Remote accounting jobs have surged since 2020, and the trend is permanent. Platforms like LinkedIn, Robert Half, and FlexJobs list thousands of remote accounting positions ranging from bookkeeping ($45,000-$55,000) to remote controllers ($152,000-$213,000 per Robert Half 2026). The keys to landing one: cloud accounting software proficiency (QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, Xero), strong written communication skills, and a resume optimized for remote-specific keywords.
- The current state of remote accounting work in 2026
- Which accounting roles are most available remotely
- How remote accounting salaries compare to in-office positions
- Where to find legitimate remote accounting jobs (best platforms)
- Step-by-step process to land a remote accounting role
- How to get remote accounting work with no experience
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Can accountants work remotely?
Yes. Most accounting functions — bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial reporting, and advisory work — can be performed remotely using cloud-based software. Post-pandemic, a significant share of accounting positions offer remote or hybrid arrangements, particularly at mid-market and large firms.
How much do remote accountants make?
Remote accountants earn comparable salaries to in-office roles. Robert Half's 2026 data shows staff accountants at $55,000-$88,000, senior accountants at $80,000-$109,000, and controllers at $152,000-$213,000. Some firms adjust pay by location, but the talent shortage limits deep discounts.
Where can I find remote accounting jobs?
The best platforms are LinkedIn (filter for 'Remote'), Robert Half/Accountemps, FlexJobs, Indeed (remote filter), and company career pages directly. Specialized accounting staffing agencies like Accountingfly and Beech Valley Solutions focus exclusively on remote accounting placements.
Can I get a remote accounting job with no experience?
Entry-level remote accounting roles exist but are competitive. Accounts payable/receivable clerk and bookkeeping positions are the most accessible. A degree, QuickBooks certification, and strong Excel skills significantly improve chances. Consider starting hybrid or in-office to build experience first.
Remote work transformed every industry, but accounting was particularly well-suited for the shift. Financial data lives in the cloud, communication happens over Slack and Zoom, and deliverables are digital. The result: accounting is now one of the most remote-friendly professions in business.
But finding and landing the right remote accounting role requires strategy. Not all remote positions are equal, not all companies are truly remote-friendly, and competition for the best roles is fierce. This guide covers what works.
The State of Remote Accounting in 2026
The shift to remote accounting work that accelerated during 2020-2021 has become permanent. Cloud-based accounting platforms made it technically feasible; the talent shortage made it strategically necessary.
The talent shortage is the single biggest driver of remote accounting adoption. With accounting graduates at a 20-year low and demand rising, firms that restrict hiring to local candidates limit their talent pool. Remote work expands that pool nationally — and in many cases, globally.
What's Driving Remote Accounting
- Cloud software adoption: QuickBooks Online, Xero, NetSuite, and Sage Intacct make financial data accessible from anywhere
- Talent shortage: Firms can't fill roles locally — remote expands the candidate pool
- Employee expectations: Post-pandemic professionals expect remote flexibility
- Cost savings: Smaller office footprints reduce firm overhead
- Proven productivity: Years of data show remote accountants maintain or improve output
Most large public accounting firms (Big 4, mid-market) operate on hybrid models — typically 2-3 days in-office during busy season, flexible otherwise. Fully remote positions are more common at smaller firms, virtual accounting practices, and in industry (corporate) accounting roles.
Remote accounting is no longer a perk — it's a structural shift driven by cloud technology and talent shortage. Firms that don't offer remote options lose candidates to those that do.
Types of Remote Accounting Roles
Not all accounting jobs are equally suited for remote work. Some roles are almost entirely remote; others require periodic in-person presence.
Most Remote-Friendly Roles
Bookkeeping and tax preparation are the most naturally remote functions — data is digital, deliverables are files, and client interaction is phone/video-based. Many virtual bookkeeping firms operate with 100% remote teams.
FP&A and management accounting at corporate companies also translate well to remote work — financial analysis, reporting, and budgeting are all screen-based activities.
