Accountant Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

An Accountant, or Chartered Accountant, is an individual who handles financial records for private clients, governments or organisations. They prepare financial statements, administer and audit accounts and prepare tax returns. The Accountant also tracks the financial health of the organisation or client and takes action to correct issues to prevent financial calamity.

 

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Accountant duties and responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of an Accountant can be broad or narrow depending on the requirements for the position. An Accountant may be required to perform all possible accounting duties, or they may be focused on a particular aspect such as auditing and reconciliation or taxation issues. As part of their duties and responsibilities, Accountants take charge of the following:

  • Oversee the ongoing maintenance of accounts
  • Ensure payroll is accurate and records are maintained
  • Support management in the accurate production of budgets 
  • Reconcile accounts including receivable and payable 
  • Ensure cashflow is utilized properly and protect reserves
  • Audit financial information for inconsistencies
  • Provide tax planning strategies in accordance with existing legislation 
  • Create financial forecasts and analyse risk

 

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Accountant Job Description Examples:

 

Example 1

An experienced accountant is required for the accounts department within this busy, central Edinburgh CA practice. The role is one of accounts supervisor in a team of 2 managers, 1 supervisor and 2 students. This position would suit a candidate with the following Professional qualification (CA, ACCA etc) - part qualified WILL be considered. A strong technical knowledge of current accounting regulations and issues. Ability to supervise and motivate junior staff. Excellent communication skills with initiative and good problem-solving ability. Good knowledge of Microsoft software used in a paperless office. Experience of Iris, Xero and Sage would be an advantage. The client base is highly varied and will provide challenges. An ability to work in a small team, engage with clients and use initiative is very important. Remuneration will be competitive. Immediate start. This is a full time position, but part time or flexible working hours would be considered. To apply for a position, please send your CV to: Karen Lawson Jeffrey Crawford & Co 25 Castle Terrace Edinburgh EH1 2ER
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Example 2

Wood & Disney are looking to recruit full or part-time time experienced general practice accountants in our modern high tech office located on the outskirts of Colchester. The roles would be to deliver a range of accounting and tax support to our business clients. Role & Responsibilities: Potential to look after a small portfolio of business clients depending on experience Reviewing and completing work such as bookkeeping, VAT and accounts  Training of clients in the use of cloud accounting Advising clients on bookkeeping and VAT, including ad-hoc duties in relation to MTD and preparing VAT returns and submissions Business tax knowledge preferable but full support given Supporting clients with running their businesses and improving their record keeping Regularly reporting to clients on how their business is performing To look for opportunities to improve internal processes and technology. Regular reporting to directors Minimum Requirements Minimum of 4 years' experience within an accountancy practice Practical day to day experience of using cloud accounting software with recent certification an advantage but not essential. We still have clients using Sage so knowledge of Sage 50 desktop will also be useful Preparation of accounts in statutory formats Preparation of business tax computations and returns Competent using Microsoft software Key characteristics include Confident communicator Commitment to providing top quality client service Have a positive can-do attitude A team player but able to work independently and self-motivate Ability to follow a system but make suggestions for improvements Passionate to go the extra mile for the clients and their team. Comfortable to research solutions but balanced by knowing when to consult with others Ability to prioritise and delegate Strong attention to detail Must be able to display initiative and act decisively when necessary for a client Commercial mindset Versatile On Offer for the right candidate A competitive salary, please include salary expectations as part of your application. Flexible working Fantastic, friendly team to work with. Pension scheme and BUPA is also offered after 6 months Please include a covering letter and specifically tell us how you came into accountancy originally and why you still enjoy being an accountant. Please email your CV and cover letter to NO Agencies Accepted
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Example 3

We are looking for an experienced individual to join our team of accountants in Fareham, Hampshire. Accountant, your day to day duties: Accessing financial records of the clients Preparing, reconciling and filing VAT and Sales returns Preparing year end and statutory accounts Reviewing bookkeeping and Xero records, dealing with journals, and preparing management accounts Preparation of corporation tax computations and returns Assisting with bookkeeping, accounting, VAT and payroll work as needed Accountant, skills and experience: Level 4 AAT qualified, or working towards or qualified ACA or ACCA Previous accountancy practice experience essential Experience in Xero cloud accounting technology essential Enthusiastic, outgoing and passionate Dynamic, team orientated and confident A working knowledge of Microsoft packages Great organisational and communications skills (role does involve client contact) Committed to continuous personal development Accountant, the benefits: Opportunity to work within a proactive and supportive team in a contemporary office Sponsorship to complete ACA, ACCA or similar studies will be considered for the right applicant Health and wellbeing insurance and benefits available 20 or 25 days’ annual leave plus bank and public holidays (depending on qualifications) Mixture of office, client and home working available Ongoing training and opportunities for career progression This is a full time, permanent position. The working hours are Monday to Friday either from 9.00am to 5.30pm, or from 8.30am to 5.00pm, with a one-hour lunch break (unpaid). A full UK driving licence and your own transport is required due to the location of Xebra Accounting offices. As well as visiting clients at their choice of location. Please send your CV and brief cover letter to No agency applications please.
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Example 4

