duties and responsibilities

The duties of an accountant depend on the size of the company and the employee’s level within it. However, some expectations are standard for accountants at all levels, including: Maintaining accurate financial records: keeping track of the financial health of a department, business, or other organisation is central to an accountant’s job. This task involves performing or overseeing data entry. In businesses that use integrated software that automatically enters transactions, the accountant will still need to make certain that everything is working properly. Reconciling accounts: an accountant must confirm that the numbers on reports match the actual assets held by the company. If a bank statement does not indicate the same value as the in-house report, the accountant needs to track down the source of the discrepancy. Month-end and year-end closing: for tax and planning purposes, businesses periodically close their financial books. This practice means finalising all transactions for a given period: a month, quarter or year. The reports generated from the month-end closing provide a snapshot to management of the financial health of the organisation. In building or manufacturing companies, assessing the current inventory of materials may be part of the closing process. Annual inventory and closing is a labour-intensive process that usually requires some extra hours. Tax preparation: businesses file taxes every year. It will fall on the accounting department to prepare the forms and submit the tax return properly while taking advantage of tax laws. Failure to perform this duty can trigger a federal audit and result in expensive fines. Preparing financial reports: one of the tasks of an accountant is sharing financial information. An accountant takes the information from the financial records and turns it into a clear report. The employee may submit a report for review, or company leadership may ask a senior accountant to make a formal presentation of the report. Audit preparation: an audit is an investigation into a company’s financial practices. In not-for-profit organisations, an annual external audit may be a requirement. Other businesses choose to perform audits as a way to follow the best financial practices. Government agencies like the IRS may also perform a tax audit if there are issues with a company’s tax filing. An accountant will play a central role in this event. This professional makes the records available and also explains financial decisions.

Except for forensic accounting, an accountant works indoors in an office. The time of written ledgers has faded away, so accountants can expect to spend many of their hours in front of a computer screen. Cost accountants will periodically go to warehouses to verify material and product inventories.

who are your colleagues?

Working as an accountant, you will primarily find yourself working with other accountants, either as part of a team working for the same client or providing assistance when needed. The circumstances of your position also impact who you work with. For example, working as an in-house accountant for a large corporation will see you working under a senior executive, such as the finance controller, auditors , finance analysts , finance manager. Conversely, working for a small firm that provides accountancy services would see you working with a range of clients from many different backgrounds.

In most cases, accountants work a regular daily schedule as a full-time employee. The accounting department must be available to consult with management for decision-making purposes. Especially in manufacturing settings, the month-end closing may mean some overtime assessing inventory and reconciling the books.

As the Times of India reports, accountancy is a skill that is much in demand. Accountants are required by virtually every business, as well as government or institutions and individuals with financial portfolios. That means opportunities are usually available, whether you’re just starting out, looking to develop or trying to move into a different sector.

advantages of finding an accountant job through randstad

Finding your accountant job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid on a monthly basis temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an accountant is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

Do you need to be a cpa to work as an accountant?

Many employers prefer to hire accountants with advanced certifications. However, there are plenty of accountants who work their full careers without becoming CPAs. Receiving your CPA opens up new opportunities, but it is not required for every job in the accounting field.

Is it difficult to enter accounting as a second career?

If you do not have any accounting experience, you will need to receive additional education to switch careers. People who did not major in finance or accounting in college often pursue a master’s in accounting at a local institution. There are a growing number of online programs available for this degree.

What positions are available to someone with little or no accounting experience?

People who are just starting their accounting careers often begin with a bookkeeping or junior accounting position at a large company. This type of job will give them the experience they need to take the next career step. Other new accountants begin in private practice by performing accounting services for small businesses.

How do I apply for an accountant vacancy?

Applying for an accountant job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter . Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here !

Working as an accountant: your tasks, salary & openings

who is an accountant?

An accountant is a professional who monitors the financial health of both individuals and businesses. An accountant with a private practice will work with tax preparation, investment strategies and wealth management. An accountant in a business can play several roles in maintaining records, analysing costs and presenting financial reports.

Would working as an accountant suit your mathematical skills and attention to detail? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a service representative role.

accountant roles

1

average salary of an accountant

Accountants’ salaries cover a wide range, based on the type of accountant and the role the employee plays in an organisation. Experience is also a factor in determining an accountant’s wages. An entry-level bookkeeper may make about ₹2,50,000 per annum. A certified public accountant who is just starting can expect a salary of around ₹3,50,000 per annum. An experienced CPA with a large company can receive ₹15,00,000 per annum or more. Generally, accountant salaries range between ₹3,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 per annum.