Roles That Require Some In-Person
External audit typically requires periodic on-site visits to client locations for inventory counts, document inspection, and team coordination. Even here, much of the analytical work happens remotely between site visits.
Not sure which accounting path is right for you? Our comprehensive guide covers every specialization and career path: How to Become an Accountant: Complete Career Guide.
Bookkeeping, tax preparation, and corporate accounting roles are the most remote-friendly. External audit requires some in-person work. The higher the seniority, the more likely hybrid arrangements are available.
Remote Accounting Salary: How It Compares
A common concern: do remote accountants earn less? The data suggests the gap is smaller than many expect — and in some cases, nonexistent.
The Location Arbitrage
Remote accounting creates geographic arbitrage opportunities. An accountant in a low-cost-of-living area working for a firm that pays national market rates effectively earns a premium. Conversely, some companies apply geographic pay bands that reduce compensation for remote workers outside high-cost metros.
During interviews, ask directly: "Does this role have location-based pay adjustments?" Some companies pay the same regardless of location. Others apply cost-of-living adjustments. Know the policy before investing time in the interview process.
Remote accounting salaries are generally comparable to in-office roles. Geographic pay adjustments exist at some firms, but the talent shortage limits aggressive discounting. Location arbitrage can work in your favor. For complete salary data by level and specialization, see our Accountant Salary Guide.
Where to Find Remote Accounting Jobs
The best remote accounting opportunities are spread across general job boards, specialized platforms, and direct employer channels.
General Job Boards (Remote Filter)
- LinkedIn — Largest professional network. Use "Remote" location filter + "Accounting" keyword. Set up job alerts for daily notifications
- Indeed — Highest volume of accounting postings. Filter by "Remote" under location
- Glassdoor — Good for salary research and company reviews alongside job listings
Specialized Accounting Platforms
- Robert Half / Accountemps — The largest accounting staffing agency. Strong remote placement capabilities for temp, temp-to-perm, and permanent roles
- Accountingfly — Specializes exclusively in remote accounting positions at CPA firms
- Beech Valley Solutions — Places accountants in remote CPA firm roles
- Public Accounting Firm career pages — Many mid-market and regional firms list remote positions directly
Remote-First Job Boards
- FlexJobs — Curated remote jobs (paid subscription, but vetted listings eliminate scams)
- We Work Remotely — Tech-leaning but has finance/accounting categories
- Remote.co — General remote job board with accounting listings
Direct Company Channels
Many companies don't post remote roles on job boards — they fill them through career pages and referrals. Target:
- Virtual accounting firms (Pilot, Bench, Botkeeper) — built remote-first
- Tech companies — often remote-friendly with strong finance teams
- Distributed companies — GitLab, Automattic, Zapier — hire accounting roles remotely
Manually searching multiple platforms is time-consuming. AI job search tools can aggregate listings, match qualifications, and even auto-apply to relevant positions. See our guide: AI Job Search Guide.
Remote Job Search Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying to 'remote' roles without checking if they're truly remote (some mean 'remote during COVID' and now require office)
- Ignoring company reviews on Glassdoor — remote culture varies dramatically
- Only searching on one platform — the best remote roles are scattered across multiple channels
- Not filtering out scams — if a remote accounting job offers above-market pay with no experience required, investigate carefully
- Skipping networking — many remote roles are filled through referrals, not job boards
Combine general boards (LinkedIn, Indeed) with specialized platforms (Accountingfly, Robert Half) and direct company outreach. The best remote accounting roles are often not on the most visible job boards.
Skills Employers Want for Remote Accounting
Remote accounting roles require everything in-office roles do, plus additional competencies specific to distributed work.
Technical Skills (Table Stakes)
- QuickBooks Online (most demanded for small/mid-size clients)
- Xero (growing market share, especially among virtual firms)
- NetSuite (mid-market and enterprise companies)
- Sage Intacct (nonprofit and growing mid-market)
- Excel / Google Sheets (advanced — pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros)
- ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) for corporate roles
Remote-Specific Skills
- Strong written communication (most remote interaction is async — Slack, email)
- Self-management and discipline without office structure
- Video presentation skills (client meetings, team standups)
- Experience with collaboration tools (Slack, Teams, Zoom, Loom)
- Document management and organized digital workflows
- Time zone awareness and schedule flexibility
A QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification is one of the fastest ways to signal remote readiness to employers. It's free, takes 20-30 hours, and many remote bookkeeping firms require it. For broader credential options, see Best Accounting Certifications 2026.
