Sample accountant job description

At [Company X], our financial systems are the engine that enables us to power forward. We are searching for a qualified accountant to help keep our clients’ finances meticulously correct and powerfully informative. The accountant will have both an immediate and lasting impact on all company operations, helping us to strategize savings, perform impactful audits, furnish leadership with crucial information, and (ultimately) grow our financial position. [Company X] is committed to serving both customers and employees in the best way possible, and it starts with keeping our own finances accurately reported, meticulously organized, and vitally strategic.

Objectives of this role

  • Forecast industry trends, anticipating movements in the market, the interests of consumers, and the efficiency of our business itself, and advise leadership accordingly
  • Execute accurate reporting, enabling the department to analyze options and make financial recommendations that align with company objectives
  • Lead the company in securing our financial information, and that of our customers, and spearhead or participate in special projects as needed within the department, within a broader finance environment, and/or cross-functionally
  • Periodically document all accounting control procedures, identifying system issues and making suggestions for improvements
  • Adhere to national and local financial requirements by studying existing and new legislation, enforcing compliance, and advising management on needed actions
  • Continue your training with classes, workshops, webinars, professional publications, and professional networks and associations

Responsibilities

  • Gather all necessary reports and detailed support both periodically and on demand, including balance sheets, profit and loss statements, revenue forecasts, budgets, and cash-flow statements
  • Ensure the integrity of accounting information and reconcile any financial discrepancies by performing or directing forensic research of accounting issues for compliance, and establish quality control for transactions and reporting
  • Handle AP, verifying payment documentation, referencing outstanding bills, updating debt balance, and conducting disbursement
  • Review and reconcile the general ledger, identifying and thoroughly investigating any discrepancies and taking the proper actions to resolve them
  • Conduct month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes to verify all entries have been created and posted, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and cohesiveness of information
  • Manage administrative staff within the department and transfer accounting/reporting knowledge to other departments

Required skills and qualifications

  • Five or more years of corporate accounting experience
  • Personal integrity; ability to keep customer and company confidences
  • Thorough knowledge of accounting and corporate finance principles and procedures
  • Experience in audit and international accounting

Preferred skills and qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in accounting, business accounting, or finance
  • Working knowledge of accounting software platforms
  • Natural proficiency in or passion for math
  • Strong command of details and deadlines
  • Licensure such as certified public accountant (CPA)