Assistant Accountant job summary
A good job description starts with an attention-grabbing summary of the position and its role within your company. Your summary should provide an overview of your company and expectations for the position. Outline the types of activities and responsibilities required for the job so job seekers can determine if they are qualified, or if the job is suitable for them.
Example of an Assistant Accountant job summary
Our rapidly expanding financial services firm is looking for an Assistant Accountant to help with the preparation of various financial documents. The ideal candidate will have experience handling payroll processing, account reconciliation, accounts payable, processing check request and more. Working closely with the Finance Director, candidates will also provide administrative assistance that includes maintaining filing systems, generating reports, ordering supplies, etc. We’re looking for a candidate who has strong attention to detail, a solid understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and experience with general office tasks. Work in a fast-paced environment that could have your working on payroll one day and setting up printer maintenance the next.
Assistant Accountant responsibilities and duties
The responsibilities and duties section is the most important part of the job description. Here you should outline the functions this position will perform on a regular basis, how the job functions within the organization and the title of the manager the person will report to.
- Maintain financial records for client companies by analyzing balance sheets and general ledger accounts.
- Reconcile bank statements by comparing transactions to the general ledger.
- Assist with day-to-day operations of the Finance department, including filing, report generation, budget review, etc.
- Process weekly payroll accurately and timely.
- Maintain accounting documents and records, ensuring all files are up to date.
- Prepare bank deposits.
Assistant Accountant qualifications and skills
Next, outline the required and preferred skills for your position. This may include education, previous job experience, certifications and technical skills. You may also include soft skills and personality traits that you expect from a successful candidate. While it may be tempting to include a long list of skills and requirements, including too many could dissuade qualified candidates from applying. Keep your list of qualifications concise, but provide enough detail with relevant keywords and terms.
- Diploma or Certificate required. Associate’s degree in Accounting or related field preferred.
- Attention to detail and good record-keeping skills a must.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize projects to meet tight deadlines.
- Experience using Excel and other accounting software.
- 2+ years of accounts payable experience.
- Ability to complete tasks while maintaining all confidentiality requirements.