Cloud software proficiency and strong written communication are the differentiators for remote accounting candidates. QuickBooks Online certification is the fastest way to signal remote readiness.
How to Land a Remote Accounting Job
Build remote-relevant skills first
Before applying, ensure you're proficient in at least one cloud accounting platform. If you're currently in an office-based role using desktop software, invest time learning cloud equivalents:
- QuickBooks Online — Free ProAdvisor certification through Intuit
- Xero — Free advisor certification program
- Excel online / Google Sheets — Demonstrate cloud collaboration skills
Also strengthen asynchronous communication skills — practice writing clear, concise updates and documenting your work processes.
Optimize your resume for remote roles
Remote accounting resumes need to signal both technical competence and remote readiness:
- Headline: Include "Remote" if you're targeting remote roles exclusively (e.g., "Senior Accountant | CPA | Remote")
- Skills section: List cloud software prominently (QuickBooks Online, Xero, NetSuite)
- Experience bullets: Highlight remote collaboration ("managed month-end close for distributed team across 3 time zones")
- Keywords: Include "remote," "virtual," "distributed team," "cloud-based" naturally throughout
ATS systems filter for these terms. If your resume doesn't mention remote work or cloud tools, it may not surface in searches.
For complete resume optimization strategies including ATS keyword tactics, see our guide: How to Get Your Resume Past ATS.
Apply strategically across multiple channels
Don't rely on a single job board. Build a multi-channel search:
- Set up alerts on LinkedIn, Indeed, and one specialized platform (Accountingfly or Robert Half)
- Apply to virtual firms directly — check career pages of Pilot, Bench, BELAY, and similar companies
- Network in remote accounting communities — LinkedIn groups, Reddit's r/Accounting, and virtual CPA society events
- Consider staffing agencies — Robert Half and Accountemps have extensive remote placement networks
Apply within 48 hours of posting. Remote roles receive high application volume — speed matters.
Nail the remote interview
Remote accounting interviews are conducted over video. Beyond standard interview preparation:
- Test technology beforehand — camera, microphone, internet connection, background
- Demonstrate remote work habits — mention specific tools, communication practices, and self-management strategies
- Show cloud software knowledge — be ready for technical questions about QuickBooks, Xero, or whatever the firm uses
- Ask about remote culture — team communication norms, meeting frequency, performance measurement
Employers want proof you can work independently and communicate proactively without being managed in person.
Landing a remote accounting job requires cloud software skills, a resume optimized for remote keywords, a multi-channel search strategy, and the ability to demonstrate remote work competence in video interviews.
Remote Accounting with No Experience
Entry-level remote accounting is possible but competitive. Employers prefer remote workers with proven track records, so candidates with no experience need to compensate.
Most Accessible Entry-Level Remote Roles
How to Break In Without Experience
- Get QuickBooks ProAdvisor certified (free, takes ~25 hours)
- Complete an accounting fundamentals course (Coursera, edX, or community college)
- Build a portfolio — offer free bookkeeping to a local nonprofit or small business
- Start with a staffing agency — Robert Half and Accountemps place entry-level remote candidates
- Consider contract/seasonal work — busy season tax prep is accessible and builds experience
- Apply to virtual bookkeeping firms that train new hires (BELAY, Bookkeeper Launch, Time Etc)
For most people, the fastest route to a remote accounting career is: earn a degree or certification → work 1-2 years in-office or hybrid to build experience → leverage that experience to negotiate a remote role or find a remote position. Skipping the experience step is possible but narrows your options significantly.
