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 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 0-3 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Assisting in the preparation of financial statements and reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting principles. Support the preparation of financial statements and reports, ensuring they adhere to accounting standards and are error-free.
  • Managing accounts payable and receivable processes, including invoice processing, vendor payments, and customer invoicing. Oversee the accounts payable and receivable processes, handling tasks such as processing invoices, making vendor payments, and issuing customer invoices.
  • Reconciling bank statements and general ledger accounts to ensure accurate financial records. Conduct bank statement and general ledger account reconciliations to maintain precise financial records and identify any discrepancies.
  • Assisting in the preparation of budgets and forecasts, analyzing variances, and providing recommendations for improvement.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For an Assistant Accountant, 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

For an Assistant Accountant job role with 0-3 years of experience in Canada, here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Accounts Receivable Clerk: A position that focuses on managing customer invoices, processing payments, and resolving any billing discrepancies.
  • Payroll Administrator: A role that involves processing employee salaries, managing payroll taxes, and ensuring compliance with payroll regulations.
  • Bookkeeper: A position that involves recording financial transactions, reconciling accounts, and producing financial statements.
  • Financial Assistant: A role that supports the finance team in various tasks, such as data entry, preparing financial reports, and assisting with budgeting and forecasting.

How to Learn

According to recent data from Google, the projected growth of the Assistant Accountant role in Canada is quite promising. Over the past 10 years, this position has seen a steady increase in demand and popularity. With the rise in business activities, there is expected to be a substantial growth in the market for Assistant Accountants. This trend is likely to persist in the future, and it is anticipated that numerous employment opportunities will be available for individuals seeking to enter or advance in this field. The data suggests a positive outlook for the continued growth and demand for Assistant Accountants in Canada.