Description

Junior accountants offer a crucial service to a variety of companies by ensuring that corporate finances are accurately recorded. The typical day-to-day tasks include reconciling bank accounts of companies as well as balancing financial records, and preparing monthly financial reports. They typically work with an accounting team who report directly to the top accountant. The degree of privacy and discretion that junior accountants is a plus since they deal with confidential company data and have the ability to access secure financial accounts.

Junior accountants are typically required to present written or oral reports every day or monthly on budgets, company debts, expenditures, and deficits. They also rectify financial mistakes and prepare reports on the mistakes. If there are subsidiaries or sister businesses, junior accountants could be accountable for keeping track of and balancing the books of financials of these businesses. Junior accountants are also involved in filing the company's tax returns, keeping the tax records of corporations, providing analysis of the financial condition of the company they work for, as well as preparing quarterly and annual bookskeeping reports.

To be an accountant junior you must have a bachelor's education in the field of accounting, or a a related area is typically needed. A basic understanding of accounting computer software such as QuickBooks or PeachTree are generally appreciated, but are not required. An understanding of tax assessment or banking can be beneficial, but is not required. Accounting students must possess excellent written and oral skills in communication, a an eye for detail, intermediate computer skills and mathematical ability. They must also be detail-oriented and self-driven, as well as focused on quality and deadlines.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Junior Accountant with 9+ years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities include:

  • Prepare and analyze financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP.Conduct thorough and detailed reviews of financial data to identify any errors or discrepancies.
  • Assist in the budgeting and forecasting process, providing financial insights and recommendations.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather relevant data for accurate budgeting and forecasting.
  • Perform month-end and year-end close activities, such as reconciling accounts and preparing journal entries.Ensure timely completion of financial close processes to meet reporting deadlines.
  • Support audits by providing requested financial documentation and explanations.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Junior Accountant job role, 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.

Financial Management

4%

Microsoft Excel

1%

Ledger Accounting

3%

Career Prospects

With 9+ years of work experience as a Junior Accountant in the United States, there are several alternative roles worth considering. Here are following options to explore:

  • Senior Accountant: This role offers more extensive responsibilities, such as financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
  • Treasury Manager: Focused on managing cash and liquidity requirements, this position involves tasks like forecasting, risk management, and investment activities.
  • Procurement Manager: As a Procurement Manager, you would be responsible for managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and overseeing purchasing processes.
  • Financial Analyst: This position focuses on monitoring financial performance, developing forecasts, and providing insights to support strategic decision-making.

How to Learn

The job role of Junior Accountant in the United States is projected to experience steady growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, this position is expected to witness an increase in employment opportunities. With a strong demand for financial expertise in various industries, the growth of the job role is expected to continue positively. As per leading sources, the future outlook for Junior Accountants in the United States appears promising.