Accounting Professional Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the rapidly changing financial landscape, the focus on accounting professionals has never been stronger.

As businesses grow and regulations tighten, the demand for skilled individuals who can manage, optimize, and protect our financial systems heightens.

But what exactly is expected from an accounting professional?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of the accounting profession,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive and adaptable accounting professional job description template, created for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve into the details.

Accounting Professional Duties and Responsibilities

Accounting Professionals manage the financial information and processes of a company.

They use their expert knowledge of accounting principles and regulations to ensure all financial operations are accurate and compliant with legal standards.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Prepare and examine financial records to check for accuracy, and ensure they comply with laws and regulations
• Compute taxes owed, prepare tax returns, and ensure prompt payment
• Inspect account books and accounting systems for efficiency and use of accepted accounting procedures
• Organize and maintain financial records
• Improve businesses efficiency where money is concerned
• Make best-practices recommendations to management
• Suggest ways to reduce costs, enhance revenues and improve profits
• Provide auditing services for businesses and individuals
• Develop, implement, modify, and document recordkeeping and accounting systems
• Analyze financial information and prepare reports to determine or maintain a record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within an organization

 

Accounting Professional Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Accounting Professional to join our financial team.

The responsibilities of the Accounting Professional include maintaining financial records, performing account reconciliations, assisting with budget and close processes, conducting internal audits, and maintaining accounts payable documentation.

Our ideal candidates are detail-oriented, thorough, and organized.

They should have the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and have excellent knowledge of GAAP and other accounting principles.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare asset, liability, and capital account entries by compiling and analyzing account information
• Document financial transactions by entering account information
• Recommend financial actions by analyzing accounting options
• Summarize current financial status by collecting information; preparing balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and other reports
• Maintain accounting controls by preparing and recommending policies and procedures
• Guide accounting clerical staff by coordinating activities and answering questions
• Reconcile financial discrepancies by collecting and analyzing account information
• Secure financial information by completing data base backups
• Verify, allocate, post and reconcile transactions

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Accounting Professional or similar role
• Solid understanding of basic bookkeeping and accounting payable principles
• Proven ability to calculate, post and manage accounting figures and financial records
• Proficient in MS Office, databases and accounting software
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• BS degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Accounting Professional
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Accounting Manager or Finance Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $55,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Accounting Professional Do?

Accounting Professionals are crucial members of a company’s financial team, whether they work for a corporation, a small business, or as independent consultants.

Their primary tasks include preparing, examining, and analyzing financial records.

They ensure that a company’s financial operations run efficiently, and that records are accurate and comply with laws and regulations.

They are often responsible for preparing tax returns and ensuring that taxes are paid properly and on time.

They evaluate financial operations to recommend best-practices, identify issues and strategize solutions, and help organizations run efficiently.

Accounting Professionals also offer advice on how to reduce costs, enhance revenues, and improve profits.

They may also audit accounts for errors, inefficiencies or fraud, and may advise clients on financial, business and tax planning matters.

In some organizations, they are the primary point of contact for external auditors.

Accounting Professionals must possess a high degree of mathematical and analytical skills, along with a strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

 

Accounting Professional Qualifications and Skills

Accounting Professionals use a combination of technical knowledge, analytical skills and attention to detail to manage and streamline financial processes and records, including:

• Extensive knowledge of accounting principles and procedures to ensure accurate and efficient handling of financial data and transactions.
• Strong analytical skills to review financial data, identify trends, ensure accuracy, and provide insights for business decisions.
• Exceptional attention to detail to accurately handle numbers, spot errors and discrepancies in financial data.
• Proficiency in accounting software and financial management systems to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly explain complex financial data to stakeholders, collaborate with team members and build relationships with clients.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify and resolve financial discrepancies and issues effectively.
• Integrity and ethical standards to handle sensitive financial data responsibly and maintain confidentiality.
• Organizational skills to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.

 

Accounting Professional Experience Requirements

Entry-level accounting professionals may have 1 to 2 years of experience, usually obtained through internships or part-time roles in an accounting firm or a company’s accounting department.

These individuals may have experience in tasks such as bookkeeping, tax preparation, and auditing.

Accounting professionals with around 3 to 5 years of experience often have more specialized knowledge and skills.

They may have worked in roles such as Financial Analyst, Tax Consultant, or Auditor, and have experience in preparing financial reports, conducting financial research and analysis, and complying with accounting regulations and standards.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often considered seasoned accounting professionals.

They may have held roles such as Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager, or Financial Controller.

They likely have extensive experience in managing accounting functions, overseeing accounting teams, and developing and implementing accounting policies and procedures.

Accounting professionals with around 10 years of experience or more are often qualified for senior leadership positions in the accounting field, such as Chief Financial Officer or Finance Director.

These professionals have significant experience in strategic financial planning, corporate finance, risk management, and leadership.

 

Accounting Professional Education and Training Requirements

Accounting professionals typically need a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field such as business administration or finance.

Their education usually includes courses in areas such as economics, management, and statistics, as well as specialized courses in accounting like cost accounting, taxation, auditing, and financial reporting.

Many employers prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in accounting or a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in accounting.

Accounting professionals must also have a firm understanding of financial software, spreadsheets, and databases.

Most states require accounting professionals to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) before they can legally provide services to the public.

This typically involves passing the Uniform CPA Examination and meeting specific education and experience requirements.

Additional certifications, such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), are not mandatory but can enhance job prospects.

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the profession and can highlight expertise in certain areas of accounting.

Continuing professional education is also important for accounting professionals to keep up with changes in laws and regulations, and to maintain their CPA status or other certifications.

 

Accounting Professional Salary Expectations

An Accounting Professional can expect to earn an average salary of $55,202 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary depending on factors like experience, level of education, certification, and geographical location.

 

Accounting Professional Job Description FAQs

What skills does an accounting professional need?

An accounting professional needs to have strong analytical skills to interpret and manage financial data.

They should have a good knowledge of accounting principles and practices, as well as experience with accounting software.

Attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving abilities are also crucial.

Good communication skills are needed to explain complex financial information to non-accounting staff.

 

Do accounting professionals need a degree?

Yes, a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field is typically required for most accounting professional roles.

Some positions might also require a master’s degree or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification.

 

What should you look for in an accounting professional resume?

When reviewing an accounting professional’s resume, look for a strong educational background in accounting or finance and relevant certifications like CPA.

You should also look for experience in the accounting field, especially in a similar industry.

Familiarity with accounting software and systems is a big plus.

The candidate should also demonstrate skills like analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong ethical standards.

 

What qualities make a good accounting professional?

A good accounting professional is meticulous, analytical, and ethical.

They should be comfortable working with numbers and have a strong understanding of financial regulations and laws.

Good accounting professionals are also reliable and can handle sensitive information with discretion.

They should be able to communicate effectively and work well as part of a team.

 

Is it difficult to hire accounting professionals?

Hiring accounting professionals can be challenging due to the specific skill set and qualifications required for the job.

It’s important to offer competitive salaries and benefits, opportunities for professional development, and a positive work environment to attract the best candidates.

However, with a well-designed hiring process and clear job description, it is possible to find the right accounting professional for your organization.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the intricate world of an accounting professional.

Surprised?

It’s not just about crunching numbers.

It’s about shaping the financial future, one spreadsheet at a time.

With our go-to accounting professional job description template and practical examples, you’re all set to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your guiding light to meticulously crafted job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every number tells a story in the grand scheme of things.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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