What are the most in-demand accounting jobs and their average salary?

Accounting jobs in Quebec are very diverse and the prospects are always growing.

Accounting professionals are able to find a job that suits their expertise, while allowing them to grow within a company, especially when they choose to pursue various training courses.

If you are considering a career in accounting or are already looking for a job in the field, this article will present the most in-demand and highest paying accounting professions in Quebec in order to guide your choice based on your expectations.

Accounting jobs for all levels of education

The accounting field offers a variety of professions with interesting job prospects for the years to come. In the top 5, we find:

• accountants,
• financial analysts and advisors,
• bookkeeping and payroll,
• accounting technicians,
• accounting clerks.

Certain positions such as chartered accountant, business analyst, financial advisor or controller require higher education. However, if the field of finance and accounting interests you, but you do not intend to pursue university studies, know that you have other very interesting options.

Accounting clerk, accounting technician and payroll specialist positions sometimes only require high school education. Obviously, certificates of college studies or a diploma of college studies (DEC) may be required or simply represent an excellent option to broaden your horizons with a view to eventually obtaining a higher position.

8 paying positions in accounting

The majority of accounting jobs in Quebec are well paid. A payroll clerk position, with several years of experience and the appropriate training, can reach nearly $70,000 annually.

However, the best paid professions in the accounting field remain those of management and supervision or high-level professions which require knowledge of accounting standards, for example business or financial analysts, as well as auditors, controllers and chartered accountants.

Of course, salaries vary depending on education, experience, employer and region.

Here, for information purposes only, is salary data taken from Emploi Québec for various accounting jobs and from the Government of Canada Job Bank. These are based on the most recent National Occupational Classification (CNP) available.

1. Accounting clerk from $17.25/h up to $33.00/h
   1. Annual salary (40 hours/week) varying from $35,880 to $68,640
2. Accounting and bookkeeping technician from $18.00/h to $38.00/h
   1. Annual salary (40 hours/week) varying from $37,440 to $79,040
3. Payroll clerk from $21.85/h up to $35.90/h
   1. Annual salary (40 hours/week) varying from $45,448 to $74,672
4. Finance clerk supervisor from $20.00/h up to $48.00/h
   1. Annual salary (40 hours/week) varying from $41,600 to $99,840
5. Auditor and accountant from $24.04/h up to $57.69/h
   1. Annual salary (40 hours/week) varying from $50,003 to $119,995
6. Chartered accountant (CA) from $24.64/h up to $58.24/h
   1. Annual salary (40 hours/week) varying from $51,251 to $121,139
7. Financial analyst from $24.87/h up to $61.54/h
   1. Annual salary (40 hours/week) varying from $51,729 to $128,003
8. Financial director from $30.29/h up to $80.00/h
   1. Annual salary (40 hours/week) varying from $63,003 to $164,400

As you can see, you can achieve excellent remuneration. You just need to choose the ideal profession based on your interests and skills.

Job outlook for accounting and finance professions

In Quebec, the field of accounting offers solid and diversified employment prospects, reflecting its crucial role in the financial management of businesses of all sizes.

With a constantly evolving economy, the demand for qualified accounting professionals remains strong, mainly in relation to retirements, but also thanks to the growth of many Quebec companies.

Organizations, whether public, private, or nonprofit, seek experts who can navigate tax complexities, perform accurate audits, and optimize financial health.

Additionally, the focus on financial transparency and regulatory compliance is helping to fuel this demand. Accounting graduates in Quebec can therefore expect a favorable entry into the job market, with promising career opportunities and the possibility of progressing into financial leadership roles.

How to find a job in accounting?

To find an accounting job beyond the traditional accountant role, such as payroll clerk, accounting clerk, or accounting technician, take a methodical and diversified approach.

• Start by acquiring specific training in the skills required for these positions, such as courses in payroll processing or accounting software.
• Networking plays a vital role: attend workshops, job fairs, and local accounting-related events to make contacts in the industry.
• Also leverage online job platforms, including those specializing in finance and accounting, to search for job openings that match your profile and interests.
• Personalize your CV and cover letter for each application, highlighting your specific experiences and skills relevant to the position.

Don’t forget to highlight any practical experience you might have, even if it’s voluntary or from an internship.

Consider the option of registering with employment agencies with a specialist financial sector team, who can often offer opportunities not advertised elsewhere. By staying informed of the latest trends and requirements in the accounting field, you will advantageously position yourself to pursue diversified opportunities in accounting, outside of the traditional accountant role.

Extra Multi-Ressources advisors can guide you towards positions that match your profile, or as an employer, present you with the best candidates to fulfill the functions of your various accounting positions.