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Explore Accounting Jobs: Roles, Salaries & How to Find Them

  • Writer: DM Monticello
    DM Monticello
  • Jun 18
  • 7 min read

If you're searching for accounting jobs, you’re in a promising field. Accounting roles—from junior bookkeeper to finance manager—are vital in every industry. In the Philippines, accounting is among the top in-demand job specializations, making up nearly 12% of listings on major platforms business.inquirer.net. This guide breaks down the most common roles, salary benchmarks, essential skills, and where to hunt for your next opportunity.



Accounting Salary Snapshot in the Philippines

According to Payscale, the average annual salary for accountants in the Philippines is approximately ₱340,000 (₱28,000/month), with top earners reaching ₱783,000/year payscale.com. Another source cites a similar average of ₱343,000 annually for accounting firms salaryexpert.com+2payscale.com+2payscale.com+2, while SalaryExpert estimates up to ₱729,000/year, especially for senior roles salaryexpert.com.

However, averages vary by position:

These figures align with General Philippines averages (~₱25k–₱30k/month) .



Types of Accounting Jobs & Their Duties

Accounting roles cover a wide range of job titles, responsibilities, and seniority levels. Here are the most common:


1. Bookkeeper / Accounting Clerk

  • Tasks: Daily transaction entries, bank reconciliations, invoice processing

  • Entry point: Requires attention to detail, no degree needed

  • Often a steppingstone to roles like “junior accountant”


2. Junior / Staff Accountant

  • Tasks: Journal entries, accounts payable/receivable, month-end closings, preliminary reporting

  • Usually requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance


3. Senior Accountant / Specialist

  • Tasks: Financial statement preparation, analysis, audit support, compliance management

  • Higher salary range; may supervise junior staff


4. Accounting Manager


5. Financial / Management Accountant

  • Tasks: Detailed analysis, forecasting, budgeting, performance reporting

  • Requires strong analytical skills and strategic insight investopedia.com


6. Controller

Jobs often carry different names—like “accounting specialist,” “analyst,” or “supervisor”—but these five core levels are the foundation.



How Accounting Careers Are Evolving in the Philippines

The accounting profession isn’t just growing—it’s evolving fast. Here’s how roles, skills, and career paths are shifting across the Philippines.


Greater Demand for Remote-Ready Accountants

With global outsourcing and freelancing on the rise, many Philippine accountants are now supporting companies in the US, UK, and Australia. These roles demand:

  • Excellent English communication

  • Experience with international standards (GAAP, IFRS)

  • Comfort with digital platforms like Zoom, Slack, and cloud accounting systems

You no longer have to work in Makati or Ortigas to land a high-paying role—remote-first firms are hiring from anywhere.


Rise of Tech-Savvy Accounting Roles

Today’s top employers look for more than just ledgers and reconciliations. They're looking for:

  • Excel power users (VLOOKUP, PivotTables, macros)

  • QuickBooks and Xero specialists

  • Accountants familiar with automation tools (Zapier, Airtable, HubSpot)

You don’t need to be a programmer—but you must be willing to adapt to smarter workflows.


Hybrid Career Paths Are Emerging

Accountants are also crossing into:

  • Financial analysis

  • Operations and systems management

  • Virtual CFO roles for SMEs and startups

This opens up long-term paths into leadership and cross-functional work. As a result, many professionals are learning to combine accounting expertise with soft skills and operations insight.

OpsArmy helps clients build hybrid finance and operations teams, making this a strategic time to upskill and expand your career.



What Employers Look For

Across roles, employers value:

  • Attention to detail and accuracy

  • Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, Excel)

  • Familiarity with regulatory compliance (BIR, VAT, audit standards)

  • Ability to analyze and interpret data

  • Effective communication skills, especially in larger organizations

Advanced roles may require qualifications such as a CPA license, CMA, or experience with GAAP/IFRS investopedia.comen.wikipedia.org+1investopedia.com+1.



Where to Find Accounting Jobs

Here are top ways to discover opportunities in the Philippines and globally:

  • Online job portals: JobStreet, Kalibrr, Indeed—frequently listing accounting positions in finance, manufacturing, tech, and BPO

  • Company websites: Look at openings on multinational firms (e.g., Accenture, Conduent, Grant Thornton) kalibrr.com

  • LinkedIn: Great for networking, identifying talent acquisition teams, and discovering opportunities

  • Industry groups: PICPA chapter events, BPO/ICT networking, professional communities

  • Outsourcing firms: The BPO sector is expanding into higher-value roles, now recruiting accountants en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1ft.com



Focus on High-Demand Segments

Accounting is a core area of demand in the Philippine job market. According to JobStreet, it is the top specialization, representing about 11.8% of posted roles business.inquirer.net.

Roles in sectors like financial accounting, analysis, audit, tax, and compliance are especially sought-after. These roles often offer well-structured career paths—from junior to manager or even CFO track.



How to Apply for Accounting Jobs Successfully

Landing your next accounting role doesn’t just come down to education or experience. It’s about how well you present yourself. Here's how to boost your chances:


1. Tailor Your Resume for Each Role

Use a clean, simple format. Highlight:

  • Accounting software you’ve used (QuickBooks, Xero, SAP)

  • Relevant accomplishments (e.g., reduced reporting errors by 20%, closed books 3 days early)

  • Certifications (CPA, CMA, or bookkeeping credentials)

Tailoring each application to the job description is essential—recruiters scan for keywords like "reconciliation," "BIR compliance," or "management accounting."


