By Brandi Britton, Global Executive Director, Contract Finance and Accounting, Robert Half
You have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance and perhaps a few internships under your belt, and now, you’re navigating a labor market that needs skilled talent. But even early in your career, the path to landing entry-level accounting jobs or entry-level finance jobs—or pivoting to one that’s a better fit—isn’t always straightforward. You may be weighing how your current skills transfer, what gaps you need to close and what additional experience or credentials could help you take the next step.
So, is finance a good career path? The numbers say yes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 5% growth for accountants and 6% growth for financial analysts through 2034, both faster than the national average. At the same time, demand continues to outpace supply: 62% of finance and accounting leaders say they face challenges hiring for open accountant roles, according to the 2026 Robert Half Salary Guide.
However, a strong market doesn’t mean an entry-level finance and accounting job will fall into your lap. I hear from many early‑career professionals who feel stuck—applying widely, polishing their resumes and still not getting traction—even though they bring something valuable to the table. In particular, those with a solid accounting foundation often have an edge in finance roles, thanks to their deeper understanding of financial statements, controls and how the numbers truly flow through a business—something candidates with only a finance background may still be developing.
Whether you’re aiming for your first full‑time role or trying to reposition yourself early on in your career, consider a more selective, tailored tactic instead of mass applying. These 7 tips can help you find the right position.
1. Identify what you want to learn next
You might think everyone else has it all figured out regarding their transition to entry-level accounting jobs or entry-level finance jobs. But most candidates don’t. That’s why it helps to slow down before applying and take stock of what you’ve learned so far.
Take time to break down why certain past roles—such as internships, volunteer work or part‑time jobs—worked better for you than others. Think about what you liked and didn’t like about those experiences. Look at the specifics: the type of problems you were solving, the pace of the work, how much responsibility you were given and the impact your contributions had, even in a supporting role. What energized you? What drained you?
Asking these questions can help turn the vague “What do I want to do next?” into narrower, more practical considerations, especially when you’re early in your career:
What do I want to learn?
What skills do I want to strengthen?
What industries and roles am I curious about?
This is also a good moment to think about how technology, especially AI, is reshaping accounting and finance careers. Teams are increasingly using tools like Microsoft Power BI, Python and AI‑assisted analysis to automate reporting, surface insights and support decision making. If you’ve enjoyed learning new systems or working with data, you may want to target roles where building comfort with these tools is part of the job, not an afterthought.
Next, consider the type of work environment and corporate culture that can best support that learning. Do you want to be part of a collaborative, tight‑knit team or one that encourages more independence? Would you rather build skills at a startup, a well‑known brand or a public accounting firm with structured training?
Remember, your career is a long game. Early choices matter, but they don’t lock you in.
Your first job is just the beginning. Read about the financial skills that can help future-proof your career.
2. Prioritize what matters most to you
With your answers to the above questions in mind, list all the factors that matter most to you about where you might work—stability, mentorship, work-life balance, friendly colleagues, an inspiring mission, corporate culture, salary and more.
Next, take this list and rank each of these factors in terms of importance to you. Yes, this prioritization can be challenging. But because no job is perfect and unlikely to check all your boxes, you should be clear about what matters most to you and evaluate each opening based on this list. This approach will help ensure you don’t waste your energy and emotions on a potential opportunity that doesn’t match your preferences. Instead, it will help you focus on openings where you’re more likely to learn new things and feel engaged.
And when interview opportunities arise, say yes. Each interview is a chance to sharpen your story, learn how hiring managers think and clarify what you want next.
3. Target industries you might want to work in
Start by making a list of industries that interest you. Even if you don’t see relevant openings in these industries, you can still build your knowledge of them through proactive relationship-building and research.
Check to see if you know anyone who works in your industries of interest (or if they know people who do). Ask if they might be open to speaking with you about their field, role and organization in an informational interview.
