Description

Junior accountants provide a vital service to various companies by accurately recording corporate finances. Typical daily job duties include reconciling company bank accounts, balancing financial records and preparing monthly reports. They generally work with a team of other accountants and report to a senior accountant. The level of confidentiality and discretion required of junior accountants is great because they work with private company information and are given access to secure accounts.

Junior accountants are generally expected to give oral or written reports daily, weekly and/or monthly about company debts, budgets, deficits and other expenditures. They also correct financial errors and create reports of those errors. When there are subsidiary or sister companies, junior accountants may also be responsible for maintaining and balancing the financial books of those companies. Junior accountants also are involved in the filing of a company's taxes, maintaining corporate tax records, providing analyses of the financial state of their employing company, and handling quarterly and yearly bookkeeping reports.

To become a junior accountant, a bachelor's degree in accounting or related field is usually required. Some knowledge of computer-based accounting programs like QuickBooks and/or PeachTree are usually appreciated but not always necessary. A background in tax assessment or banking is helpful, but not necessary. Junior accountants must have strong oral and written communication skills, keen eye for detail, intermediate computer proficiency, and mathematical aptitude. They should also be detail oriented, self driven, deadline sensitive and quality-focused.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a junior accountant with 0-3 years of experience in Singapore, your main responsibilities include:

  • Assisting in the preparation of financial statements, such as balance sheets and income statements, by gathering and organizing financial data accurately.
  • Supporting senior accountants in analyzing financial information, identifying discrepancies, and proposing necessary adjustments.
  • Processing and recording financial transactions, such as accounts payable and receivable, ensuring accuracy and adherence to accounting principles.
  • Assisting in the reconciliation of accounts, verifying the accuracy of bank statements, and resolving any discrepancies promptly.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Junior Accountant job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • A bachelor's degree in accounting or finance to ensure a strong foundation in financial principles and practices.
  • Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel to effectively manage and analyze financial data.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy to perform tasks such as bookkeeping, reconciling accounts, and preparing financial statements.
  • Strong time management skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and effectively multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Skills For Junior Accountant

1

Microsoft Excel

2

Ledger Accounting

Skills That Affect Junior Accountant Salaries

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

Microsoft Excel

9%

Ledger Accounting

9%

Career Prospects

For a Junior Accountant Job Role with 0-3 years of experience in Singapore, here are following alternative roles worth considering:

  • Staff Accountant: A position suited for entry-level professionals, assisting in general accounting tasks such as bookkeeping, payroll, and financial statement preparation.
  • Tax Associate: A role focused on tax compliance and preparation, assisting in tax filings, identifying tax savings opportunities, and ensuring adherence to tax regulations.
  • Audit Assistant: A position within an auditing firm, responsible for assisting in the examination of financial records, internal controls, and compliance with auditing standards.
  • Billing Coordinator: A role centered around managing invoicing processes, tracking payments, resolving billing discrepancies, and ensuring timely collection of outstanding receivables.

How to Learn

The projected growth of the Junior Accountant role in Singapore's market is highly promising. Based on a 10-year analysis, this position is expected to experience significant growth due to increasing demand for financial services. With Singapore's position as a global financial hub, opportunities for employment in this field are expected to rise. As per recent data from Google, the accounting sector in Singapore is witnessing rapid growth, contributing to more job opportunities for Junior Accountants. Overall, the outlook for this role in Singapore's market is extremely positive, with ample prospects for both career advancement and employment.