2

types of accountants

Some types of accountants include:

Certified Public Accountant: a CPA is both a job description and a certification. To receive this title, you need an accounting degree, complete the designated number of state-mandated hours as an accountant and pass a state CPA qualification exam. These professionals take on advanced accounting and finance positions in an organisation. They also act as consultants as individuals and businesses plan for the future.
Cost Accountant: a cost accountant works with the financial nuts and bolts of the manufacturing world. This employee is responsible for tracking actual costs and minimising waste. A cost accountant works through the entire workflow, from ordering to delivery to find ways to save money. Businesses with low profit margins depend on cost accountants to ensure they are profitable.
Tax Accountant: both individuals and businesses must deal with taxes. A tax accountant is a professional who specialises in tax preparation and resolution. A tax accountant/chartered accountant may be a team member in an accounting firm. Many large businesses have positions for accountants who navigate state, federal and international tax laws.
Forensic Accountant: forensic accountants are advanced auditors who trace money when it has disappeared. For law enforcement and the IRS, forensic accountants will look for illegal financial practices or hidden income. Companies hire forensic accountants in cases of theft/misappropriation of funds. These accountants not only trace the money, but also seek to find a way to get it back.
Bookkeeper: to maintain financial transparency, larger organisations employ bookkeepers as well as accountants. In years past, the bookkeeper was the person who physically wrote entries into a financial ledger. In the digital era, a bookkeeper is responsible for entering daily transactions into accounting software. Then, senior accountants analyse this data to prepare reports and offer advice.
Investment Accountant: investment accountants help individuals and businesses with financial planning and investing. While many general accountants work with investments, professional investment accountants focus solely on this aspect of the job. Accountants in this field develop investment strategies for long-term and short-term growth.
Auditor: many organisations require a regular audit for financial transparency. Having an auditor examine the books prevents theft/misappropriation of funds and other irregularities. Some accounting practices devote themselves to providing external audits for businesses.
Ledger Accountant: for many accountants, your career begins with a position as a ledger accountant. These junior-level professionals may be team members of an accounting department or might be the dedicated accountant for a branch or division. Ledger accountants perform basic accounting tasks, like balancing books, filing reports and checking the accuracy of all financial data.
Junior or Senior Accountant: in some job descriptions, you will see a distinction between senior and junior accountants. The title refers to the duties of the employee. In this arrangement, junior accountants do more of the day-to-day data entry and book balancing. Senior accountants then analyse the work and present the reports to management. Experienced accountants can apply directly for senior positions. After a few years, a junior accountant could be promoted to a senior position.

3

working as an accountant

As an accountant, you may work in a wide range of different fields or specialities. In all cases, your commitment to exacting standards of accuracy is what sets you apart. Your work is central to many areas of business and personal finance, so you often bear a lot of responsibility.

duties and responsibilities
The duties of an accountant depend on the size of the company and the employee’s level within it. However, some expectations are standard for accountants at all levels, including:
- Maintaining accurate financial records: keeping track of the financial health of a department, business, or other organisation is central to an accountant’s job. This task involves performing or overseeing data entry. In businesses that use integrated software that automatically enters transactions, the accountant will still need to make certain that everything is working properly.
- Reconciling accounts: an accountant must confirm that the numbers on reports match the actual assets held by the company. If a bank statement does not indicate the same value as the in-house report, the accountant needs to track down the source of the discrepancy.
- Month-end and year-end closing: for tax and planning purposes, businesses periodically close their financial books. This practice means finalising all transactions for a given period: a month, quarter or year. The reports generated from the month-end closing provide a snapshot to management of the financial health of the organisation. In building or manufacturing companies, assessing the current inventory of materials may be part of the closing process. Annual inventory and closing is a labour-intensive process that usually requires some extra hours.
- Tax preparation: businesses file taxes every year. It will fall on the accounting department to prepare the forms and submit the tax return properly while taking advantage of tax laws. Failure to perform this duty can trigger a federal audit and result in expensive fines.
- Preparing financial reports: one of the tasks of an accountant is sharing financial information. An accountant takes the information from the financial records and turns it into a clear report. The employee may submit a report for review, or company leadership may ask a senior accountant to make a formal presentation of the report.
- Audit preparation: an audit is an investigation into a company’s financial practices. In not-for-profit organisations, an annual external audit may be a requirement. Other businesses choose to perform audits as a way to follow the best financial practices. Government agencies like the IRS may also perform a tax audit if there are issues with a company’s tax filing. An accountant will play a central role in this event. This professional makes the records available and also explains financial decisions.
work environment

Except for forensic accounting, an accountant works indoors in an office. The time of written ledgers has faded away, so accountants can expect to spend many of their hours in front of a computer screen. Cost accountants will periodically go to warehouses to verify material and product inventories.
who are your colleagues?

