Where to Look for Virtual Accounting Jobs
One of the best things about the growth of the internet and mobile communication platforms is that it has allowed so many skilled professionals the option to telecommute and work from home. And if you happen to have a fair head for numbers and an accounting degree or CPA to back it up there’s no reason why you can’t do away with a lengthy commute in order to take on virtual accounting jobs from the comfort of your home office. The only real issue for most people when it comes to taking this route for employment is finding the jobs needed to pay the bills. So if you’re on the prowl for work-from-home opportunities, here are just a few venues that could offer you the virtual accounting jobs you seek.
Contents
- 1 What Is a Remote/Virtual Accounting Job?
- 2 How to Become an Accountant
- 3 Qualification needed for remote accounting jobs
- 4 1. Job Boards for Remote Work
- 5 2. General Job Search Websites
- 6 3. Freelancing Websites
- 7 4. Accounting-Specific Job Boards
- 8 5. Company Career Pages
- 9 6. Professional Networks and Groups
- 10 7. Outsourcing and Virtual Assistant Companies
- 11 8. Networking with Accounting Professionals
- 12 9. Temporary Agencies & Staffing Firms
- 13 10. Direct Contact with Clients
- 14 Conclusion:
- 15 Where to Look for Virtual Accounting Jobs
- 16 The Rise of Virtual Accounting Industry
- 17 Accounting Careers:
What Is a Remote/Virtual Accounting Job?
When you’re just starting out as a virtual freelancer you might find it useful to get some help and advice from colleagues who have been in the trenches, so to speak. For this reason, it’s not a bad idea to start your online sojourn by signing up for industry forums. These virtual gathering places provide an excellent place for those seeking information, and you can use them to connect with other accountants in order to get the skinny on the best ways to find good jobs in the online arena. You might even get in tight enough with some of your peers that they push their overflow work your way when you’re in need (provided you’re willing to return the favor down the road should you find yourself swamped). In short, these collectives are a great springboard for anyone seeking remote accounting opportunities.
How to Become an Accountant
Of course, you might also sign up for a professional social networking site like LinkedIn as a way to both connect with colleagues (and by extension, their networks of contacts) and find jobs. You can peruse the job listings if you like, and the site sends out weekly updates with jobs in your area (and area of expertise) that might interest you. But the major benefit is that you can see how you’re connected to clients offering jobs through your vast network of links. And if you know someone who knows someone you can likely get a referral that could give you the boost you need to nab the position you’re interested in.
Qualification needed for remote accounting jobs
There are other options, as well. You might try signing up for freelance sites like Guru, Sologig, and ODesk, for example, which allow you to create a profile and then start applying for jobs. This type of work is a good option for those just starting out because it allows you to build an online reputation that will help you to get better and better jobs over time. But you may also want to consider longer-term options provided by sites like Career Builder, Monster, and even Craigslist. Whether you have a degree from Harvard or accounting.businessdegrees.uab.edu, you may be eligible for longer contracts and better pay thanks to your qualifications. And if you get in good with more prestigious clients you may see repeats and referrals that relieve you of the burden of chasing down jobs.
If you’re looking for virtual accounting jobs, the good news is that there are plenty of opportunities available as the demand for remote work continues to grow. Here’s a comprehensive guide on where to look for virtual accounting jobs:
1. Job Boards for Remote Work
These job boards specialize in remote or flexible work opportunities, including accounting roles:
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FlexJobs: FlexJobs is a leading site for remote and flexible job listings, with a variety of accounting positions, from bookkeeping to financial analysis.
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We Work Remotely: A popular job board for remote work, with job postings in various fields, including accounting and finance.
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Remote.co: Specializes in remote positions, with jobs across several sectors, including virtual accounting and finance roles.
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Remotive: Offers listings for remote jobs in various industries, including accounting and bookkeeping.
2. General Job Search Websites
Many traditional job search websites offer remote accounting positions. You can use filters to narrow down to virtual or work-from-home roles:
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Indeed: Use the search filters to select “remote” or “work from home” when searching for accounting positions.
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LinkedIn: LinkedIn has many virtual accounting job postings, and you can also network with other accounting professionals to find opportunities.
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Glassdoor: Glassdoor provides detailed job descriptions, salary insights, and reviews from current or former employees. Many companies post remote accounting roles.
