Entry Level Accountant: 90-Day Plan for New Hires

Entry Level Accountant: Your 30/60/90 Day Plan for Success

Starting a new role as an Entry Level Accountant can feel overwhelming. This isn’t just about understanding accounting principles; it’s about quickly becoming a valuable asset to the team. This plan focuses on actionable steps you can take in your first 90 days to make a real impact. This isn’t a generic onboarding guide; it’s a roadmap to showcase your skills and contribute meaningfully from day one.

The Entry Level Accountant’s 90-Day Launchpad

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a concrete 90-day plan, a communication script for introducing yourself effectively, and a checklist for identifying key stakeholders and processes. You’ll also learn how to proactively contribute to process improvements and build strong relationships, setting you up to exceed expectations. Expect to see a measurable improvement in your perceived value within the first three months.

A 90-day plan template: A customizable framework to structure your initial goals and activities.
An “elevator pitch” script: Craft a concise and impactful introduction for new colleagues and stakeholders.
A stakeholder identification checklist: Quickly map out key individuals and their priorities.
A process improvement proposal template: Suggest practical improvements to existing workflows.
A relationship-building strategy checklist: Build rapport and establish trust with team members.
A list of key questions to ask: Understand the business, its challenges, and your role in addressing them.
A success metrics tracker: Monitor your progress and demonstrate your contributions.

What this is / What this isn’t

This is: A practical guide to help you quickly integrate into your role as an Entry Level Accountant and demonstrate value.
This isn’t: A deep dive into accounting theory or technical skills.
This is: Focused on building relationships, understanding processes, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
This isn’t: About waiting for tasks to be assigned; it’s about proactive contribution.

30 Days: Foundations and Familiarization

Focus on learning the ropes and building relationships. This initial period is about absorbing information and establishing a solid foundation for future contributions.

Meet your team and key stakeholders: Schedule individual meetings to understand their roles and priorities. Purpose: Build rapport and identify key dependencies.
Understand the company’s accounting systems and processes: Shadow colleagues and review documentation to grasp the workflows. Purpose: Gain a practical understanding of how things work.
Review financial statements and key reports: Familiarize yourself with the company’s financial performance and reporting requirements. Purpose: Understand the business context of your work.
Identify quick wins: Look for small, immediate improvements you can make to existing processes. Purpose: Demonstrate initiative and contribute early on.

60 Days: Contribution and Collaboration

Start contributing to projects and collaborating with colleagues. This phase is about applying your knowledge and skills to support the team’s goals.

Participate in month-end closing activities: Assist with journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation. Purpose: Gain hands-on experience with core accounting tasks.
Contribute to budget preparation and forecasting: Assist with data gathering, analysis, and model development. Purpose: Understand the company’s financial planning process.
Identify process improvement opportunities: Look for inefficiencies and suggest ways to streamline workflows. Purpose: Demonstrate problem-solving skills and contribute to efficiency.
Build relationships with other departments: Connect with colleagues in other functions to understand their perspectives and needs. Purpose: Foster collaboration and improve communication.

90 Days: Ownership and Initiative

Take ownership of specific tasks and demonstrate initiative. This final phase is about showcasing your ability to work independently and contribute to the team’s success.

Lead a small project or task: Take responsibility for a specific accounting task and deliver results. Purpose: Demonstrate ownership and project management skills.
Present your process improvement proposals: Share your ideas for streamlining workflows and improving efficiency. Purpose: Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills.
Develop a personal development plan: Identify areas for improvement and create a plan to enhance your skills and knowledge. Purpose: Show commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Seek feedback from your manager and colleagues: Gather input on your performance and identify areas where you can improve. Purpose: Demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow.

What a hiring manager scans for in 15 seconds

Hiring managers want to see that you’re proactive and eager to learn. They’ll quickly scan for evidence of your initiative and your ability to contribute to the team.

