Remote Accounting Jobs: What Roles and Salary to Expect Based on Experience

Many industries have adopted digital transformation, enabling remote work. Accounting software and cloud-based tools allow accountants to work from anywhere, as they facilitate secure file sharing and virtual collaboration.

Data from 2023, shared by Distinct and Accounting Today, indicate that 12.7% of full-time accounting employees were working remotely, while 28.2% were working in hybrid roles. However, the trend in the accounting remote landscape appears to be shifting as 90% of companies planned to adopt a return-to-office policy, according to this 2023 Resume Builder report. 

On the bright side, although there has been a decline in remote work job postings for the accounting profession, demand for remote work has remained stable. According to FlexJobs, accounting and finance remain the second most common industries for remote work, and accounting is the most searched job title.

What kind of remote accounting roles are there? And what salary can you expect based on your experience?

Let’s explore accounting roles, the skills demanded, and the typical salary range for entry-level accountants to experienced professionals.

Most Common Remote Accounting Roles

Remote accounting jobs allow you to work from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection, allowing greater flexibility. Besides the potential cost-savings to you, a remote accounting position enables you to maintain a better work-life balance.

Whether you perform core accounting tasks or have a more specialized role, remote work requires reliance on technology and reliable communication. These are the most common remote accounting roles:

1. Bookkeeper

Job Description: Your role involves managing day-to-day financial transactions, reconciling accounts, and assisting with month-end closing procedures. Popular tools required to manage these tasks include QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks.

Experience Required: Entry-level professionals or those with a certificate in bookkeeping.

2. Staff Accountant

Job Description: The role of a staff accountant involves preparing general ledger entries, assisting with financial reporting, and preparing tax returns. As staff accountant, you will also need to understand compliance regulations.

Experience Required: Apply for these remote job opportunities if you have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. Most employers require 1 – 3 years of experience.

3. Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialist

Job Description: The description refers to a person who manages billing, invoicing, vendor payments, and client payment collections.

Experience Required: Accounting professionals who are good at paying attention to detail and have experience with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle.

4. Payroll Specialist

Job Description: Management of payroll processing, ensuring compliance with tax regulations, and addressing employee payroll inquiries.

Experience Required: Not all employees require a bachelor’s degree in accounting, but you will need to be detail-oriented and have some experience using platforms like ADP or Paychex.

5. Financial Analyst

Job Description: Your job is to analyze financial data, forecast trends, support budgeting processes, and provide strategic insights.

Experience Required: This is the ideal remote accounting job for mid-career professionals with strong Excel skills and financial modelling expertise.

6. Tax Accountant

Job Description: The job entails accurately preparing and filing tax documents, meeting tax deadlines, ensuring compliance with IRS rules, and providing tax planning advice.

Experience Required: You must have a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification or extensive knowledge of tax law, as well as the ability to work flexibly during tax season. If you are an Enrolled Agent (EA), you can also legally represent your clients at the IRS.

7. Audit Associate/Internal Auditor

Job Description: You conduct financial audits, assess risk, and ensure internal controls and external regulations compliances.

Experience Required: This is the ideal remote accounting job for a CPA-track professional or someone with experience in compliance and control processes.

8. Controller

Job Description: You oversee all accounting functions, manage financial reporting, and supervise the accounting team.

Experience Required: Senior professionals with 8+ years of experience and strong leadership skills are best qualified for this role.

9. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Job Description: The CFO sets the financial strategy, oversees fundraising and investments, and communicates financial performance to stakeholders.

Experience Required: Executives with extensive experience in finance, leadership, and strategic planning have the qualifications needed for these demanding requirements.

Remote Accounting Job Salary Expectations

Remote accounting salaries vary based on your experience, certifications, and the expected requirements of the role. Location often influences rates—some companies may adjust pay based on the cost of living—but many adhere to standardized pay scales.

Entry-Level Accounting Jobs (0–2 Years Experience)

Typical roles include Junior Bookkeeper, Accounts Clerk, and Assistant Accountant. You can stand out for these remote jobs if you have bookkeeping certification and have some experience using tools like QuickBooks or Xero.