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SimplyHired: Another job search engine where you can find remote accounting jobs by using appropriate keywords.
3. Freelancing Websites
If you’re interested in freelance or contract accounting work, these websites offer a wide range of opportunities:
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Upwork: A popular freelancing platform where you can find accounting and bookkeeping projects from clients around the world.
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Fiverr: Similar to Upwork, Fiverr allows freelancers to offer specific accounting services, such as tax preparation, payroll management, or bookkeeping.
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Freelancer.com: Another platform to find accounting projects on a contract or freelance basis. You can bid on projects related to accounting and finance.
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Guru: Offers freelance opportunities in various niches, including accounting, finance, and bookkeeping.
4. Accounting-Specific Job Boards
These websites are dedicated to accounting and finance roles and often include virtual opportunities:
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Accountingfly: A platform dedicated to accounting jobs, where you can filter for remote opportunities.
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AICPA Career Center: The American Institute of CPAs offers a job board with opportunities in public accounting, private accounting, and virtual positions.
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BookkeepingJobs: Specializes in posting remote bookkeeping jobs, as well as accounting and finance-related positions.
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AccountingJobsToday: Offers a wide range of accounting job listings, including remote options, from small firms to larger corporations.
5. Company Career Pages
Many companies are embracing remote work, and their career pages often list open virtual accounting roles. Consider checking out:
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Large Accounting Firms: Big firms like Deloitte, PwC, and EY may have remote opportunities for experienced accountants or auditors.
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Accounting Software Companies: Companies like QuickBooks (Intuit), Xero, and FreshBooks often hire remote accountants, bookkeepers, and customer support representatives.
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Small Businesses & Startups: Many startups and small businesses are looking for remote accountants to handle day-to-day finances. Explore startup job boards and small business job listings for such positions.
6. Professional Networks and Groups
Networking with other professionals in the field can help you find virtual accounting jobs:
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LinkedIn Groups: Join LinkedIn groups related to accounting and finance to get job leads and advice from others in the industry.
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Facebook Groups: There are many Facebook groups for remote work, virtual accounting, and bookkeeping where employers post job openings.
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Reddit: Subreddits like r/Accounting or r/Bookkeeping often have discussions and job leads related to virtual accounting positions.
7. Outsourcing and Virtual Assistant Companies
Many virtual assistant companies offer outsourced accounting services and hire remote accountants to serve their clients:
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Belay: A company that hires virtual assistants and remote professionals, including bookkeepers and accountants.
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Time Etc.: Offers virtual assistant services, and occasionally posts job openings for accounting positions.
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AccountingDepartment.com: A company that specializes in offering remote accounting services to small businesses and hires virtual accounting professionals.
8. Networking with Accounting Professionals
Building a network of contacts in the accounting industry can often lead to job referrals and opportunities for remote work. Consider:
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Professional associations: Join groups like AICPA (American Institute of CPAs) or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) to connect with other professionals and learn about job openings.
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Conferences and Webinars: Attend virtual events or webinars related to accounting to expand your network and find job opportunities.
9. Temporary Agencies & Staffing Firms
Many staffing agencies specialize in placing remote workers in accounting and finance roles:
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Robert Half: Known for connecting accounting professionals with temporary, permanent, and remote job placements.
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Kelly Services: Offers remote accounting jobs through temporary staffing, allowing you to work from home.
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Randstad: Another staffing agency that helps place remote workers in accounting and financial roles.
10. Direct Contact with Clients
If you’re a freelancer or have your own accounting practice, you can directly reach out to clients via online platforms or through personal networking. Consider using:
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Clarity.fm: A platform where you can offer consulting services for a fee, such as tax advice, bookkeeping services, or financial planning.
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Local business directories: Offer your services to small businesses and startups that may need virtual accounting support.
Conclusion:
To get started with a virtual accounting career, you’ll want to explore job boards, freelancing platforms, specialized accounting job websites, and professional networks. Building connections and using the right search strategies will help you find a variety of opportunities in the growing field of remote accounting.
If you’re ready to dive in, consider refining your resume for remote work, taking courses to further develop your skills (such as QuickBooks or other accounting software), and leveraging these platforms to find your ideal virtual accounting job.
Let me know if you need help with anything specific, such as crafting your resume or navigating a job board!