Staff Accountant Job Description

Because of the important responsibilities of the role, your company needs to find and hire a well-qualified staff accountant. The first step is to visualize the ideal candidate and write a job description that reflects this person’s experience and qualifications.

The job description is your company’s introduction and invitation, giving potential candidates a glimpse of your mission and the expectations for the staff accountant role. To make the best impression, keep it simple and concise while providing as much detail as possible. After you compile the lists of objectives, responsibilities, and qualifications, double-check that all of the information is accurate and includes the key requirements.

Sample staff accountant job description

At [Company X], finances are the fuel that keeps our company moving. We’re looking for a qualified staff accountant to help keep our figures and budgets — and those of our clients — on track with unwavering accuracy. The ideal candidate will have natural passion for math and intricate knowledge of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, taxes, and other financial transactions within an organization. The staff accountant will play an important support role, clarifying the financial outlook of our company and its clients with precise, proactive measures.

Objectives of this role

Execute mid-level general-ledger account reconciliations, accurate reporting, and data verification, enabling senior staff to analyze options and make financial decisions aligned with company objectives
Monitor policies and procedures for assigned departments, and identify and suggest improvements for accounting reports and procedures
Study existing and recent legislation to ensure compliance with national and local financial requirements
Continue professional education by participating in webinars, workshops, and networking events

Responsibilities

Conduct mid-level general-ledger account reconciliations, verify accuracy of data, and identify and correct errors made by internal and external personnel
Support monthly, quarterly, half-year, and year-end financial closes, including assigned journal entries, balance-sheet account reconciliations, accruals, and overall maintenance of operational management accounts
Assist in providing schedules and commentary for operational management account results and variances, and for the production of working-capital cash-flow reports
Maintain and update records and reports for profit and loss, taxes, liabilities, and assets
Prepare special financial reports, when requested by senior managers, by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing account information and trends

Required skills and qualifications

Professional experience in accounting, such as internship or staff role
Knowledge of accounting and corporate finance principles and procedures
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and organize effectively
Ability to maintain confidentiality of company and client information
Desire to continue professional growth through training

Preferred skills and qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in accounting, business accounting, or finance
Certified public accountant (CPA) license or equivalent
Experience in audit accounting
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)

How to write a staff accountant job description