Working as an Accountant from Home: A Guide to Remote Accounting Work

As remote jobs become more common across industries, they’ve also become available for accounting professionals. Learn what you need to begin working as accountant from home, what benefits it can bring, and how to get started. 

Summary 

Remote work has become increasingly available in the digital and stable field of accounting. Professionals can leverage its benefits, like increased productivity, flexibility, and cost savings, by pairing specific certifications with strong self-discipline and communication skills. 

Is Accounting a Good Career for Remote Work? 

Before the pandemic changed the professional landscape across industries, remote accounting roles weren’t widespread. However, since 2020, working as an accountant from home has become more common and achievable for those who thrive in an at-home office setting. 

But accounting is especially apt for remote work because: 

1. Accountants are in demand. 

Accounting is in transition. Over the past approximate decade, baby boomers are retiring in record numbers and the number is only expected to rise. The average age of active CPAs is 52 years old, and more CPAs are predicted to retire in the next 10 years. 

On top of the exodus of CPAs retiring from the workforce, the pipeline is struggling to replace them. Accounting firms are therefore eager to fill positions with qualified talent, so they’re more likely to offer sought-after, modern benefits—like remote and hybrid-friendly working options—to attract new talent. Doing so also expands their pool of candidates, ensuring that geography doesn’t hinder them from hiring the best candidate for the role. 

2. Accounting is a digital profession. 

The best careers for remote work allow you to fulfill all your responsibilities, keep up with the speed of business, and stay connected no matter where you are. Much of the technology accountants rely on to manage risk, forecast financials, and improve efficiency and productivity can also be accessed anywhere, anytime. And since many accountants already conduct virtual client meetings and spend their days on computers, it makes accounting conducive to remote work. 

3. Accounting is a stable profession. 

Businesses worldwide need accountants—and that’s not going away. Even with an increased adoption of AI that can automate tasks, both public firms and private organizations rely on qualified professionals for accuracy, data privacy, and high-level decision-making. In other words, accounting adapts to the newest technology without replacing human talent, making it perfect for remote, hybrid, and in-person roles. 

4. Accounting can be stressful. 

Eliminating stressors like your daily commute allows you to work in a comfortable space. By giving you more time to “fill your cup” with activities like exercise, sleeping in, or spending time with your family, you’ll have more mental bandwidth to devote to your work. Company support for remote work flexibility becomes a no-brainer when they see that it helps accountants and finance professionals stay nimble and able to act as trends, requirements and regulations quickly change. 

5. Accountants travel. 

Many accountants, especially in public accounting, travel extensively. If you work remotely and get used to being productive and self-motivated outside of the office, you’ll build an important skill that will allow you to be more productive in your work. 

What Do Remote Accountants Do? 

Working as an accountant from home requires the same accounting skillsets that you need in-office: bookkeeping, financial reporting and analysis, tax preparation, budgeting, forecasting—to name a few. 

However, working remotely does require advanced soft skills that, while important in any position, are even more vital to a remote office setup. Because you’ll have less direct supervision and in-person interaction, and more flexibility in your schedule, it’s important that you’re confident in your: 

Written and verbal communication 

• Time management
• Self-discipline
• Attention to detail
• Tech proficiency 
   

Benefits of Remote Accounting Jobs 

While working as an accountant from home does require more self-discipline, it also brings benefits that more and more professionals are seeking. 

Work from Anywhere 

If you work remotely, location isn’t a factor when searching and applying for jobs. You therefore have a much wider net to find a position that aligns with your career goals and interests. You can: 

• Apply for jobs anywhere
• Work with diverse clients and industries
• Seek out more opportunities for freelance or contract work 
   

Flexible Schedule 

Working from home provides more control over your schedule. You can: 

• Set your own working hours (in many roles)
• Create a better balance between personal and professional responsibilities
• More easily manage family commitments, appointments, or side projects 
   

No Commute 

Remote accountants don’t need to travel to an office. This lets you:  

• Save time (often 5–10+ hours per week)
• Reduce transportation costs (gas, public transit, parking)
• Lower stress from traffic or long commutes
• Dedicate more time and energy into productive work and personal priorities 
   

Cost Savings 

Working from home can lead to meaningful financial savings, including: 

• No daily commuting expenses
• Reduced spending on work clothing and meals
• Potential tax deductions for home office (depending on location)
• No building or office rent (if you’re an entrepreneur) 
   

Increased Productivity 

Many accountants find they are more productive at home, with: 

• Fewer office distractions (meetings, interruptions)
• Ability to create a personalized work environment
• Greater control over workflow and focus time 

Deep-focus tasks like financial analysis and reporting are often easier to manage remotely, without the distractions found in an office setting and with the ability to build your work around your peak hours of productivity. 

More Career Autonomy 

Remote accounting roles often encourage independence, which gives you ample opportunity to practice important skills that help you be successful as you grow your career. You will: 

• Develop time management and self-discipline skills
• Gain experience with cloud-based tools and automation
• Develop expertise in accounting software and new technology 
   

Health & Wellness 

Working as an accounting from home can lead to improved physical and mental health by giving you: 

• More time for exercise, sleep, and healthy meals
• Reduced exposure to illness (especially in office settings)
• Ability to create an ergonomic workspace 
   

How to Get a Remote Accounting Job 

Like any position to which you’re applying, remote accounting jobs are awarded to the strongest candidates. Ensuring that you have a complete resume, stand out with accounting certifications and experience, and bring your own personality to the interview process are all essential to securing your spot. 

Important accounting credentials to consider as you build your resume are: 

• CPA license: If you work in public accounting, becoming a Certified Public Accountant is non-negotiable to career growth and a competitive resume. And, even if you grow your career into corporate accounting or as an entrepreneur, earning your license provides the foundational knowledge and skill sets that serve you in nearly any area of accounting.
• CMA certification: Managerial accounting and finance professionals can enhance their resumes with the industry’s gold standard, Certified Management Accountant certification. As a CMA, you’re equipped with the expertise and credential to take on upper-level corporate finance roles across industries.
• CIA certification: Audit professionals worldwide earn their Certified Internal Auditor certification to demonstrate alignment with the top global auditing standards. As a CIA, you also set yourself apart as qualified for high-level audit positions anywhere (including remotely).
• EA designation: Enrolled Agents focus exclusively on tax services, and are authorized by the IRS to provide any tax service nationwide. This means that, as an EA, you can work with clients anywhere in the US and can build a largely remote working style. 
   

Defining Your Goals to Start Working from Home 

While remote work for accountants is highly achievable, it’s important that you define your career goals to find the right position for you. Even if you know that a working from home is the style you want, you still need to decide other influencing factors: your specialization, what areas within accounting interest you most, your industry of interest, and your salary goals, to name a few. 

Becker’s free 2026 Accounting Salary Guide is a great place to start! It explores the current landscape of accounting salaries and the factors that influence it, and also provides insights into overall job satisfaction. Download the free guide to help orient your goal-setting and plan your path to working as an accounting from home.