Accounting Supervisor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s financially-driven world, the importance of an Accounting Supervisor has never been higher.

As businesses continue to evolve, so does the demand for skilled individuals who can oversee, control, and enhance our financial operations.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Accounting Supervisor?

Whether you are:

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

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Accounting Supervisor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Accounting Supervisor Duties and Responsibilities

Accounting Supervisors oversee the operations of accounting departments, ensuring accurate and timely processing of transactions and financial reports.

They play a crucial role in developing and implementing systems for collecting, analyzing, verifying, and reporting financial information.

Accounting Supervisors typically have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Supervising and managing the daily operations of the accounting department including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, general ledger, payroll, and treasury
• Monitoring and analyzing accounting data to produce accurate financial reports or statements
• Establishing and enforcing proper accounting methods, policies, and principles
• Coordinating and completing annual audits
• Meeting financial standards by providing accounting department annual budget information, monitoring expenditures, identifying variances, and implementing corrective actions
• Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation, enforcing adherence to requirements, and advising management on needed actions
• Improving systems and procedures and initiating corrective actions
• Answering accounting procedure questions by researching and interpreting accounting policy and regulations
• Protecting organization’s value by keeping information confidential
• Contributing to team efforts by accomplishing related results as needed

 

Accounting Supervisor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced Accounting Supervisor to oversee our accounting department’s daily operations.

The Accounting Supervisor will be responsible for monitoring general accounting practices, assisting in the budgeting process, and building strong relationships with our clients.

The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of GAAP, coupled with excellent analytical skills and a detailed understanding of accounting principles.

The incumbent should display a passion for leading and a strong proficiency in accounting software and databases.

 

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee daily operations of the accounting department including billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger and so on.
• Prepare and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner.
• Coordinate and complete annual audits.
• Guide junior staff by coordinating activities and answering questions.
• Monitor and analyze accounting data and produce financial reports or statements.
• Review and recommend modifications to accounting systems and procedures.
• Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls.
• Contribute to a strong client relationship through positive interactions with client personnel.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Accounting Supervisor or Senior Accountant.
• Thorough knowledge of basic accounting procedures and principles.
• Experience with creating financial statements and general ledger functions.
• Excellent accounting software user and administration skills.
• Advanced degree in Accounting or Finance.
• CPA or CMA preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and good analytical skills.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Accounting Supervisor
• Work Environment: Primarily office setting with occasional client visits.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Financial Officer or Financial Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $115,000 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 Supervisor Do?

An Accounting Supervisor typically works within the financial department of various businesses across different industries.

They can also work for accounting firms or as self-employed consultants.

Accounting Supervisors oversee the daily operations of an accounting department.

They work closely with other accountants and financial professionals to ensure that all financial transactions are recorded accurately and in a timely manner.

Their job is to maintain the integrity of general ledgers and ensure that financial statements are in accordance with company policies and regulations.

They are often responsible for the creation and implementation of accounting policies and procedures.

Accounting Supervisors review the work of their team members to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.

They provide feedback and guidance to the team to help them improve their performance.

They also handle complex accounting activities and assist in the preparation of financial reports.

They often serve as a liaison between the accounting department and other departments within the organization.

Accounting Supervisors may also be involved in budgeting, financial planning, and auditing processes.

They ensure that all financial activities are aligned with the company’s goals and objectives.

They may also be responsible for training new staff and developing strategies to improve the efficiency of the accounting department.

 

Accounting Supervisor Qualifications and Skills

An effective Accounting Supervisor should possess the necessary qualifications and skills to successfully handle the responsibilities of the role, such as:

• Thorough understanding and knowledge of accounting principles and financial regulations, ensuring accurate and compliant financial reporting.
• Strong leadership and management skills to supervise and guide the accounting department efficiently.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify, investigate, and resolve accounting issues and discrepancies.
• Proficiency in accounting software and systems, ensuring efficient and accurate data processing.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex financial information in a clear and concise manner to non-financial staff and stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills, adept at managing multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Highly skilled in financial analysis and interpretation to inform business decisions and strategies.
• Customer service skills to handle inquiries and issues from internal and external stakeholders.
• Professional ethics and integrity in handling sensitive financial data.