Working as an accountant, you will primarily find yourself working with other accountants, either as part of a team working for the same client or providing assistance when needed. The circumstances of your position also impact who you work with. For example, working as an in-house accountant for a large corporation will see you working under a senior executive, such as the finance controller, auditors, finance analysts, finance manager. Conversely, working for a small firm that provides accountancy services would see you working with a range of clients from many different backgrounds.
work schedule

In most cases, accountants work a regular daily schedule as a full-time employee. The accounting department must be available to consult with management for decision-making purposes. Especially in manufacturing settings, the month-end closing may mean some overtime assessing inventory and reconciling the books.
job outlook

As the Times of India reports, accountancy is a skill that is much in demand. Accountants are required by virtually every business, as well as government or institutions and individuals with financial portfolios. That means opportunities are usually available, whether you’re just starting out, looking to develop or trying to move into a different sector.
advantages of finding an accountant job through randstad
Finding your accountant job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an accountant is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

4

education and skills

You need some level of education and training to apply for a job as an accountant. Some educational options include:

A college degree: at a minimum, people who apply for an entry-level accounting position will need a bachelor’s degree. If your degree is not in accounting, you will need extra training in areas like financial reporting and tax preparation. You could also consider the benefits of getting a master’s degree in accounting. It is possible to take an entry-level bookkeeping position without a degree, but it will be difficult to advance your career without one.
CPA training: many accounting job descriptions either require or give preference to certified public accountants. The requirements for receiving your CPA vary from state to state. You will need some advanced training as well as practical experience in the accounting field. Once you have accomplished the base requirements, you must pass your state’s CPA exam. This test has a reputation for being challenging. In some years, less than half of the people who take it pass.
Continuing education: CPAs are required to take a certain number of continuing education hours to maintain their certification. Tax laws change every year, and businesses expect their accountants to understand the new rules. Other accountants will also require continuing studies to keep their skills relevant. An independent accountant will need to handle the cost of this additional education. For a staff accountant, your employer may cover the cost of these classes.

skills and competencies

A career as an accountant is not for everyone. Mistakes in the accounting department can have a serious impact on the business. Employers need their accounting staff to have the right skills and mindset. The following skills will help you to excel as an accountant:

Maths skills: people who enjoy a career in accounting often have a natural affinity for mathematics. They may be able to manipulate numbers quickly without a calculator. However, accountants do not need to understand advanced mathematical concepts to excel. Figuring profits and losses is a matter of basic addition and subtraction. Accountants should be comfortable with the language of statistics to create and interpret reports.
Attention to detail: an accountant who pays attention to detail is a strong asset to a company. Part of a cost accountant’s job is to look for ways to lower costs and increase profits. Saving a few cents on a manufacturing process can add a great deal to a company’s bottom line over a year.
Computer skills: accountants do most of their work on computers. They must be able to create spreadsheets and work with accounting software programs. Also, this employee must be comfortable with online communication methods like email and video conferencing tools.
Organisational skills: the record-keeping aspect of an accountant’s job requires a high level of organisation. For tracking purposes, the accountant must maintain digital files so that an outside auditor can quickly find necessary data. A well-organised person will make time-consuming tasks like month-end closing more efficient.
Communication skills: an accountant must translate financial information in a meaningful way. Company managers depend on clear communication for making decisions. An accountant is a person who helps leaders understand the financial health of their organisation.

5

FAQs about working as an accountant

FAQs about working as an accountant:

Do you need to be a cpa to work as an accountant?

Many employers prefer to hire accountants with advanced certifications. However, there are plenty of accountants who work their full careers without becoming CPAs. Receiving your CPA opens up new opportunities, but it is not required for every job in the accounting field.
Is it difficult to enter accounting as a second career?

If you do not have any accounting experience, you will need to receive additional education to switch careers. People who did not major in finance or accounting in college often pursue a master’s in accounting at a local institution. There are a growing number of online programs available for this degree.
What positions are available to someone with little or no accounting experience?

People who are just starting their accounting careers often begin with a bookkeeping or junior accounting position at a large company. This type of job will give them the experience they need to take the next career step. Other new accountants begin in private practice by performing accounting services for small businesses.
How do I apply for an accountant vacancy?

Applying for an accountant job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!

accountant.