Description

Assistant accountants aid in the day-to-day operations of an accounting department, typically reporting to a senior accountant or production accountant. Specific daily tasks vary based on whether or not an assistant accountant is hired by an individual accountant or an accounting firm.

When hired by an individual accountant, job duties usually include basic office work such as filing documents, answering phones, and corresponding with clients. Assistant accountants will also assist with basic financial work such as bookkeeping. Assistant accountants who work in large corporations typically work in the accounts payable or payroll departments. They keep track of vendor invoices, including payments received or paid, and many times, they document employee time and pay – sick days, vacations, bonuses, or overtime.

Assistant accountant is typically an entry-level position that may be performed by students who are currently in the process of obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field of accounting. Assistant accountants should have prior bookkeeping experience and/or a certification, such as a bachelor’s degree, in accounting. Organization and attention to details are expected from assistant accountants, as they deal with very sensitive financial information.

Roles & Responsibilities

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

  • Prepare and maintain financial records and documentation accurately to ensure compliance with accounting standards and legal regulations.
  • Assist in the preparation of financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, to present accurate and timely financial information.
  • Conduct regular financial analysis and reporting, including variance analysis and trend analysis, to identify areas of improvement and potential risks.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as auditors and tax consultants, to provide necessary financial information and support during audits and tax filings.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For an Assistant Accountant job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Proficiency in accounting software and experience with financial statement preparation to assist with general ledger entries and month-end closings.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy to review financial records, identify discrepancies, and reconcile accounts.
  • Knowledge of regulatory compliance and accounting principles to ensure adherence to financial laws and regulations.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with team members and explain financial information to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.

Essential Skills For Assistant Accountant

1

Accounting Fundamentals

2

Financial Statements

3

Accounting

4

SAP

Career Prospects

With 9+ years of work experience as an Assistant Accountant in Singapore, there are several alternative roles to consider. Here are following options to explore:

  • Senior Accountant: This role entails 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: In this role, you would manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and oversee 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 role of Assistant Accountant in Singapore is projected to experience steady growth in the market. Based on a 10-year analysis, there is a continuous demand for individuals in this field. According to recent data from Google, the employment opportunities for Assistant Accountants will remain plentiful in the future. The position holds significant importance in supporting the financial functions of organizations, ensuring accurate record-keeping and financial reporting. As the economy expands, the need for skilled professionals in this role is expected to rise. The projected growth of this position indicates a promising career path for aspiring Assistant Accountants in Singapore.