The career of an Accounts Assistant
Roles and Responsibilities:
Accounts Assistant help accounting managers, CFO(chief financial officer)s or other persons to fulfil the accounting everyday jobs. During entry-level, They may work with the accounting department or sale department. They may also work with a senior accountant to provide support and execute specific everyday jobs, which can range from preparing invoices to maintaining financial records.
Account Assistant also works as a junior role assumed by those wishing to pursue a career in accountancy. They sometimes called junior clerks. Under the oversee of an accounting manager or supervisor, they expected to execute several duties.
They may be required to sustain the general ledger, support accounts payable with payments and departing checks, bring together payroll hours and share out tests to employees. They support the accounting department with their day-to-day functions by executing entry-level accounting tasks. The primary work is to focus on accounts receivable and accounts payable. Also, they help with collections, billing, audits, and journal entries. They may also execute general office administration, including answering phones, filing, handling customers and other administrative everyday jobs.
Account Assistant work in either private accounting offices or for larger accounting organization across a wide variety of sectors.
Support for the financial branch
Prepare invoices, sales receipts and customer payments
Process new vendors paperwork including W-9 forms
Prepare and distribute employee checks
Prepare purchase orders for approval and fulfilment
Inspect and file accounting papers
Support in process accounts payable and receivable checks and payments
Support duties related to accounts payable and account receivable
Help with preparation of financial and statistical statements and reports
Analyze financial information to identify discrepancies
explore and determine differences in a timely fashion
Maintain confidentiality of all business information
understand and apply accounting procedures, policies, and rules to all work to make a sure agreement with applicable standards
Compile and prepare routine reports and summaries
Capacities for Accounts Assistant
At the lowest, an Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, Bookkeeping or a similar field.
1 to 3 years of experience relevant to accounting
skilful and advanced knowledge of Ms Office applications, especially Ms Excel
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
Capacity to work individually and as a team member
Demonstrates an ability to handle a variety of priorities while meeting deadlines
Accounts assistant requirements:
The ideal applicant has awareness with accounting software and is contented working under tight deadlines. Organizations are looking for a fast learner who shows the inventiveness to learn our systems and running processes. The ideal candidate has good excellent oral and written communication skills, along with being skilful at task management. They will report to the accounting manager honestly and work with other team members to sustain team and company goals.
Excellent communication skills are a must for accounts assistant since part of their work is to liaise between vendors and employees to settle discrepancies. They also expected to contact customers about billing concerns or outstanding payments. Besides, account assistant may be required to take over reception duties in case the staff is out.
For an initial level position, a high school diploma or is the lowest need. An associate degree accounting or an account assistant certificate from an accredited institution would also be preferred.
Accounting assistants are initial level and usually receive training on the job by shadowing more senior personnel. Training typically includes building expertise with Sage, Zero or other accounting software. During practical accounting training, Account Assistant will likely also learn the organizations' policies and practices for maintaining records of incoming and outgoing wealth.
They do not require specific certifications; they could work towards becoming a CPA(Certified Public Accountant) in future.
Some necessary skills for an accounts assistant will include familiar with accounting software like Sage. Knowledge of accounting and finance terms, excellent communication skills and the readiness to do work overtime to complete projects.
Expertise in accounts payable and receivable:
The candidate will need to have a general knowledge of accounts payable and receivable work. Many larger organizations have split departments for receivable and payable, but knowing both will help you fit into either position.
Experience in using accounting software:
Accountants use a particular software that was made for accounting and finance. Well-known software includes Xero or Excel. Having experience in this software will help you do well as an Account Assistant.
Data entry speed: Since you will be on the computer using accounting software, employers classically want you to have the skill to do data entry collective with a minimum typing speed of 50 WPM. This can be a fast-paced job, particularly during tax season, so being rapid and accurate will help make you a pleasing applicant.
Detail-oriented and exceptionally planned:
You are dealing with numbers all day. Being controlled and
planned will help you do your job well with little to zero error.
Accounting assistant employment atmosphere:
Many companies hire accounting assistants to help with their accounts payable or account receivable departments. You are mostly working with insightful data so that you may work separately in an office. Most accountants, even in an open office,
will still receive some space to keep secret information safe. Accounting assistant
hours are typically 8 a.m to 4 p.m., with
the probability that you may need to work some overtime, particularly around
An accounting assistant's salary package depends on the hiring company, where they are going to be hired.
Typical salary in the U.S.: $16.52 per hour
Some wages range from $15.15 to $20.71 per hour
How to become an accounting assistant
Here are some steps to get a place as an AA (Accounting Assistant):
Pursue education: Whether you're presence classes and have a part-time job, or you're working toward a degree in accounting or finance, getting an accounting assistant job will need you to learn more about the field. Proper education will teach you the duties that are concerned as you
move up to more well-known positions and find your future profession path. A bachelor's degree in accounting or finance is classic, particularly for someone who may ultimately become a CPA.
Take certification: If desired, the primary authorization is the
CPA. You must meet exact requirements, together with a certificate from an institute or
university, passing the CPA exam, and working under the leadership
of a current licensed CPA.
Look for an initial job: After earning education, certifications and practice,
assessment of the current job market for accounting assistants. Before applying,
create a resume and cover letter that outline your know-how.
Expertise. Working under the general supervision of the Accounts Payable Manager performs a variety of tasks in support of the goals of the Accounting.
