How To Get A Remote Accountant Job?

by Daniel Wolken

Published at: March 19, 2024

Securing a remote accountant job requires understanding the landscape of virtual accounting employment and possessing the skills to manage financial activities from a home office.

The shift towards remote work has opened a myriad of opportunities for accountants and finance professionals. Whether you're looking for full-time, part-time, or freelance positions, several platforms cater to remote accounting jobs. To start your journey, it's important to highlight your accounting expertise, adaptability to technological tools, and ability to communicate effectively in a virtual environment.

Qualifications and Skills Required For A Remote Accountant Job

To secure a remote accountant job, you'll need a combination of formal education, proficiency in specific technical tools, and a set of soft skills that are essential in a remote work environment. Below, we detail the specific qualifications and skills you should possess or develop.

Technical Skills

Formal Education: Most employers will expect you to have at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or related fields such as business administration or finance. If you aspire to higher levels of responsibility, an MBA or CPA credential can greatly enhance your prospects.

Accounting Software & Tools: Proficiency in Excel and MS Office suite is typically a must. Experience with specific accounting software, like QuickBooks or Sage, and proficiency in preparing financial statements, bookkeeping, and managing tax returns are also crucial.

Specialized Knowledge: You should be well-versed in specific accounting tasks such as audit, tax laws, and regulations to ensure accuracy and legal compliance in your work.

Soft Skills

Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is paramount, as you will be collaborating with teams and clients virtually. It involves both conveying and understanding financial information accurately.

Organization: Being well-organized is non-negotiable because working from  home requires managing multiple tasks and deadlines without direct supervision.

Problem-Solving: Remote accountants should have strong problem-solving abilities to navigate complex financial scenarios and provide strategic solutions.

Attention to Detail: Precision is crucial in accounting; ensuring accuracy in your work will reflect your reliability and could reduce financial discrepancies.

Armed with these qualifications and skills, you'll be better equipped to navigate the competitive landscape and achieve success as a remote accountant.

How to Find a Remote Accountant Job?

Landing a remote accountant job involves a strategic approach to several key resources. You'll want to utilize online job boards, reach out to accounting firms, expand your professional network, and consider freelance platforms that cater to finance professionals.

Remote Job Boards

Begin your search by checking well-known online job boards like DailyRemote, TheWFHJobs, LinkedIn and Glassdoor that list remote accountant positions. You can find listings for roles such as staff accountant, senior staff accountant, and finance associate. Filter your search to show only remote jobs to ensure your results are relevant.

• Look for keywords like "remote", "virtual", and "telecommute"
• Set up job alerts to notify you about new postings

Here are other remote finance jobs:

• Financial Analyst
• Financial Advisor
• Chief Financial Officer
• Finance Manager
• Management
• Business Management
• Investment Banker
• Tax Accountant
• Auditor
• Bookkeeper
• Fintech

Accounting Firms

Many accounting firms are recognizing the benefits of remote work and are offering positions that span from accounts receivable and payable to senior staff accountant roles. Visit their career pages directly to find remote opportunities.

• Check for job openings on the firm's website
• Research firms that promote work flexibility

Networking

Networking is invaluable. It can lead to opportunities that are not advertised publicly and can be a conduit to positions such as director of finance or payroll manager. Use professional networking sites like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals.

• Inform your connections about your job search
• Attend virtual career fairs and relevant webinars

Freelance Platforms

For a more flexible approach, explore freelance platforms that provide contract accountant jobs. As a freelancer, you can build your reputation by undertaking short-term projects related to accounts payable, payroll, and more.

• Create a comprehensive profile highlighting your expertise
• Bid on projects that match your skill set and experience level

By methodically using these resources, you can uncover and secure a remote finance planning position that aligns with your career goals.

How to Prepare for a Remote Accountant Job Interview?

When preparing for a remote accountant job interview, it's essential to research the company thoroughly. Understand their client service philosophy, billing and collections processes, and any relevant financial systems they use. In reviewing the career opportunities they offer, evaluate their benefits package, including PTO and health insurance. Sites like Glassdoor can help provide a salary range estimate based on similar roles.

Your resume should clearly reflect your ability to work collaboratively, meet deadlines, and manage confidentiality. Highlight your accomplishments in a way that connects with the flexibility and benefits remote work offers.

• Technology Savvy: Demonstrate your competence with accounting software and remote communication tools.
• Home Office Setup: Describe your designated workspace that's free from distractions.
• Time Management: Provide examples of how you prioritize tasks effectively while working from home.

Preparation:

1. Mock Interviews: Practice common accountant interview questions with a friend or mentor.
2. Review Past Experience: Be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase your skills.

Discussion Points:

• 401(k) and Profit Sharing: Express knowledge of retirement plans administration if the role requires it.
• Paid Holidays: Ask about company culture surrounding holidays and paid time off.
• Salary Expectations: Prepare to talk about your salary range, with data to back it up.

An interview is a two-way street. Prepare questions to ask about aspects of the job that are important to you, such as work-life balance or continuing education opportunities. Being fully prepared and confident will help you stand out as an excellent candidate for a remote accounting job.

Tips to Create a Remote Accountant Job Resume and Cover Letter

When crafting your remote accountant resume, prioritize clarity and organization. Your goal is to paint a picture of a professional capable of handling the flexible nature of remote work while being highly collaborative.

Resume Formatting:

• Use a clear layout with distinct sections and consistent font.
• Highlight relevant skills like billing and collections, client service, and deadline management.
• Include remote-specific abilities such as proficiency with cloud-based accounting tools and demonstrating strong confidentiality practices.
• Mention any experience with benefits administration or 401(k) profit-sharing plans, if applicable.
• Feature examples of successfully managed projects, emphasizing your ability to meet deadlines while working remotely.

Your resume should also reflect understanding of the diverse career opportunities in accounting, and how your skills translate into potential benefits for employers, like reduced overhead costs. Incorporate any notable achievements that show your capacity to add value to a company, such as improving client service or enhancing billing and collections processes.

Cover Letter Pointers:

• Open with a strong introductory paragraph that conveys your enthusiasm for remote work.
• Articulate the benefits you bring, which might include reduced need for PTO due to the inherent flexibility of remote work or the ability to support teams across time zones.
• Reference salary expectations subtly by indicating that they align with industry standards; utilize platforms like Glassdoor to ensure your range is competitive.
• Offer insight into your understanding of the vital importance of confidentiality in your role.

Conclusion

If you are searching for a remote job and need help finding where to look? DailyRemote is a remote job board with the latest jobs in various categories to help you. Join like-minded people in our LinkedIn and Facebook community.