2. Include Metrics Where Possible

Example: “Processed monthly payroll for 100+ employees with zero delays for 12 months straight.” Specific results show the impact you’ve made in previous roles.



How to Prepare for Accounting Job Interviews

Most accounting interviews include:

  • Behavioral questions (e.g., “Tell me about a time you identified a reporting error.”)

  • Technical questions (e.g., “What’s the difference between accrual and cash accounting?”)

  • Excel or system-based tasks

  • Situational tests (especially for analyst or audit roles)

Tips:

  • Review the company’s background and industry

  • Be ready to explain how you handled financial challenges

  • Stay calm when solving math or logic tasks

  • Practice explaining concepts in clear, simple terms



Certifications That Boost Your Career

Although not always required, certifications give you a serious edge in the job market.

Here are the most valuable ones:


Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

The gold standard for most accounting jobs in the Philippines. Required for audit and managerial positions.


Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Ideal for those targeting management or financial planning roles.


QuickBooks / Xero Certification

Useful if applying to firms that use cloud accounting software, especially SMEs or international clients.


Excel Mastery (PivotTables, macros)

While not formal, Excel skills are expected at nearly every level of accounting.


Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

For CPAs, this is required to maintain licensing and stay updated with tax reforms and financial reporting standards.



Negotiating Your Salary as an Accountant

Here’s how to position yourself for the best compensation:


1. Know the Benchmark

Use sources like JobStreet, Glassdoor, or Payscale to gauge fair salary ranges. Mid-level roles in Metro Manila often range from ₱35k–₱50k/month depending on experience.


2. Consider Total Compensation

Don’t focus on base salary alone—factor in:

  • Health benefits

  • 13th-month pay

  • Bonuses

  • Flexible/remote options

  • Training and development budget


3. Back It Up with Value

Share how you’ve helped past employers:

  • Save time

  • Avoid penalties

  • Automate reports

  • Identify cost leaks

If you're asking for ₱10,000 more, justify it with numbers.



Real Story: How Carla Transitioned into a Global Accounting Job

Carla, a junior accountant from Davao, was earning ₱22,000/month and doing manual reconciliations.

She wanted to shift into a global finance role but lacked exposure to cloud tools and foreign clients. Here’s how she did it in 6 months:

  • Completed a Xero certification

  • Practiced communication skills through an English tutor

  • Built a strong LinkedIn profile

  • Applied via Upwork and LinkedIn for remote jobs

  • Landed a role as a remote staff accountant for a US client at ₱45,000/month

With the help of an OpsArmy virtual assistant, she automated her job search outreach and managed her applications while still employed full-time.

Now she earns double her local rate, works remotely, and has flexibility.



Final Tips for Landing an Accounting Job

  • Stay updated on BIR regulations and compliance requirements

  • Learn at least one accounting platform well

  • Use LinkedIn to grow your network and show certifications

  • Practice communicating clearly—numbers are only half the job

  • Don’t apply passively—customize, follow up, and show you understand the business

Want more guidance? Check out OpsArmy’s content on building smarter operational careers.



How Accounting Careers Are Evolving in the Philippines

The accounting profession isn’t just growing—it’s evolving fast. Here’s how roles, skills, and career paths are shifting across the Philippines.


Greater Demand for Remote-Ready Accountants

With global outsourcing and freelancing on the rise, many Philippine accountants are now supporting companies in the US, UK, and Australia. These roles demand:

  • Excellent English communication

  • Experience with international standards (GAAP, IFRS)

  • Comfort with digital platforms like Zoom, Slack, and cloud accounting systems

You no longer have to work in Makati or Ortigas to land a high-paying role—remote-first firms are hiring from anywhere.


Rise of Tech-Savvy Accounting Roles

Today’s top employers look for more than just ledgers and reconciliations. They're looking for:

  • Excel power users (VLOOKUP, PivotTables, macros)

  • QuickBooks and Xero specialists

  • Accountants familiar with automation tools (Zapier, Airtable, HubSpot)

You don’t need to be a programmer—but you must be willing to adapt to smarter workflows.


Hybrid Career Paths Are Emerging

Accountants are also crossing into:

  • Financial analysis

  • Operations and systems management

  • Virtual CFO roles for SMEs and startups

This opens up long-term paths into leadership and cross-functional work. As a result, many professionals are learning to combine accounting expertise with soft skills and operations insight.

OpsArmy helps clients build hybrid finance and operations teams, making this a strategic time to upskill and expand your career.



Conclusion

Accounting is no longer a behind-the-scenes profession. Today’s accounting jobs offer dynamic opportunities in local firms, global companies, and remote-first teams. Whether you’re starting out as a junior bookkeeper or aiming to become a finance manager, the path is wide—and growing. By combining foundational knowledge with digital fluency, communication skills, and continuous upskilling, you can build a stable, flexible, and rewarding career in accounting. The market demand is strong, the roles are evolving, and the time to act is now.



About OpsArmy

OpsArmy is building AI-native back office operations as a service (OaaS). We help businesses run their day-to-day operations with AI-augmented teams, delivering outcomes across finance, admin, sales, and hiring.

In a world where every team is expected to do more with less, OpsArmy provides fully managed “Ops Pods” that blend deep-knowledge experts, structured playbooks, and AI copilots. Think of us as your operational infrastructure: running faster, leaner, and smarter business execution. Visit https://www.operationsarmy.com to learn more.



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