Description

A General Accountant is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records for an organization. They analyze financial statements, perform various accounting duties, and ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations. General Accountants prepare financial reports, balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and budgeting reports. They also assist in developing and maintaining accounting policies and procedures to ensure effective internal controls. General Accountants reconcile bank statements and ensure that all transactions are accurately recorded. They analyze financial data to identify trends or discrepancies and make recommendations for improvements. General Accountants collaborate with other departments to provide financial information and support decision-making processes. They must stay updated with the latest accounting regulations and requirements to ensure compliance. General Accountants also assist with audits and provide necessary documentation and documentation reviews. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills are important for this position, as well as the ability to work with complex financial data. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel are required. A Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is typically required for this position, along with relevant work experience. Professional certifications such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant) are preferred.

Roles & Responsibilities

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

  • Performing day-to-day bookkeeping tasks such as recording financial transactions, preparing bank reconciliations, and maintaining accurate financial records.
  • Assisting in the preparation of financial statements and reports, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  • Supporting the accounts payable and accounts receivable functions by processing invoices, verifying payments, and managing customer and vendor accounts.
  • Assisting with the preparation and filing of tax returns, ensuring compliance with relevant tax regulations and guidelines.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a General Accountant, the following qualifications are required:

  • Solid knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to accurately maintain and reconcile financial records.
  • Proficiency in financial software and spreadsheets to efficiently analyze and interpret financial data.
  • Attention to detail and strong numerical aptitude to identify errors and discrepancies in financial reports.
  • Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills to address complex accounting issues and provide appropriate solutions.

Essential Skills For General Accountant

1

Accounting Fundamentals

2

Financial Accounting

3

Account Reconciliation

Skills That Affect General Accountant Salaries

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

Financial Accounting

5%

Account Reconciliation

17%

Career Prospects

The role of a General Accountant with 0-3 years of experience in Australia is an essential position in maintaining accurate financial records. For individuals looking to explore alternative roles within the finance industry, here are four options to consider:

  • Junior Financial Analyst: A role that involves analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and assisting in budgeting and forecasting processes.
  • Tax Accountant: A position focused on preparing and filing tax returns, ensuring compliance with tax regulations, and providing tax planning advice.
  • Accounts Receivable Clerk: A role that involves managing customer invoices, processing payments, and maintaining accurate accounts receivable records.
  • Cost Accountant: A position focused on analyzing and controlling costs within an organization, including calculating product costs, conducting cost variance analysis, and assisting in budgeting processes.

How to Learn

According to recent data from Google, the general accountant job role in Australia is projected to experience steady growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, the demand for general accountants has been consistently increasing. This trend is expected to continue in the future, creating numerous employment opportunities in the field. With the ever-growing complexity of financial regulations and the need for accurate financial reporting, general accountants are crucial for businesses. Therefore, individuals pursuing a career in general accounting can expect a positive outlook in terms of job prospects and growth opportunities in Australia.