How to Get an Accounting Job After MS in Accountancy (Without Experience)

After you’ve just graduated with an MS in Accountancy, you’ll naturally be all set to take the first steps in your fledgling professional career. Of course, completing the degree itself is a big milestone, but there are several challenges to finding jobs after an MSc in Accounting and Finance. These include the lack of practical or work experience, huge competition, and technical skill gaps. At the same time, the value of a degree cannot be underestimated; it lays the foundation for your professional progress and makes you employable in the first place.

However, you have to cultivate the right mindset and adopt a strategic approach to land a good master in accounting jobs. Upskill, intern, invest in continuous learning, and build on the initial opportunities that you get, even though they may not be as lucrative at first. This matters at a time when the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% employment for accountants between 2024 and 2034. About 124,200 new openings are expected each year in this period.  Here are some helpful tips to get you started.

Landing Your First Job After MSc in Accounting and Finance

Here is a round-up of some of the available jobs after MSc Accounting and Finance.

Job Role	What It Entails
Junior Accountant	Support for daily accounting tasks
Audit Assistant	Supporting audit teams
Financial Analyst (Trainee)	Performing financial analysis and forecasting
Tax Assistant	Supporting tax professionals
Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk	Managing accounts payable and accounts receivable
Accounting Intern (Full-Time)	Supporting accounting functions
Payroll Associate	Managing employee payroll processing

1. Junior Accountant
2. Audit Assistant
3. Financial Analyst (Trainee)
4. Tax Assistant
5. Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk
6. Accounting Intern (Full-Time)
7. Payroll Associate

1. Junior Accountant

This is one of the best jobs for accounting graduates, where you will be responsible for maintaining financial records at the company. A key part of this job involves reconciling statements and helping prepare budgets. Financial reporting is also a key part of the job.

Also Read: Skills You Will Gain in an Online Accounting Master’s Program

2. Audit Assistant

As an audit assistant, you will help with thorough external or internal audits and reviews of financial records. At the same time, you will also ensure compliance with all necessary regulations.

3. Financial Analyst (Trainee)

You will need to support senior analysts within your organization in areas such as research, data analysis, and preparing financial reports. The job may also involve financial forecasting, as well as helping professionals make informed decisions. Data modeling and budgeting are also key parts of the job.

4. Tax Assistant

When it comes to working as a tax assistant, you’ll essentially have to compile all tax-linked data and do all relevant research for this purpose. At the same time, other duties will include ensuring timely filings and all other tax preparation aspects.

5. Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk

This deals with managing incoming invoices and outgoing payments at your organization. You will have to ensure timely and accurate record-keeping and transactions above all else.

6. Accounting Intern (Full-Time)

You will support senior personnel at the company in terms of doing data research, preparing various financial reports, analyzing data, and assisting in audits.

Also Read: Top Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting 2025

7. Payroll Associate

Payroll associates handle the entire employee payroll processing. They ensure accurate calculations and timely payment disbursements while taking care of taxes, wages, and all related aspects.

Strategies to Land an Accounting Job with No Prior Experience

Here are some strategies to help you land the best jobs for accounting graduates without prior experience.

• Gain practical experience through internships, volunteering, or freelance work.
• Leverage your campus career services and optimize your LinkedIn profile to find leads.
• Use your school projects and training modules to showcase experience.
• Build key technical and soft skills and obtain certifications like bookkeeping, accounting, and analytics.
• Attend professional networking events and connect with experienced professionals. You can even seek out a mentor for guidance.
• Build an attractive resume by highlighting transferable skills, volunteer work, projects, etc. Include all relevant coursework, academic accomplishments, and membership in professional organizations to make up for the lack of experience.

Also Read: How to Land a Tax Compliance Role at a Big 4 Accounting Firm

How Edgewood Helps MS in Accountancy Graduates Launch Their Careers

If you’re looking for a cutting-edge MS in Accountancy program to launch your career, look no further than Edgewood University. You’ll find programs that equip you with the necessary skill sets for real-world accounting roles, backed by robust curricula, personalised guidance, mentorship, practical assignments, and job placement support.

FAQs on Getting an Accounting Job After MS in Accountancy

Q: What entry-level positions are best for MS in Accounting graduates with no experience?
Ans: You will find several entry-level positions without experience, such as Junior Accountant, Tax Assistant, Payroll Associate, and Accounting Intern.

Q: Can I transition to accounting from a different field with just an MS degree?
Ans: Yes, it is possible to transition with an MS in accounting, particularly if your earlier degree was in another field. This is because the MS will hold value for CPA and other certifications, while giving you specialized knowledge. You may have to take foundational courses to acquire the core knowledge required to enter these programs.

Q: What salary can I expect in my first accounting position after an MS degree?
Ans: Salaries usually range between USD 60,000 and USD 90,000 per annum, depending on the organization, location, job role, and the certifications that you possess.

Q: What industries have the highest demand for accounting graduates?
Ans: The highest demand for accounting graduates comes from public accounting (the Big Four firms), technology, financial services, Government sectors, and healthcare.

Q: Should I accept an internship after my MS just to gain experience?
Ans: Yes, you can consider accepting the internship after your MS to build real-world experience and make your resume stronger. However, make sure it syncs with your career objectives, while helping you build vital skills and networks for professional advancement.