Description

An accounts assistant plays a critical role in any accounting or business firm. They work as part of the team that is responsible for maintaining finances within the company; they typically report directly to the accountant or the finance manager. On a typical day, an accounts assistant work includes balancing books to ensure that records and payments are correct and working with the sales team on current and future projects. There are many other tasks they might encounter such as handling and writing checks, sales order processing, preparing statutory accounts, and processing invoices. This job typically takes place during normal business hours, but there may be special cases in which the accounts assistant is needed to help the accountant or the financial manager to meet critical task on deadline.Accountant assistants generally work within an office and frequently use a computer. A typical accountant assistant's work space also will have many files and folders. Computers are usually equipped with accounting software and sensitive financial information about the company.The accounts assistant must have a good understanding of accounting principles, good organizational skills, and typically some sort of accounting certification.

Roles & Responsibilities

As an Accounts Assistant with 6-9 years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

  • Managing financial transactions, including accounts payable and receivable, accurately recording and reconciling financial data.
  • Assisting in the preparation of financial statements, reports, and budgets, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
  • Supporting the month-end and year-end closing processes, including journal entries and account reconciliations.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth operations, analyzing financial data to identify trends and make recommendations for process improvements.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For an Accounts Assistant, the following qualifications are required:

  • Proficient in financial software and tools to accurately process and maintain financial records, such as ledger entries, accounts payable/receivable, and bank reconciliations.
  • Strong numerical skills with attention to detail to ensure accuracy in data entry, calculations, and financial reports.
  • Knowledge of accounting principles and regulations to assist in the preparation of financial statements, income tax returns, and audit documentation.
  • Well-organized with the ability to multitask and prioritize competing deadlines, ensuring efficient workflow and timely completion of tasks.

Essential Skills For Accounts Assistant

1

Financial Accounting

2

Accounting

3

Account Reconciliation

4

Ledger Accounting

5

Payroll Administration

Skills That Affect Accounts Assistant Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Financial Accounting

4%

Accounting

3%

Account Reconciliation

2%

Ledger Accounting

11%

Payroll Administration

3%

Career Prospects

The role of an Accounts Assistant with 6-9 years of experience in Australia is a valuable asset to any organization. If you're looking for alternative career options, here are four roles to consider:

  • Senior Accountant: This role offers more extensive responsibilities, such as financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
  • Treasury Manager: As a Treasury Manager, you will focus on managing cash and liquidity requirements, including forecasting, risk management, and investment activities.
  • Procurement Manager: This position involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and overseeing purchasing processes.
  • Financial Analyst: As a Financial Analyst, your role will be to monitor financial performance, develop forecasts, and provide insights to support strategic decision-making.

How to Learn

According to recent data, the role of Accounts Assistant in Australia has shown significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, there has been a consistent increase in the demand for this role, with a positive outlook projected for the future. It is expected that the employment opportunities for Accounts Assistants will continue to rise in the coming years. Google data suggests a promising trend in this field, indicating a strong need for skilled professionals in the accounting sector. The job role of an Accounts Assistant in Australia is expected to grow steadily, providing ample opportunities for individuals seeking such positions.