Entry-level remote accounting jobs exist, especially in bookkeeping and AP/AR. QuickBooks certification and volunteering for a small business are the fastest ways to build credentials without traditional experience.
Freelance vs Employed Remote Accounting
Remote accounting comes in two forms: traditional employment (with benefits) and freelance/contract work. Each has distinct tradeoffs.
- + Freelance remote accounting offers higher gross income potential (20-40% more)
- + Complete schedule and location flexibility
- + Ability to choose clients and specializations
- + No office politics or corporate bureaucracy
- + Tax deductions for home office and business expenses
- − No employer-funded benefits (health insurance, retirement matching)
- − Income instability — especially when starting out
- − Self-employment taxes (additional 7.65% FICA)
- − Must handle your own business development and client acquisition
- − Isolation without a team structure
If freelance remote accounting appeals to you, planning matters. Building a client base before leaving employment is critical. See our guides: Freelance Accountant Guide and How to Start a Bookkeeping Business.
Employed remote accounting offers stability and benefits. Freelance remote accounting offers higher gross income and full flexibility but requires business development skills. Many accountants start employed and transition to freelance after building experience and a client network.
Key Takeaways
- 1Remote accounting is a permanent structural shift driven by cloud technology and the talent shortage — not a temporary pandemic trend
- 2Bookkeeping, tax preparation, and corporate accounting roles are the most remote-friendly; external audit requires some in-person work
- 3Remote accounting salaries are generally comparable to in-office roles, with geographic arbitrage opportunities in low-cost areas
- 4Best platforms: LinkedIn, Robert Half, Accountingfly, FlexJobs, and direct applications to virtual firms
- 5Cloud software proficiency (QuickBooks Online, Xero, NetSuite) and strong written communication are the key differentiators
- 6Entry-level remote roles exist in bookkeeping and AP/AR — QuickBooks certification is the fastest credential to get started
- 7Freelance remote accounting offers higher gross income but requires building a client base and self-funding benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote accounting legitimate?
Yes. Major accounting firms, Fortune 500 companies, and thousands of small businesses employ remote accountants. However, scams do exist — be cautious of roles that ask for payment, promise unrealistic pay, or require you to use your personal bank account. Legitimate employers never ask for money upfront.
Do remote accountants need a CPA?
Not necessarily. Many remote bookkeeping, staff accountant, and corporate accounting roles don't require CPA licensure. However, CPA certification opens higher-paying remote roles (senior accountant, controller, tax partner) and provides a salary premium of 10-15%. See our Accountant Salary Guide for CPA vs non-CPA salary data.
What software do remote accountants use?
The most common: QuickBooks Online (small business), Xero (growing market), NetSuite (mid-market), and Sage Intacct (nonprofit/mid-market). Communication happens through Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom. Document sharing uses Google Drive, SharePoint, or firm-specific portals.
Can I work remotely as an auditor?
Partially. Much of audit work (planning, analytical procedures, documentation) can be done remotely. However, external audits typically require periodic on-site visits for inventory counts, physical inspections, and client meetings. Most audit roles are hybrid rather than fully remote.
How do I avoid remote accounting job scams?
Verify the company exists independently (check their website, LinkedIn presence, and Glassdoor reviews). Never pay for equipment or training upfront. Be wary of jobs requiring you to process payments through personal accounts. Use vetted platforms like FlexJobs or established staffing agencies like Robert Half.
What are the best companies for remote accounting jobs?
Virtual-first firms (Pilot, Bench, BELAY), mid-market CPA firms with remote policies, tech companies with distributed teams, and staffing agencies specializing in remote placements (Accountingfly, Beech Valley Solutions). Many traditional firms also now offer remote roles — check their career pages directly.
Is remote accounting lonely?
It can be, especially for extroverts. Mitigate this by choosing firms with strong remote culture (regular video meetings, Slack channels, virtual team events), joining professional communities, and working from coworking spaces occasionally. Remote doesn't have to mean isolated.
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Sources & References
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Accountants and Auditors — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025)
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025)
- 2026 Finance and Accounting Salary Guide — Robert Half (2026)