Description

Accountants are responsible for financial calculations for businesses in many different areas. They are typically responsible for preparing reports on cash flow and sales as well as managing payroll, maintaining balance sheets, executing billing tasks, managing budgets and storing inventory. The accountant could also be accountable for filing taxes for the business, as well in reviewing reports from the past to create income forecasts.

Sometimes, internal audits have to be conducted to ensure that the different areas of the business are operating as planned The accountant should also ensure that employees adhere to the company's policies and applicable laws. The accountant must be able to produce accurate and detailed reports that illustrate the data. Sometimes the reports must be presented to the management. The accountant can supervise the financial transactions of a department or several departments within the organization.

An accounting degree with a bachelor's level is necessary for this job and also a status as an accredited public accountant (CPA). Experience in accounting is usually recommended or required. Experience with accounting software like Quickbooks as well as Microsoft Excel is needed. In addition, a lot of accounting tasks are done by the accountant on their own therefore it is important to be self-motivated. However collaboration is essential for accountants, and they should be able to work in a group.

Roles & Responsibilities

As an Accountant with 9+ years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities include:

  • Managing financial records and ensuring accuracy in bookkeeping.
  • Preparing and analyzing financial statements to provide valuable insights for business decision-making.
  • Conducting audits to ensure compliance with financial regulations and identify any potential risks or discrepancies.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and implement effective financial strategies and improve organizational performance.

Qualifications & Work Experience

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

  • Proficient knowledge of accounting principles and practices, including GAAP, to accurately record and analyze financial transactions.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy to ensure error-free financial reporting and compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Advanced proficiency in accounting software and spreadsheet applications (eg, QuickBooks, Excel) to efficiently manage financial data and generate reports.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills to identify and resolve discrepancies, reconcile accounts, and provide insightful financial analysis.

Essential Skills For Accountant

1

Enterprise IT Infrastructure

2

Tax Accounting

3

Budgeting

4

Financial Analysis

5

Financial Statements

6

Accounting

Skills That Affect Accountant Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Office 365

21%

Financial Analysis

2%

Auditing

3%

Cost Accounting

11%

Budget Estimation

9%

Compliance

9%

Accounting

3%

Data Analysis

17%

Bookkeeping

13%

Payroll Administration

8%

Career Prospects

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

  • Financial Controller: A leadership position that involves overseeing the financial operations of an organization, including financial planning, budgeting, and analysis.
  • Tax Manager: A role focused on managing tax compliance, preparing tax returns, and providing tax planning advice to minimize tax liabilities.
  • Audit Manager: A position in which you would lead and manage audit engagements, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and identifying areas for improvement in internal controls.
  • Cost Accountant: A role focused on analyzing and controlling costs within an organization, including developing cost accounting systems and providing cost analysis for decision-making purposes.

How to Learn

The accounting profession in the United States is expected to witness steady growth in the market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for accountants and auditors indicates a 4% growth rate from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Over the 10-year analysis period, this growth is projected to create approximately 61,700 employment opportunities. As businesses continue to expand and regulations become more complex, the demand for skilled accountants remains high. With their expertise in financial management and analysis, accountants are vital in assisting organizations to navigate their financial responsibilities effectively.