Junior Accountant Job Description Template - 2025 Guide

A Junior Accountant serves as the foundational support for an organization's financial operations, handling basic accounting tasks while developing essential skills in financial record-keeping, data entry, and regulatory compliance. This entry-level position provides crucial learning opportunities in accounting principles and prepares candidates for career advancement in finance and accounting.

Why This Role Matters

Junior Accountants form the backbone of accurate financial reporting and compliance. They ensure that daily financial transactions are properly recorded, invoices are processed efficiently, and financial data maintains its integrity. This role directly impacts an organization's ability to make informed business decisions and maintain regulatory compliance.

In today's data-driven business environment, Junior Accountants also serve as the first line of quality control for financial information, catching discrepancies early and supporting the overall financial health of the organization.

About the Role

As a Junior Accountant, you will work closely with senior accounting staff to maintain accurate financial records and support various accounting functions. You will gain exposure to multiple areas of accounting including accounts payable and receivable, general ledger maintenance, and financial reporting preparation. This position offers excellent opportunities to develop both technical accounting skills and professional business acumen.

You will be responsible for processing routine transactions, reconciling accounts, and assisting with monthly closing procedures. The role requires attention to detail, basic analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively within accounting software systems. You will also interact with various departments to gather financial information and resolve discrepancies.

This position reports directly to a Senior Accountant or Accounting Manager and provides a clear pathway for career advancement within the accounting function.

Key Responsibilities

• Process Accounts Payable: Review, code, and enter vendor invoices into accounting system, ensuring proper approvals and documentation
• Manage Accounts Receivable: Generate customer invoices, process payments, and maintain customer account records with accuracy
• Perform Bank Reconciliations: Reconcile bank statements with general ledger accounts and investigate discrepancies
• Maintain General Ledger: Post journal entries, update account balances, and ensure proper coding of transactions
• Support Month-End Close: Assist with monthly closing procedures including accruals, prepayments, and financial statement preparation
• Prepare Financial Reports: Generate routine financial reports including aging reports, trial balances, and departmental summaries
• Assist with Audit Preparation: Gather documentation and supporting materials for internal and external audit processes
• Data Entry and Filing: Maintain organized filing systems and ensure accurate data entry in accounting software
• Vendor and Customer Communications: Handle routine inquiries regarding invoices, payments, and account balances
• Compliance Support: Assist with tax preparation, regulatory reporting, and adherence to accounting standards

Requirements

Must-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related business field
• Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial statements
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in numerical work
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks
• Professional communication skills for internal and external interactions
• Basic knowledge of accounting software (QuickBooks, SAP, or similar platforms preferred)
• Understanding of accounts payable and receivable processes

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Previous internship or part-time experience in accounting or finance
• Familiarity with ERP systems (Oracle, NetSuite, Dynamics)
• Knowledge of tax preparation and compliance requirements
• Experience with financial analysis and reporting tools
• Understanding of internal controls and audit procedures

What We Offer

Compensation Package

• Competitive salary range: $40,000 - $52,000 annually
• Performance-based annual salary reviews
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching

Professional Development

• Mentorship program with senior accounting professionals
• Support for CPA certification pursuit including study materials and exam fees
• Access to continuing education and professional training opportunities
• Clear career advancement pathways within the accounting department

Work Environment

• Collaborative team environment with experienced professionals
• Modern accounting software and technology tools
• Flexible work arrangements including hybrid options
• Standard business hours with minimal overtime requirements

Context Variations

Corporate Environment: Emphasis on internal controls, SOX compliance, and multi-departmental collaboration. Greater exposure to complex financial reporting requirements and enterprise-level accounting systems. More structured processes and formal training programs.

Startup Environment: Broader responsibility scope including basic financial analysis and direct interaction with leadership. Opportunity to build processes from ground up and gain exposure to various business functions. Fast-paced environment with potential for rapid skill development.

Remote/Hybrid: Strong emphasis on digital accounting systems proficiency and self-directed work capabilities. Regular virtual team meetings and digital collaboration tools usage. Requires excellent communication skills for remote vendor and customer interactions.

