Accountant
Job Description
An Accountant assists individuals and businesses with their money, investments, taxation, superannuation and so much more. They are responsible for financial audits, reconciling bank statements and ensuring financial records are accurate thorughout the year. They prepare balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and other financial reports. Accountants analyse revenue and financial commitments, and provide advice on grants and Government incentives. They ensure the individual or company meets its financial commitments, and obligations using resources, assets, and tax strategies.
An Accountant can further their career to specialise in specific areas of accounting, such as; Project Accounting, Revenue Accounting, Tax Accounting, Insolvency Accounting and working in particular industries such as Mining. There is also the option to work as a Group Accountant, therefore working in a parent company's head office carrying out responsibilities for managing various businesses and companies in the group.
Qualifications
The pathway to becoming an Accountant involves a combination of formal education and on-the-job training and experience. Most Accountants have completed a degree in a business related discipline and have years of practical knowledge and expeience. Their qualifications may include:
- Bachelor Degree in Accounting and Finance
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Formal qualifications in Finance, or Business Administration
- CPA qualification
- 2+ years experience in your industry
- 2+ years experience of the industry or company
If you have not yet applied to gain a CPA qualification, you may apply to participate in a Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) program or apply to become a member of a recognised accounting institution
Attributes
- Accountability
- Accuracy
- Analytical
- Autonomy
- Businesss Acumen
- Creativity
- Communication
- Ethical
- Industry Expertise
- Integrity
- Interpersonal
- Financial Expertise
- Organisational
- Reliable
- Self-Motivation
- Team Player
- Trustworthy
Key Skills
- Account Reconciliation
- Accounting Practices
- Accounting Software
- Attention to Detail
- Budgeting
- Business Operations
- Chartered Accountancy
- Compliance Software
- Critical Thinking
- Database Reporting Software
- Data Analysis
- Finance
- Financial Reporting
- Financial Statements
- Information Technology
- Legislation
- Management
- Microsoft Office
- Policies and Procedures
- Professional Development
- Spreadsheet Knowledge
- Systems Analysis
- Team Work
- Time Management
Future Prospects
Jobs directly related to your qualification include:
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Financial Controller
- Management Accountant
- Specialised Accounting Roles
- Accountant
- Graduate Accountant
- Assistant Accountant
- Bookkeeper
- Accounts Payable Officer
- Accounts Receivable Officer
- Payroll Officer
