MightyRecruiterAccounting assistants perform a wide range of tasks that ultimately help an accounting firm run smoothly on a day-to-day basis. These professionals are mainly responsible for producing financial documentation, updating statements and recording financial transactions in the appropriate ledgers.
In the skills section of your accounting assistant job description, you should highlight how important it is for your hire to be highly organized and adept at problem solving. This person should also be friendly, with a tendency to be extremely detail-oriented.
Additionally, accounting assistants should have basic knowledge of accounting and record-keeping programs, like QuickBooks. They should also have good computer skills and be familiar with basic accounting statements. Use the example below to get a better feel for what your own accounting assistant job description should include.
Accounting Assistant Job Summary
As an accounting assistant at our expanding CPA firm, you will be an integral member of a team responsible for handling over 500 client accounts. In addition to updating financial ledgers and recording transactions with accurate information, you will gain greater familiarity with financial accounting software that our firm and many other firms use. You will also work on large group projects designed to promote client success and financial profitability as a consultant and record keeper. This is a great position for someone with basic financial record keeping and accounting skills who wants to refine their abilities and work towards career mobility.
Job Responsibilities
- Calculate and check payments to make sure they are correct, and record them in the right financial ledger for future reference and use
- Work with financial ledgers, journals, and sales and purchase ledgers on a daily basis
- Sort incoming and outgoing mail every morning and afternoon, and answer any questions from potential and current clients
- Manage petty cash payments made by members of the team and record any transactions in the correct expense account
- Make copies of incoming financial records and file them in the right client account on an ongoing basis
- Run depreciation software program to determine the value of depreciable assets owned and maintained by the firm
- Reconcile firm bank statements by ensuring all transactions have been posted and comparing them with the general ledger to determine if any inaccuracies need to be rectified
- Contribute to the organization as a whole by maintaining a team-oriented demeanor and participating in company events as they are scheduled
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Working knowledge of spreadsheets and basic accounting software
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Preferred
- Associate’s degree in accounting or bookkeeping
- Experience working with QuickBooks
- Two years of experience working in an accounting firm
Accounting Assistant Job Responsibilities
To attract the strongest and most qualified candidates to your company, it is important to have a well-crafted accounting assistant job description. Put the jobseeker front and center. Let him or her know how he or she can contribute to your company. Mention exciting projects and assignments that will be a part of the accounting assistant job responsibilities. Describe your company culture in an enticing, friendly manner. Show the jobseeker that he or she will enjoy working for you.
When drafting your accounting assistant job description, avoid lengthy, dense paragraphs. Keep it succinct and to the point. Bulleted lists are great for outlining job responsibilities, but don’t let them take on a life of their own. 5-6 bullets are enough. If you put much more than that, the jobseeker is unlikely to read to the bottom of the list. Start each list with an action verb. Not only is this a clear way to communicate, it adds a little punch of excitement to the description.
Here are some examples of accounting assistant responsibilities:
- Invoice and bill customers’ accounts
- Reconcile accounts
- Analyze, research and report on specific assignments
- Maintain accounting records
- Develop accounting practices in the software system
- Assist controller with record keeping and other duties
Accounting Assistant Job Specifications
Finding the candidate with the right qualifications and skills is key to successful hiring. You don’t want an inexperienced accounting assistant playing with your money. Likewise, interviewing overqualified candidates is a waste of time as they are not likely to want a job that is below their skill level and expertise. Consult with the head of your accounting department to devise the list of skills and qualifications. He or she may have an insider’s take on what the accounting assistant job description should include.
Separate those skills that are essential from those that are preferred, and delineate them clearly with a bulleted list. Put the qualifications you would most like to see first, and then list the rest in descending order. This will quickly show the jobseeker if he or she is over or under-qualified. When considering the accounting assistant job description, be realistic about the skills you are seeking. Don’t expect advanced-level skills and 10 years of experience for an entry-level position.
Here is an example of accounting assistant job specifications you might use:
- Some college with 2-3 years of experience required, bachelor’s degree preferred
- Working knowledge of accounting software and Microsoft Office
- Strong customer service skills
- Ability to use payroll processing systems
- Excellent organization and communication skills