Relevant coursework or certifications: Signals a foundational understanding of accounting principles.
Internship or volunteer experience: Demonstrates practical experience and a willingness to work.
Strong communication skills: Essential for collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders.
Problem-solving abilities: The ability to identify and solve accounting challenges.
Attention to detail: Critical for ensuring accuracy in financial reporting.
Eagerness to learn: A willingness to embrace new technologies and processes.

The mistake that quietly kills candidates

Failing to ask insightful questions during the interview process. This signals a lack of curiosity and a failure to understand the company’s challenges.

Use this question to show your understanding of business drivers: “What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that the accounting team tracks to measure its success?”

Crafting Your Elevator Pitch

Your elevator pitch is your chance to make a strong first impression. Keep it concise, focused, and tailored to your audience.

Use this template to introduce yourself effectively: “Hi, I’m [Your Name], the new Entry Level Accountant. I’m excited to join the team and contribute to [Company Goal]. I’m particularly interested in [Area of Interest] and I’m eager to learn from all of you.”

Stakeholder Identification Checklist

Identifying key stakeholders is crucial for building relationships and understanding the organizational landscape. Use this checklist to map out the individuals you need to connect with.

Identify your direct supervisor: Understand their expectations and priorities.
Identify key members of the accounting team: Learn about their roles and responsibilities.
Identify stakeholders in other departments: Understand how their work impacts the accounting function.
Schedule introductory meetings: Build rapport and establish communication channels.
Document stakeholder priorities: Track their needs and expectations to ensure alignment.

Process Improvement Proposal Template

Proposing process improvements is a great way to demonstrate initiative and contribute to efficiency. Use this template to structure your proposals.

Use this template to suggest process improvements: “I’ve identified an opportunity to improve the [Process Name] process. Currently, it takes [Time] to complete. By implementing [Proposed Change], we can reduce the time to [New Time] and improve accuracy. I recommend we pilot this change in [Area] for [Duration] to assess its effectiveness.”

Relationship-Building Strategy Checklist

Building strong relationships is essential for success in any role. Use this checklist to guide your relationship-building efforts.

Be proactive in reaching out to colleagues: Introduce yourself and offer your assistance.
Listen actively to understand their perspectives: Show genuine interest in their work and challenges.
Be respectful of their time and expertise: Value their contributions and learn from their experiences.
Be reliable and follow through on your commitments: Build trust and demonstrate your dependability.
Offer assistance and support whenever possible: Be a team player and contribute to a positive work environment.

Metrics That Matter

Focus on these key metrics to demonstrate your impact: These metrics will show your manager and team that you are making a real difference.

Time to complete month-end close: Reducing the time it takes to close the books demonstrates efficiency.
Accuracy of financial reports: Ensuring accurate financial data is critical for decision-making.
Number of process improvements implemented: Demonstrates your ability to identify and solve problems.
Stakeholder satisfaction: Building strong relationships with stakeholders improves communication and collaboration.
Completion of assigned tasks on time and within budget: Shows your ability to manage your workload effectively.

Quiet Red Flags

These subtle mistakes can derail your progress: Avoid these common pitfalls to stay on track and impress your manager.

Failing to ask for help when needed: Signals a lack of self-awareness and a reluctance to learn.
Being overly critical of existing processes: Can be perceived as negative and resistant to change.
Not taking ownership of your mistakes: Undermines your credibility and trustworthiness.
Failing to meet deadlines: Creates delays and disruptions for the team.
Not communicating effectively with colleagues: Leads to misunderstandings and conflicts.

Language Bank

Use these phrases to communicate effectively and professionally: These phrases will demonstrate your understanding of accounting principles and your commitment to excellence.

“I’m eager to learn more about the company’s accounting systems and processes.”
“I’m committed to ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial data.”
“I’m always looking for ways to improve efficiency and streamline workflows.”
“I’m a team player and I’m always willing to help out colleagues.”
“I’m committed to meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality work.”

FAQ

What are the most important technical skills for an Entry Level Accountant?