Industry Considerations

Industry	Key Considerations
Public Accounting	Exposure to multiple clients, seasonal workload variations, strong audit and tax focus, accelerated learning curve
Healthcare	HIPAA compliance, insurance billing processes, regulatory reporting requirements, grant accounting knowledge
Manufacturing	Inventory accounting, cost accounting principles, job costing, supply chain financial processes
Non-Profit	Grant accounting, donor management, fund accounting, compliance with charitable regulations
Technology	SaaS revenue recognition, equity compensation accounting, rapid growth financial management
Retail	Inventory management, POS system integration, seasonal fluctuations, multi-location considerations

Note: Some industries may require specific certifications or additional compliance training.

Compensation Guide

National Salary Range: $40,000 - $52,000 annually

Metro Area	Salary Range	Notes
New York, NY	$45,000 - $58,000	Higher cost of living adjustment
San Francisco, CA	$48,000 - $62,000	Premium for tech industry exposure
Chicago, IL	$42,000 - $54,000	Strong financial services market
Dallas, TX	$40,000 - $52,000	Competitive market with growth opportunities
Atlanta, GA	$38,000 - $50,000	Lower cost of living, strong job market
Denver, CO	$41,000 - $53,000	Growing market with diverse industries
Seattle, WA	$44,000 - $56,000	Tech industry influence on compensation
Phoenix, AZ	$39,000 - $51,000	Emerging market with growth potential

Factors affecting compensation: Company size, industry type, specific software experience, and relevant internship experience.

Methodology: Data compiled from salary surveys, job postings, and industry reports as of 2025.

Interview Questions

Technical/Functional Questions

1. Accounting Fundamentals: Explain the basic accounting equation and how it applies to daily transactions.
2. Financial Statements: Describe the purpose and key components of the three main financial statements.
3. Accounts Payable Process: Walk me through the complete accounts payable process from invoice receipt to payment.
4. Month-End Procedures: What steps would you take to prepare for month-end closing?
5. Excel Proficiency: Demonstrate how you would use Excel to analyze aging of accounts receivable.
6. Internal Controls: Why are internal controls important in accounting, and can you give an example?
7. Software Experience: Describe your experience with accounting software and how you would adapt to new systems.
8. Error Resolution: How would you investigate and resolve a discrepancy in bank reconciliation?

Behavioral Questions

1. Attention to Detail: Tell me about a time when your attention to detail prevented a significant error.
2. Time Management: Describe how you would prioritize tasks during a busy month-end period.
3. Learning Agility: Give an example of when you had to quickly learn a new process or system.
4. Problem Solving: Walk me through a challenging problem you solved and your approach.
5. Team Collaboration: Describe a time when you worked effectively with others to complete a project.
6. Communication: How would you explain a complex accounting concept to a non-financial colleague?

Culture Fit Questions

1. Career Goals: Where do you see your accounting career in the next 3-5 years?
2. Professional Development: What steps are you taking to advance your accounting knowledge?
3. Work Style: How do you ensure accuracy when working with large volumes of data?
4. Motivation: What aspects of accounting work do you find most interesting and why?

Evaluation Tips: Look for candidates who demonstrate strong fundamental knowledge, eagerness to learn, and attention to detail. Behavioral responses should show problem-solving ability and professional communication skills.

Hiring Tips

Quick Sourcing Guide

• University Career Centers: Target accounting and business programs at local colleges and universities
• Professional Networks: LinkedIn, local accounting associations, and CPA society job boards
• Entry-Level Job Sites: Indeed, Glassdoor, and company career pages with junior-level filters
• Internship Programs: Convert successful interns or reach out to internship coordinators

Red Flags to Avoid

• Lack of Basic Knowledge: Cannot explain fundamental accounting concepts or the accounting equation
• Poor Attention to Detail: Makes calculation errors during interview or shows careless mistakes on resume
• No Software Experience: Completely unfamiliar with Excel or basic accounting software
• Inflexible Learning: Shows resistance to new processes or expresses preference for "the way things were done before"
• Poor Communication: Cannot clearly explain their thought process or asks no questions about the role
• Unrealistic Expectations: Expects immediate senior-level responsibilities or shows no interest in learning fundamentals

FAQ Section