A specialist and very accountancy firm with a diverse range of clients is currently seeking a Client Accountant, with recent practice experience, to join their exceptionally professional and friendly team. This is a great opportunity to join a fantastic firm and work with a great team of people in a varied and senior role within the firm. Working closely with a Manager to provide Accountancy and Tax services to a portfolio of clients Planning jobs and working with clients to prepare and complete work Preparing year end accounts Preparing Tax returns and working with the Partner on any adhoc projects Applicants will need to be have recent experience of preparing statutory accounts and may be studying or qualified by experienced but you will be able to prepare accounts and tax returns from start to finish. In return, you will receive a competitive salary, generous benefits and the chance to develop your career in a growing Practice in a great location. To be considered, please contact Rachel at TN Recruits Accounts with your CV. In application for this role, you are consenting to TN Recruits Ltd retaining your details to secure you work. All information provided will be held securely for up to 3 years unless we are contacted and instructed otherwise. TN Recruits Ltd full GDPR policy can be found on our website.
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What does an Accountant do?

An Accountant takes control of the financial accounts of their employer or client for the purposes of maintaining financial stability. The Accountant is enabled to make financial decisions when necessary that include authorizing payment or moving money from one account to another. When an Accountant determines there is a problem with an account or other financial record, they bring it to the attention of a Senior Accountant or Manager. The Accountant works as part of a team to ensure their work is correct and help other Accountants in turn. 

 

Accountant skills and qualifications

A successful Accountant candidate possesses various skills and qualifications that are necessary to perform their duties. They include:

  • Ability to work well in a team environment
  • Interest and acumen in how a business functions 
  • Application of proven methods to common and uncommon accounting problems
  • Ability to review one’s own work and find and correct any mistakes
  • Understanding of the overall impact of their financial decisions
  • Proficiency with accounting software
  • Strong analytical skills

 

Accountant experience requirements

An ideal Accountant candidate has experience that meets the needs of the organisation. Average experience requirements for an Accountant include prior employment in a similar role and handling of common accounting duties. The Accountant is capable of recording financial information in the correct files or books, reading and reconciling balance sheets and maintaining confidentiality at all times. Ideal candidates also have experience with establishing and maintaining budgets. 

 

Accountant education and training requirements

An Accountant needs, at the very minimum, a Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting accredited by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) or a Foundations in Accountancy accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). In the event the organisation is in search of an apprentice Accountant, the qualified candidate should possess one or both of the certifications. Advanced education for an Accountant includes the Associate Chartered Accountant and Chartered Institute of Management Accountant. 

 

Accountant salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Accountant is £34,069 per year

 

Job description samples for similar positions

Other job descriptions for similar positions are available if this job description for an Accountant is not quite what you’re looking for.

 

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Accountant job description FAQs

 

What is an Accountant 1 job description?

An Accountant 1 job description is an Accountant who has 2 to 5 years of experience. The candidate should demonstrate they have a solid grasp of accounting principles, have at least one accounting certificate and should have been employed as an apprentice or new graduate level in a company.

 

What skills should Accountant candidates have?

Candidates need to have strong maths skills and the ability to apply these skills to the work at hand. Analytical thinking is also required for solutions to problems that aren’t necessarily based in mathematics.  An Accountant should be meticulous in checking their work and looking for errors, before submitting it to a manager. Having good communication and people skills are also important, as the Accountant needs to liaise with co-workers colleagues and discuss the work in a constructive manner. 

 

What are the roles and responsibilities of an Accountant?

The responsibilities of an Accountant ranges from processing invoices, maintaining accounts receivable and payables, preparing accounts and ensuring financial information is always accurate. Roles include Management Accountant, Associate Accountant, Assistant Financial Accountant and Taxation Accountant. 

 

What is the job of an Accountant?

The job of an Accountant is to keep track of all financial records for an organisation, government office or private clients. The core function of the role is to help maintain financial stability, ensure compliance with tax and banking regulations and maintain accuracy and confidentiality at all times.

Job Description Examples

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