Description

Junior accountants provide a vital service to various companies by accurately recording corporate finances. Typical daily job duties include reconciling company bank accounts, balancing financial records and preparing monthly reports. They generally work with a team of other accountants and report to a senior accountant. The level of confidentiality and discretion required of junior accountants is great because they work with private company information and are given access to secure accounts.Junior accountants are generally expected to give oral or written reports daily, weekly and or or monthly about company debts, budgets, deficits and other expenditures. They also correct financial errors and create reports of those errors. When there are subsidiary or sister companies, junior accountants may also be responsible for maintaining and balancing the financial books of those companies. Junior accountants also are involved in the filing of a company's taxes, maintaining corporate tax records, providing analyses of the financial state of their employing company, and handling quarterly and yearly bookkeeping reports.To become a junior accountant, a bachelor's degree in accounting or related field is usually required. Some knowledge of computer-based accounting programs like QuickBooks and or or PeachTree are usually appreciated but not always necessary. A background in tax assessment or banking is helpful, but not necessary. Junior accountants must have strong oral and written communication skills, keen eye for detail, intermediate computer proficiency, and mathematical aptitude. They should also be detail oriented, self driven, deadline sensitive and quality-focused.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Junior Accountant with 0-3 years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

  • Assisting in the preparation of financial statements, including balance sheets and income statements, to support accurate reporting and decision-making. You will contribute to the creation of financial statements, ensuring they are accurate and reliable for reporting purposes.
  • Managing accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, ensuring invoices are processed and payments are made on time. You will handle the incoming and outgoing payments, ensuring that invoices are processed promptly and payments are made in a timely manner.
  • Supporting the reconciliation of bank statements and other financial records to identify discrepancies and resolve issues. You will assist in comparing bank statements and financial records, identifying any inconsistencies and working towards resolving them.
  • Assisting in the preparation of financial reports, such as budget analysis and variance reports, to provide insights for management decision-making.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Junior Accountant, the following qualifications are required:

  • A bachelor's degree in accounting or finance to ensure a strong foundation in financial principles and practices.
  • Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel to effectively manage and analyze financial data.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy to perform tasks such as bookkeeping, reconciling accounts, and preparing financial statements.
  • Strong time management skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and effectively multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Skills For Junior Accountant

1

Business Accounting

2

Financial Accounting

3

Accounting

4

Bookkeeping

Skills That Affect Junior Accountant Salaries

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

Business Accounting

10%

Financial Accounting

5%

Accounting

19%

Bookkeeping

1%

Career Prospects

For a Junior Accountant job role with 0-3 years of work experience in Australia, there are several alternative roles to consider. Here are four options:

  • Accounts Receivable Clerk: This role focuses on managing customer accounts, processing invoices, and ensuring timely payment collection.
  • Payroll Administrator: A position dedicated to managing employee compensation, including payroll processing, tax deductions, and compliance with labor laws.
  • Bookkeeper: This role involves maintaining financial records, reconciling accounts, and assisting with budgeting and financial reporting.
  • Tax Assistant: A position focused on assisting with tax preparation, ensuring compliance with tax regulations, and supporting tax planning activities.

How to Learn

According to the latest data from Google, the projected growth of the Junior Accountant position in Australia shows positive trends in the market. Over the last 10 years, this job role has witnessed steady growth and is expected to continue expanding in the future. Opportunities for employment in this field are expected to be abundant, with a consistent demand for Junior Accountants. These projections highlight a promising outlook for individuals aspiring to pursue a career as a Junior Accountant in Australia.