Strong technical skills are essential for success. Focus on mastering Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and other advanced functions. Familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks or SAP is also highly valuable. Being able to analyze data and generate reports is a core requirement. For example, knowing how to reconcile bank statements quickly and accurately can save significant time during month-end closing.

How can I quickly learn the company’s specific accounting systems?

Start by shadowing experienced colleagues and asking questions. Review existing documentation and training materials to understand the system’s functionality. Don’t be afraid to experiment and practice using the system. Look for opportunities to participate in training sessions or online courses to enhance your skills. For instance, if your company uses SAP, consider taking an introductory SAP course to familiarize yourself with the platform.

What are some good questions to ask during my first few weeks?

Focus on understanding the company’s accounting processes, reporting requirements, and key performance indicators. Ask about the biggest challenges facing the accounting team and how you can contribute to solving them. Inquire about opportunities for professional development and mentorship. For example, you could ask, “What are the key metrics used to evaluate the performance of the accounting team?” or “What are the biggest challenges you face during month-end closing?”

How can I demonstrate initiative in my first 90 days?

Look for opportunities to improve existing processes or automate manual tasks. Volunteer to take on new responsibilities or assist with special projects. Share your ideas and suggestions for improving efficiency and accuracy. For example, you could propose a new template for tracking expenses or suggest a way to automate a recurring report.

What are some common mistakes to avoid as an Entry Level Accountant?

Avoid making assumptions or taking shortcuts without verifying information. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you’re unsure about something. Pay close attention to detail and double-check your work for errors. Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to avoid misunderstandings. For example, always verify the accuracy of data before submitting a report.

How important is it to build relationships with colleagues in other departments?

Building relationships with colleagues in other departments is crucial for effective collaboration and communication. It helps you understand their perspectives and needs, and it facilitates the flow of information between departments. For example, building a relationship with the sales team can help you understand their sales forecasts and improve the accuracy of revenue projections.

How can I handle constructive criticism from my manager or colleagues?

View constructive criticism as an opportunity to learn and grow. Listen actively to understand the feedback and ask clarifying questions. Acknowledge the feedback and thank the person for their input. Develop a plan to address the areas for improvement and track your progress. For example, if your manager suggests that you improve your communication skills, you could take a public speaking course or practice your presentation skills with a mentor.

What are the best resources for staying up-to-date on accounting trends and best practices?

Stay informed about the latest accounting trends and best practices by reading industry publications, attending conferences, and participating in professional organizations. Follow reputable accounting blogs and websites to stay up-to-date on new developments. Consider pursuing certifications like the CPA or CMA to enhance your skills and knowledge. For example, subscribing to the Journal of Accountancy can provide valuable insights into current accounting issues.

How can I prepare for performance reviews as an Entry Level Accountant?

Track your accomplishments and contributions throughout the year. Gather data and metrics to demonstrate your impact on the team and the company. Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for improvement. Be prepared to discuss your goals and aspirations for the future. For example, you could create a spreadsheet to track the number of tasks you complete, the time you save, and the errors you prevent.

What is the best way to handle a situation where I discover an accounting error?

Immediately notify your supervisor or manager about the error. Explain the nature of the error, its potential impact, and your proposed solution. Document the error and the steps you take to correct it. Learn from the mistake and take steps to prevent it from happening again. For example, if you discover a data entry error, you could implement a double-check process to ensure accuracy in the future.

How can I balance the need for accuracy with the need for efficiency?

Prioritize accuracy over speed, but look for ways to streamline processes and automate tasks to improve efficiency. Use technology to automate repetitive tasks and reduce the risk of errors. Implement quality control measures to ensure accuracy and identify errors early on. For example, you could use Excel macros to automate data entry or reconciliation tasks.

What are some ethical considerations that Entry Level Accountants should be aware of?

Adhere to the highest ethical standards and maintain integrity in all your accounting activities. Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts to your supervisor. Protect confidential information and avoid using it for personal gain. Report any suspected fraud or misconduct to the appropriate authorities. For example, if you suspect that a colleague is falsifying expense reports, you should report it to your manager or the ethics hotline.

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