Average annual salary range: $40,000–$55,000.

Early Career Accounting Jobs (2–5 Years Experience)

Typical roles include Staff Accountant, Payroll Specialist, and Junior Financial Analyst. Automation tools, such as Excel Macros, Power BI, and Tableau, will help add value to your application for these remote accounting positions.

Average annual salary range: $55,000–$70,000.

Mid-Level Accounting Jobs (5–10 Years Experience)

Typical positions in this field include Senior Accountant, Tax Specialist, Financial Analyst, and Audit Associate. Opportunities and pay increase if you hold a CPA license or an advanced degree, such as an MBA.

Average annual salary range: $70,000–$95,000.

Senior-Level Accounting Jobs (10+ Years Experience)

Typical roles entail Controller, Finance Manager, and Senior Tax Consultant. To apply for these remote accounting jobs, highlight any experience you have in leadership, project management, and strategic planning.

Average annual salary range: $95,000–$130,000.

Executive-Level Accounting Jobs (CFO, VP of Finance)

Typical roles include Chief Financial Officer or Finance Director. You need a strong track record and excellent financial forecasting skills to be considered for these positions.

Average annual salary range: $130,000 – $250,000+.

Certifications That Boost Remote Accounting Careers

Having the proper certifications can significantly boost your remote job prospects and salary potential. These have the most significant impact:

· CPA (Certified Public Accountant): It is the gold standard in the accounting profession.

· CMA (Certified Management Accountant): Valuable for internal financial planning in the accounting profession.

· EA (Enrolled Agent): Specialize in taxes and prepare to become a remote tax expert.

· CB (Certified Bookkeeper): An excellent qualification if you want a remote bookkeeping role.

· CIA (Certified Internal Auditor): Ideal if you want a career as a tax audit professional.

Best Places to Find Remote Accounting Opportunities

Several boards and platforms specialize in helping you find remote accounting work. You can start your search on a general job board, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor.

However, it has become a highly competitive field, so a search on a dedicated freelance and remote work platform will probably give you better leverage. Some of the best places to find remote accounting positions include Upwork, Freelancer, FlexJobs, Remote.co, We Work Remotely, and AccountsOne.Com.

Other places to search include niche finance sites, such as Accountingly. Professional accounting associations, such as the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) or the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), provide invaluable resources to help their members find remote employment opportunities.

Skills to Help You Stand Out as a Remote Accountant

Crunching numbers is not the only skill required to succeed in a remote accounting job. Here are some tips to help you stand out to employers looking for remote accounting contractors:

Enhance Your Tech Knowledge: Familiarise yourself with cloud-based accounting software and collaboration tools, such as Slack, Zoom, and Asana.

Impeccable Time Management: It’s essential to remain productive and meet all deadlines without requiring direct supervision.

Communication: Working remotely requires clear communication to ensure everyone is on the same page. Polish your writing skills and video call etiquette for effective communication.

Adaptability and Ongoing Learning: Operating in a remote environment means that you could easily miss any changes in regulations, technological advancements, or best practices. Stay engaged by monitoring developments and taking courses, allowing you to adapt to and implement new changes quickly.

Confidentiality: A career in accounting, particularly when working as part of a remote team, requires meticulous attention to ethical issues and data security.

Dedicated Workspace: Creating the right work environment will enhance your focus while minimizing distractions. A dedicated workspace must have all the tools and accounting technology to help you work more effectively.

Setting Boundaries: Make every effort to maintain a healthy balance between your work and personal life. Ensure that your clients and colleagues are aware of your work hours and respect them.

Final Thoughts

The accounting profession continues to evolve. Remote accounting jobs offer flexibility, access to global opportunities, and the ability to shape your career to fit your lifestyle, whether you are an accounting professional seeking a bookkeeping position or looking for a role in executive finance leadership. It’s not impossible to find a position at every level in the remote accounting world.

Whether you’re new to accounting or looking to transition from a traditional office role, it’s an exciting time to explore remote accounting jobs. Equip yourself with the right tools, certifications, and mindset—and prepare to find success in virtual accounting contract work.