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 6-9 years of experience in India, here are some main responsibilities:

  • Conduct detailed analysis of financial data, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, to provide insights and recommendations for improving financial performance.
  • Assist in the preparation of budgets and forecasts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with organizational guidelines. Monitor budgetary performance and provide periodic reports to management.
  • Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, ensuring accuracy and completeness of financial records. Prepare journal entries and support month-end and year-end closing activities.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, tax laws, and financial 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 Terminology

2

MS Excel

3

Account Activity

4

Ledger Accounting

5

Bookkeeping

Career Prospects

The role of a Junior Accountant is fundamental in maintaining financial records and ensuring accuracy in transactions. With 6-9 years of experience in the Indian finance industry, professionals have numerous alternative career paths to explore. Here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Tax Analyst: A position focused on tax planning, compliance, and assisting with audits.
  • Audit Manager: A role that involves overseeing financial audits, ensuring regulatory compliance, and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Cost Accountant: A position focused on analyzing and controlling costs within an organization, including product costing, budgeting, and cost analysis.
  • Financial Controller: A role responsible for overseeing the financial operations of a company, including financial reporting, budgeting, and strategic planning.

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.