How to Land High-Paying Remote Accounting Jobs

If you’re someone who loves numbers, structure, and a little peace and quiet while working, remote accounting jobs might be your ideal fit. Thanks to cloud software, secure data storage, and the growing comfort level with distributed teams, accounting is no longer confined to corporate cubicles or in-house finance departments. You can now crunch numbers from your kitchen table — or a cozy coworking space — with opportunities that span industries and experience levels!

Why Remote Accounting Roles Are on the Rise

Accounting has quietly become one of the most remote-friendly career paths out there. With secure cloud-based software and a growing comfort with virtual collaboration, more companies are hiring accountants who never set foot in the office. Whether you’re managing books, preparing tax documents, or analyzing financial trends, these tasks can all be done efficiently from a home office.

That flexibility doesn’t come at the cost of stability, either. The demand for skilled accounting professionals remains strong, and remote roles are becoming more common at every experience level. If you’ve wondered whether accounting is a good remote career, the answer is yes — it offers long-term growth, solid pay, and remote compatibility.

What Qualifications Do You Need?

To land high-paying accounting remote jobs, it’s important to have the right blend of education, experience, and soft skills.

Education

Most remote accountant jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business. Some bookkeeper or accounting clerk roles may only require an associate degree or relevant experience, but for full-fledged accounting roles — especially those with high salaries — a four-year degree is often the baseline. A master’s degree or specialized coursework in tax, audit, or financial systems can help you stand out, especially if you’re aiming for senior or leadership roles.

Soft Skills That Matter

Even in a spreadsheet-heavy profession like accounting, soft skills matter — especially when you’re working remotely.

Here are a few that can make a real difference:

Strong attention to detail
Time management
Analytical thinking
Self-motivation
Tech-savviness
Clear communication

If you’re going to be interpreting numbers, catching discrepancies, and advising teams, employers want to know they can rely on you — even if they never see you in person.

Credentials That Boost Your Paycheck

Certifications aren’t always required for remote accountant jobs, but they definitely increase your earning power. Some of the most valuable ones include:

CPA (Certified Public Accountant) – Often required for audit and tax roles. Highly respected.
CMA (Certified Management Accountant) – Great for corporate finance and strategy-focused positions.
EA (Enrolled Agent) – Ideal if you’re looking to specialize in tax and work with the IRS.
CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) – Great if you want to work in investigations or compliance.
CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) – A solid pick for internal audit and risk roles.

These credentials signal to employers that you know your stuff — and that you’re invested in staying sharp.

What Can You Earn?

Let’s talk numbers. Because let’s be honest: one of the reasons people pursue accounting jobs remote or otherwise is the pay. According to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data:

Accountants and Auditors earn a median of $81,680 per year
Bookkeepers and Accounting Clerks bring in about $49,210 annually

But that’s just the median. Remote accounting jobs in high-demand niches — like tax consulting or forensic auditing — can command six figures. And having a CPA? That can boost your earnings by 10–15% or more.

High-Paying Specializations to Consider

If you’re looking to increase your earning potential while working remotely, consider focusing on in-demand niches within the accounting field. Specialized expertise can often lead to higher pay and more flexibility.

Some of the top-paying areas include:

ERP Systems and Automation – Combining accounting expertise with tools like NetSuite, SAP, or Oracle can significantly boost your value.
Tax Strategy and Planning – Especially valuable for businesses and high-net-worth individuals.
Forensic Accounting – Investigating financial crimes and fraud for law firms, insurance companies, or government agencies.
Financial Reporting and SEC Compliance – Crucial for public companies navigating regulations.
International Accounting – Ideal for global firms or companies with foreign operations.

What to Search For in Job Listings

When you’re ready to start applying, knowing what titles to watch for can make your search more efficient. Not every employer will label a position clearly as “remote accountant,” so it helps to broaden your search terms.

Look for keywords like:

Remote Staff Accountant
Virtual Bookkeeper
Remote Tax Specialist
Accounting Services Consultant
Work-from-Home Controller

Also, don’t forget to scan listings carefully. Some companies may list “remote” in the job title but include location-based or hybrid requirements in the fine print. A focused search on trusted remote-only job boards (like Virtual Vocations) will help you avoid misleading postings and zero in on real opportunities.

How to Stand Out When Applying

Competition for remote roles can be fierce. But that doesn’t mean you need to have decades of experience or a perfect resume to land one. It just means you need to be intentional about how you present yourself. A thoughtful, tailored application will always beat a generic one — and a little extra effort goes a long way when everyone’s aiming for flexibility and freedom. But there are a few ways to give yourself an edge:

Tailor your resume. Use keywords from the job posting, especially those related to remote work and the accounting tools the company uses.
Showcase remote skills. Mention any previous remote experience, even in a side role or freelance project.
Highlight certifications and results. Don’t just list duties — include metrics. For example: “Reduced invoicing errors by 20% using automated reconciliation tools.”
Stay current. Stay up to date on the latest accounting software and tech. Familiarity with QuickBooks, Xero, SAP, or NetSuite is often a must.

You should also consider setting up a professional LinkedIn profile and using job alerts to stay ahead of new listings.

Ready to Land Your Remote Accounting Job?

There’s never been a better time to transition into remote accounting. Companies are hiring, pay is competitive, and the lifestyle perks are unbeatable — no traffic, no office politics, and more control over your day. Whether you’re looking for part-time flexibility, a full-time corporate role, or freelance contract work, the remote accounting landscape offers options for every career stage.

With the right mix of qualifications, remote-ready skills, and a proactive approach to your job search, you can position yourself for lasting success. Stay focused, stay organized, and keep learning. Remote work rewards those who are self-directed and resourceful — traits accountants often already have in spades.

Become a Virtual Vocations Member Today

Want to make your job search easier? Join Virtual Vocations to access fully remote accounting jobs, detailed company profiles, and exclusive career resources. Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, we’ll help you take the next step — without stepping foot in an office.

Have you ever considered a work from home accounting job? What appeals to you about a career in remote accounting? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!

Original September 2021 article written by Eric Schad.