, which can then be searched by employers looking for a specific skill set such that you get contacted by potential employers for jobs that may fit you.
Tips for Success in a Work From Home Accountant Job
Now that you know where to look for online accountant jobs, here are some tips so you can be a successful one.
1. Equip yourself with the best possible equipment you can get.
Almost all your tasks as a work-at-home accountant are centered around your computer.
If you’re serious about pursuing a career as an online accountant, you need to invest in equipment that can handle all the software and accessories you’ll need to do your job from home (or from anywhere, really).
2. Get certified with the most popular accounting software.
Quickbooks, Xero, and Sage are the most popular accounting software for various reasons.
When employers see that you’re certified in this software, it’s more likely that you’ll at least be shortlisted as a work-from-home accountant for them.
Of course, if the company you’re applying for is using different software, see if you can learn that software and get certified for it, too.
3. Create an environment and culture that increases your productivity.
Being an online accountant, or in any position that allows you to work from home, really, means that you’re in charge of when you work, where you work, and how long you work at a time.
But this freedom can also be your downfall if you don’t know how to maximize it.
It’s important to know yourself: what motivates you, what inspires you, what makes you produce your best work.
On the flip side, you want to know what distracts you, what takes away from your work, what stresses you out.
Based on this information, set up your home office for your success and not for the Pinterest aesthetic. If having a plant distracts you more than it inspires you, then don’t get one.
In the same way, set up your schedule for your success. If you work best during the afternoons, schedule work at that time and move other things in your day around that.
You’ll need to compromise some of the time, like for business meetings with one common time, scheduled activities that you can’t move, etc. But the beauty of working remotely is that it gives you the flexibility to adjust.
Final Thoughts on Virtual Accounting Jobs
No one wants to feel like they’re stuck in a 9-to-5 rut. Luckily, there are many opportunities out there for accountants to break away and find flexible jobs that fit their own pace.
I’ve also written a separate post about virtual bookkeeping jobs if you aren’t a certified public accountant (CPA), whether you’re still working towards it or you just really love numbers and doing it on the side.
