What does an articled assistant do?
Articled assistants work in the field of accountancy, gaining practical training and experience under the supervision of qualified professionals. They assist in various accounting tasks, including audit, taxation and financial reporting, while working towards professional certification.
The primary objective of articled assistants is to gain the necessary knowledge and experience to become Chartered Accountants (CA). To become qualified, these professionals must complete three years of practical training and pass the examinations conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
On a daily basis, the role of articled assistants is to support senior accountants in conducting audits, preparing financial statements and analysing financial data. They ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting and work towards gaining valuable hands-on experience that prepares them for a successful career in accounting.
Note that while an articled assistant is a person undergoing a training program, a chartered accountant is a professional accountant who has already passed the examinations and is registered with the ICAI.
They’re also called article assistants or simply, articles. And the articleship is also called CA articleship or articled training.
Job description: Template
We are looking for a dedicated articled assistant to join our accounting firm, [Company X].
As a CA article, you will work alongside experienced professionals, develop your skills and gain valuable hands-on experience in accounting, auditing and financial analysis. The ideal candidate is an ambitious individual pursuing a career in accounting and auditing. You also have a solid academic background in accounting and a desire to gain practical experience in a dynamic work environment.
If you are a proactive individual with a deep interest in accounting, we invite you to join our team and embark on a rewarding career in accounting. We offer comprehensive training, mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.
Objectives of the role
- Assisting in performing audits, reviews and other assurance engagements under the supervision of senior team members.
- Participating in the planning, execution and completion of audit procedures as per professional standards and regulatory requirements.
- Analysing financial data and performing substantive and analytical procedures to verify accuracy and completeness.
- Preparing work papers, documentation and audit reports to support findings and recommendations.
- Conducting substantive testing, analytical procedures and risk assessments to evaluate financial statements and internal controls.
- Participating in tax compliance and advisory projects, including tax return preparation and research.
- Collaborating with team members to identify areas for improvement and recommend process enhancements.
Your tasks
- Help in conducting audit fieldwork, including gathering evidence, testing controls and verifying transactions.
- Prepare financial statements, trial balances and supporting schedules for senior team members to review.
- Assist in drafting audit findings, recommendations and management letters.
- Participate in client meetings, discussions and presentations as required.
- Maintain accurate and organised workpapers and documentation for audit engagements.
- Attend training sessions, seminars and workshops to enhance your technical and professional skills.
- Collaborate with team members to meet project deadlines and deliver high-quality work.
- Stay updated on accounting principles, auditing standards and regulatory changes relevant to the profession.
- Take responsibility for your learning and development and actively seek opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills.
Required skills and qualifications
- Pursuing or recently completed a degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.
- Passed the first group of the CA Intermediate or the second group of the CA IPCC.
- Familiarity with accounting principles and standards (e.g. GAAP, IFRS).
- Working knowledge of accounting software packages (e.g. QuickBooks, Tally, SAP).
- Familiarity with accounting and auditing practices in India.
- Knowledge of taxation principles, budgeting and financial management.
- Knowledge of corporate law and the Indian Companies Act.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Detail-oriented with strong organisational and time management abilities.
- Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Strong academic performance and a commitment to continuous learning.
Preferred skills and qualifications
- Completion of relevant coursework in auditing, financial accounting and taxation.
- Progress towards professional certification such as CA, CPA or ACCA.
- Experience in preparing tax returns and other documents.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other accounting software applications.
- Multilingual proficiency for effective communication with clients and team members.
