Remote work has become more popular and accessible in recent years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are interested in working from home or anywhere in the world, enjoying the flexibility and convenience of remote work. But is it hard to get a remote accounting job? What are the skills and qualifications required for remote accounting? How can you find and apply for remote accounting jobs? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and provide some tips and resources for aspiring remote accountants.
Remote accounting is the practice of providing accounting services to clients or employers from a location other than their office. Remote accountants can work as freelancers, contractors, or employees for various types of organizations, such as accounting firms, corporations, nonprofits, or government agencies. Remote accountants can perform various tasks, such as bookkeeping, tax preparation, auditing, financial reporting, payroll, budgeting, or consulting.
The difficulty of getting a remote accounting job depends on several factors, such as your education, experience, certification, skills, network, and personal brand. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of landing a remote accounting job:
- Get a relevant degree or certification. Most remote accounting jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Some may also require a master’s degree or a professional certification, such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CMA (Certified Management Accountant), or EA (Enrolled Agent). Having a degree or certification can demonstrate your knowledge and credibility as an accountant and help you stand out from other applicants.
- Gain relevant experience. Experience is another key factor that employers look for when hiring remote accountants. You should try to gain as much experience as possible in the field of accounting, preferably in the industry or niche that you want to work in. You can gain experience by working as an intern, volunteer, or entry-level employee for an accounting firm or organization. You can also offer your services to friends, family, or local businesses as a way to build your portfolio and references.
- Develop your skills and tools. Remote accounting requires not only accounting skills but also other skills and tools that are essential for working remotely. You should be proficient in using various accounting software and platforms, such as QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Wave, or Zoho Books. You should also be familiar with other tools that facilitate remote communication and collaboration, such as Zoom, Slack, Google Workspace, or Microsoft Teams. Additionally, you should have strong skills in communication, time management, organization, problem-solving, and self-motivation.
- Build your network and personal brand. Networking and personal branding are crucial for finding and getting remote accounting jobs. You should leverage your existing network of contacts, such as classmates, professors, colleagues, clients, or mentors. You should also expand your network by joining online communities and platforms that are relevant to remote accounting, such as LinkedIn, Facebook groups, Reddit forums, Twitter chats, podcasts, blogs, or webinars. You should also create and maintain a professional online presence that showcases your skills and achievements as a remote accountant. You can do this by creating a website or portfolio that highlights your work samples and testimonials. You can also create and share valuable content on social media or blogs that demonstrate your expertise and value proposition.
- Find and apply for remote accounting jobs. Finally, you should actively search and apply for remote accounting jobs that match your qualifications and interests. You can use various online platforms and resources that specialize in remote work or accounting jobs. Some examples are FlexJobs.com, Accountingfly.com, Remote.co, Indeed.com, or ZipRecruiter.com. You should also tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application and highlight your relevant skills and experience for remote accounting. You should also prepare for the interview process by researching the company and the role and practicing common questions and scenarios.
Getting a remote accounting job may not be easy but it is definitely possible if you follow these steps and persist in your efforts. Remote accounting can offer many benefits and opportunities for career growth and satisfaction. If you are passionate about accounting and want to work remotely, you should start preparing yourself today and pursue your dream of becoming a remote accountant.