In addition to building relationships with people at your target organizations, stay up to date on their activities by following them on professional networking sites and subscribing to their content. This kind of background knowledge can make a strong impression in interviews. It also gives you a clearer picture of where your finance career could take you next.
Get insight into which industries are hiring now.
4. Test-drive different roles and industries
If you’re still exploring, contract/temporary work or project‑based work can be a powerful way to gain exposure early in your career.
Contract work, which is temporary but stable, allows you to experience various industries firsthand by going behind the scenes. You could find yourself working at a financial services firm one quarter, and a healthcare company the next. You can also learn different software, which can give you a competitive edge over a peer who has spent several years working with the same software at the same company.
While performing contract work, you will also naturally expand your professional network, which is advantageous for your long-term career growth.
5. Work with recruiters
I may be biased, but professional recruiters are another group of people worth getting to know! They understand the nuances of your local market and can put you forward for jobs you wouldn’t see otherwise because they aren’t listed publicly.
The job of a professional staffing agency is to help you land a good role, so they both advocate for you with an array of potential employers and advise you on how to put your best foot forward at no cost. They can coach you through the recruiting process, provide feedback on your performance and suggest ways to boost your soft skills while cheering you on.
And contrary to what you might think, most recruiters don’t just work with more experienced professionals. They work with professionals like you who want to find entry-level accounting jobs and entry-level finance jobs. In the finance and accounting job search specifically, recruiters can be especially useful because they know which employers are struggling to staff roles.
6. Build professional relationships
The best time to build your professional network is now. Yes, it’s a time investment, but it is one of the main ways you will get hired—not just this year but in many years to come.
When you reach out to someone, be specific. Mention something about their work that genuinely stood out to you, which shows you’ve been thoughtful about contacting them. Ask them for an informational interview via a video platform or in person.
Of course, always be gracious and appreciative of their time. Look for ways to give something back, even if it’s just commenting on or sharing one of their posts.
I also recommend attending in-person events—such as career fairs, industry conferences and alumni get-togethers—to broaden your network and increase your knowledge of the hiring environment and your areas of interest.
7. Set yourself apart
There are several ways to distinguish yourself from other applicants when applying for entry-level accounting jobs or entry-level finance jobs. For example, I hear from employers all the time that they don’t necessarily care what degree a candidate has earned. They are more interested in whether that person can communicate effectively. As a result, I tell early-career professionals to focus on what employers consistently value: clear communication, curiosity and adaptability.
I touched on this earlier, but another way to stand out in 2026 is to show that you’re comfortable with AI tools. According to Robert Half research, 51% of business leaders say their department’s use of AI tools will drive additional hiring in 2026, and 54% predict AI will fuel a net increase in jobs at their organization over the next 2 years. You don’t need to be a programmer but being able to talk about how you’ve used tools like Claude for Excel or ChatGPT to analyze data or draft reports can help differentiate you from less tech-literate candidates.
One of the most overlooked moments for a job seeker comes after the interview. While many candidates skip the follow‑up thank‑you email, employers consistently view it favorably—making it an easy way for you to stand out. A sincere, well‑written note sent promptly after an interview shows professionalism and genuine interest in the role.
If you use an AI tool, limit it to proofreading for clarity or grammar; don’t let it write the message for you—or at least be sure to revise it heavily. Hiring managers can often tell when a note sounds generic or overly polished. The most effective thank‑you emails feel personal, so make sure they reference something specific from the conversation and sound unmistakably like you.
Another opportunity to stand out is to craft a compelling LinkedIn profile. Invest the time to give hiring managers and other professionals a clear picture of who you are—starting with a polished, professional photo that reinforces your credibility and approachability. From there, think carefully about the experiences, internships and jobs you’ve had, and present them in a way that makes it easy for someone to understand your skills, motivation and the value you could bring to their organization.
Need help with your job search?
Upload your resume
Share your resume with Robert Half today. Our specialized recruiters can help match you with open positions.
