Description

Accountants perform financial calculations for companies in a wide variety of fields. Some common duties include creating sales and cash flow reports, administering payroll, keeping balance sheets, carrying out billing activities, managing budgets and keeping inventory. The accountant may also be responsible for filing taxes for the company, as well as reviewing past reports to generate income forecasts.

Occasionally, internal audits must be carried out to make sure that the various areas of the company are performing as expected; the accountant must also make sure that staff members are adhering to company policies and relevant laws. The accountant should be able to create accurate, detailed reports to illustrate data; sometimes, these reports have to be presented to management. The accountant may oversee the financial transactions of one department or multiple departments within their organization.

A bachelor's degree in accounting is required for this position, as is status as a certified public accountant (CPA). Previous accounting experience is generally required or preferred as well. Knowledge of accounting software such as Quickbooks and Microsoft Excel is needed. Additionally, many of the accountant's tasks are performed independently so it is essential to be self-motivated; however, collaboration is necessary, and the accountant must be able to work as part of a team.

Roles & Responsibilities

As an Accountant with 9+ years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

  • Managing financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards. Maintain and update financial records, including ledgers, journals, and financial statements.
  • Conducting financial analysis, identifying trends, and providing insights to support business decision-making. Analyze financial data, prepare reports, and provide recommendations for improving financial performance.
  • Overseeing budgeting and forecasting processes, monitoring variances, and implementing cost-control measures. Develop budgets, monitor actual versus budgeted expenses, and implement strategies to control costs.
  • Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, such as auditors and tax authorities, to ensure financial transparency and compliance.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For an Accountant, the following qualifications are required:

  • Proficient knowledge of accounting principles and practices, including GAAP, to accurately record and analyze financial transactions.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy to ensure error-free financial reporting and compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Advanced proficiency in accounting software and spreadsheet applications to efficiently manage financial data and generate reports.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills to identify and resolve discrepancies, reconcile accounts, and provide insightful financial analysis.

Essential Skills For Accountant

1

Financial Management

2

Financial Analysis

3

Budget Estimation

4

Compliance

5

Managing Accounts

6

Accounting

Skills That Affect Accountant Salaries

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

Financial Management

4%

Financial Analysis

5%

Budget Estimation

10%

Compliance

10%

Managing Accounts

1%

Accounting

13%

Career Prospects

With 9+ years of work experience as an Accountant in Australia, there are various alternative roles to consider. Here are four options:

  • Senior Accountant: This position entails more extensive responsibilities, such as financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
  • Treasury Manager: Focused on managing cash and liquidity requirements for an organization, 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

The job role of Accountant in Australia is projected to experience steady growth in the market. A 10 year analysis reveals a positive outlook with an increasing demand for accountants. According to the latest data points from Google, the employment opportunities for accountants in the future are expected to be abundant. As businesses continue to expand and evolve, the need for qualified accountants to manage financial records and ensure compliance remains crucial. With the ever-changing economic landscape, the role of accountants is set to expand and offer promising career prospects.