Description

A financial assistant work in a number of fields, including accounting, banking, auditing, and investment. Regardless of the specific field, a financial assistant must have a solid background in accounting, bookkeeping and taxation; they typically assist clients with project forecasts, budgets, cost analysis, and inventory calculations.Financial assistants most often work in a traditional office setting during regular business hours. They are often busy, meeting with several clients a day. In these meetings they discuss topics such as budgets, forecasts, cost-benefit analyses, trend analysis, and forecasts; they may also produce financial statements. They give advice to their clients about projects, including whether it may be profitable and what the variable/fixed costs will be. They might also help to lead clients away from or prevent bankruptcy, downsizing, or closure.A bachelor's degree in finance or accounting is typical, and the financial assistant might also possess other qualifications (such as a Certified Public Accountant, or CPA, license). The work they do is mainly mental and requires excellent attention to detail. They must be familiar with computers and fluent with programs such as Microsoft Excel, Access, and Intuit Quickbooks.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Financial Assistant with 3-6 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Managing day-to-day financial transactions, such as processing invoices, expense reports, and payroll.
  • Conducting financial analysis and preparing reports on budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance.
  • Assisting in the preparation of financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures, as well as identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Financial Assistant, the following qualifications are required:

  • Proficient knowledge of finance and accounting principles, including GAAP, financial statement analysis, budgeting, and forecasting. This ensures accurate financial record keeping and analysis.
  • Strong computer skills, particularly in spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, to effectively manage and manipulate financial data. This enables efficient financial reporting and analysis.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in handling financial transactions, reconciling accounts, and preparing financial reports. This ensures the integrity and reliability of financial information.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and handle multiple responsibilities efficiently.

Essential Skills For Financial Assistant

1

Finance Analytics

2

Financial Management

3

Financial Planning

4

Financial Systems

Skills That Affect Financial Assistant Salaries

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

Financial Management

3%

Microsoft Excel

10%

Career Prospects

The role of Financial Assistant is crucial for maintaining financial operations and supporting decision-making. For professionals with 3-6 years of experience in Canada, here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Budget Analyst: Responsible for developing and managing budgets, analyzing financial data, and providing recommendations for cost-saving measures.
  • Payroll Specialist: Specializes in processing payroll, ensuring accurate and timely payment to employees, and maintaining compliance with tax regulations.
  • Investment Associate: Focuses on researching investment opportunities, analyzing market trends, and assisting in the management of investment portfolios.
  • Financial Compliance Officer: Ensures adherence to financial regulations and policies, conducts internal audits, and implements controls to mitigate risks.

How to Learn

The job role of Financial Assistant in Canada is projected to experience significant growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, employment opportunities for this position are expected to increase in the future. The current data available with Google indicates a positive trend in the demand for Financial Assistants, suggesting a promising outlook for individuals pursuing this career.