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 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 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 9+ years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Managing financial transactions, including accounts payable and receivable, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
  • Preparing and analyzing financial statements, reports, and budgets to provide insights and recommendations for decision-making.
  • Assisting in the preparation of tax returns and ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to support the month-end and year-end closing processes, including reconciliations and audits.

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

Accounting Terminology

2

MS Excel

3

Account Activity

4

Ledger Accounting

5

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

1%

Financial Management

1%

Microsoft Excel

1%

Career Prospects

With 9+ years of work experience in Canada as a Junior Accountant, there are several alternative roles to consider. Here are four options to explore:

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

How to Learn

According to recent data, the role of a Junior Accountant is expected to experience steady growth in the Canadian market. Over the past 10 years, this job role has shown a positive trend in terms of demand and market size. With the increasing complexity of financial regulations and the need for accurate and timely financial reporting, the demand for Junior Accountants is projected to continue to rise. It is estimated that there will be a significant number of employment opportunities available in the future for individuals seeking a career in this field. This growth trend is supported by various reliable sources, including Google.