Description

Junior accountants offer a crucial service to a variety of companies by accurately recording the corporate financials. 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 oral or written reports every day or monthly on budgets, company debts and other expenses. 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 communication skills, a keen attention to details, intermediate computer skills and mathematical ability. They must be also detail-oriented and self-driven, as well as focused on quality and deadlines.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Junior Accountant with 3-6 years of experience in India, here are some main responsibilities:

  • Accurately record financial transactions, including accounts payable and accounts receivable, in the company's accounting system.
  • Assist in maintaining the general ledger by reconciling accounts, preparing journal entries, and ensuring accuracy and completeness of financial records.
  • Support the preparation of financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, by organizing and analyzing financial data.
  • Assist in the internal and external audit processes by providing required documentation, reconciling discrepancies, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations.

Qualifications & Work Experience

Major educational qualifications required for Junior Accountant are:

  • An accounting degree with a bachelor's level is required for this job and an concentration on detail.
  • Other desirable qualities include mathematical aptitude.
  • Other desirable qualities include analytical skills.
  • Other desirable qualities include the ability to keep records organized.
  • Other desirable qualities include a keen interest in finance.

Essential Skills For Junior Accountant

1

Accounting

2

Financial Statements

3

Microsoft Excel

4

Ledger Accounting

Skills That Affect Junior Accountant Salaries

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

Accounting

46%

Financial Statements

5%

Ledger Accounting

16%

Career Prospects

The role of a Junior Accountant in India is an essential position that requires 3-6 years of experience. For professionals with this background, there are several alternative roles to consider. Here are four options to explore:

  • Senior Accountant: A position that involves more complex accounting tasks, such as financial analysis, budgeting, and preparing financial statements.
  • Tax Consultant: A role focused on providing expert advice on tax planning, compliance, and optimizing tax strategies for clients or organizations.
  • Audit Associate: An opportunity to work closely with audit teams, examining financial records, conducting internal audits, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Financial Controller: A position with broader responsibilities, including overseeing accounting operations, implementing financial controls, and preparing financial reports for senior management.

How to Learn

The projected growth of the Junior Accountant position in India's market is considerable. Over the past 10 years, there has been a steady increase in demand for this role, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. With the rapid expansion of industries, businesses, and startups in the country, the need for financial management and accounting expertise is on the rise. As per the latest data available on Google, there is an anticipated surge in employment opportunities for Junior Accountants in the coming years. This indicates a promising career path for individuals aspiring to enter the accounting field in India.