Description

Financial accountability is pivotal to maintaining a healthy business, and financial accountants conduct a number of functions to ensure this is possible. They manage payroll, taxes, income, spending, and educating their employer on financial information. Work days for financial accountants can be a bit longer than a standard 9-to-5 job, because of strict deadlines on all projects that financial accountants are given. Generally, financial accountants do not need to work directly with employees; if they discover discrepancies with posted reports, they inform management.Financial accountants need a strong background in math and must be ready to examine financial figures on a daily basis. An associate's or bachelor’s degree in accounting is needed for this job, as is knowledge of statistics, arithmetic, and algebra. The ability to use computers and accounting software programs is important, and financial accountants must be able to use computers to perform mathematical computations and create presentations. Different employers will use different accounting software, so it is good for financial accountants to be able to adapt quickly to new programs.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Financial Accountant with 9+ years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Prepare and analyze financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards. You will be responsible for creating and reviewing financial statements, ensuring that they are accurate and meet all regulatory requirements.
  • Manage and reconcile financial accounts, including general ledger, bank accounts, and balance sheets. You will oversee the reconciliation of various financial accounts, ensuring that all transactions are properly recorded and discrepancies are resolved.
  • Provide financial analysis and reporting to support strategic decision-making and budgeting processes. Your role will involve analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and providing insights to help management make informed decisions and plan the budget.
  • Ensure compliance with tax regulations and assist in preparing tax returns and financial audits.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Financial Accountant, the following qualifications are required:

  • Proficiency in financial software and tools such as QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle, to accurately record and report financial transactions.
  • Excellent knowledge of accounting principles and regulations to ensure compliance with financial reporting standards and legal requirements.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to analyze financial data, prepare budgets, and provide insights to management for informed decision-making.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing financial documents, preparing financial statements, and conducting audits to ensure financial integrity and reliability.

Essential Skills For Financial Accountant

1

Financial Management

2

Financial Planning

3

Financial Accounting

4

Accounting

Skills That Affect Financial Accountant Salaries

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

Microsoft Excel

12%

Ledger Accounting

12%

Career Prospects

With over 9+ years of experience as a Financial Accountant in Canada, professionals can consider exploring alternative roles in the finance industry. Here are four options to consider:

  • Senior Accountant: A role that entails more extensive responsibilities such as financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
  • Treasury Manager: A position focused on managing an organization's cash and liquidity requirements, including forecasting, risk management, and investment activities.
  • Procurement Manager: A role involving managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and overseeing purchasing processes.
  • Financial Analyst: A position that focuses on monitoring financial performance, developing forecasts, and providing insights to support strategic decision-making.

How to Learn

The role of Financial Accountant in Canada is projected to experience steady growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, this job role has witnessed an upward trend in demand and is expected to continue expanding in the coming years. According to recent data from Google, there are numerous employment opportunities available for Financial Accountants across various industries. The future outlook for this position appears promising, with a positive job growth rate expected in the upcoming years. Overall, the Financial Accountant role in Canada is expected to have a strong presence and offer extensive employment opportunities in the foreseeable future.