 

Accounting Supervisor Experience Requirements

Accounting Supervisors generally need to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.

They should have gained significant theoretical and practical knowledge during their education and training.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience in an accounting role, typically in positions such as Junior Accountant, Accounts Assistant or Audit Associate.

This experience can be gained through internships or full-time roles after graduation.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience generally advance their skills and knowledge in accounting, often in positions such as Staff Accountant or Senior Accountant.

During this period, they gain experience in general ledger functions, financial statement preparations, and budgeting.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often ready for the Accounting Supervisor role.

They may have already gained some leadership experience, perhaps in a Lead Accountant or Assistant Accounting Manager role.

In addition to the above, professional certifications like Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) can be beneficial and may be required by some employers.

Accounting Supervisors must also have strong analytical, problem-solving, and team management skills.

 

Accounting Supervisor Education and Training Requirements

Accounting Supervisors generally hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Critical knowledge areas include financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and business law, which are typically covered in these degree programs.

In addition to this, they need to have a comprehensive understanding of accounting software and the ability to work with databases and spreadsheets.

Several positions may necessitate Accounting Supervisors to possess a master’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting.

Most organizations prefer candidates who are Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) as it showcases their expertise in the accounting field.

The CPA certification requires additional education and passing a national exam.

Furthermore, several years of relevant work experience are usually required, with a history of progressive responsibility in the field of accounting.

Continuing education and staying updated with the latest accounting rules and regulations is also crucial in this role, as it helps in maintaining the accuracy of an organization’s financial records.

 

Accounting Supervisor Salary Expectations

An Accounting Supervisor can expect to make an average of $70,835 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can vary based on factors such as years of experience, specific accounting certifications, the size and industry of the company, and the cost of living in the job location.

 

Accounting Supervisor Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Accounting Supervisor need?

Accounting Supervisors should have strong leadership and management skills to oversee the work of the accounting team.

They should be detail-oriented and possess strong analytical abilities to review financial data and prepare reports.

They should also be proficient in accounting software and have excellent knowledge of accounting principles and regulations.

 

Do Accounting Supervisors need a degree?

Yes, Accounting Supervisors should hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Many companies prefer candidates who also hold a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

Some companies may prefer candidates with a Master’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration.

 

What should you look for in an Accounting Supervisor resume?

When reviewing an Accounting Supervisor resume, look for a strong educational background in accounting or finance, and certifications like CPA.

Check for experience in supervisory roles, as well as proficiency in accounting software.

Other important factors include experience with financial statement preparation, budgeting, and a demonstrated knowledge of accounting principles and regulations.

 

What qualities make a good Accounting Supervisor?

A good Accounting Supervisor is a strong leader with excellent communication skills.

They should be able to delegate tasks effectively, provide clear instructions, and manage their team to meet deadlines.

They should also be detail-oriented, with a strong understanding of accounting principles and regulations.

A good Accounting Supervisor should also have strong problem-solving skills to resolve any accounting issues that may arise.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Accounting Supervisor?

Hiring an Accounting Supervisor can be challenging as it requires finding a candidate with a strong background in accounting, experience in a supervisory role, and the ability to lead a team effectively.

It’s important to offer competitive compensation and benefits to attract top talent.

A thorough interview process, including scenario-based questions to assess problem-solving abilities, can help ensure the right fit.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse behind the scenes of what it truly means to be an accounting supervisor.

But guess what?

It’s not just about crunching numbers.

It’s about overseeing financial procedures, shaping financial strategies, and taking a lead role in a company’s financial health.

With our tailored accounting supervisor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But don’t stop there.

Further explore with our job description generator. It’s your strategic tool for creating pinpoint accurate listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every financial decision is a stepping stone towards a company’s prosperity.

Let’s reach those financial goals. Together.

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