A Junior Accountant's job description reflects the core duties of people responsible for maintaining and compiling financial reports and statements following standards and procedures.
Junior accountants are frequently full-time workers. The junior accountant is responsible for analyzing balance sheets. They are also responsible for managing general ledger accounts, and updating financial statements. They maintain the accounts receivable and payable. They also handle monthly payroll, and prepare financial reports.
The ideal candidate for a junior accountant position will be well-versed in accounting principles, comfortable working with numbers, and detail-oriented. The purpose is to contribute to the department's overall efficiency and to help the organization understand its financial situation.
A junior accountant is a position at the entry-level of an accounting career ladder. They usually report to a senior accountant or accounting manager. Growth in the accounting profession is expected to expand by 6% between 2021 and 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Junior Accountant's Job description should list the primary duties, the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other qualities (KSAO) necessary for an individual to perform the job well.
Related: Senior Accountant Job Description
Junior Accountant Job description: Overall Purpose of the job
Junior Accountant is a professional who manages everyday accounting activities to assist the finance department.
Junior Accountant Job description: Primary duties
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- Ensures that all company transactions are recorded by posting and processing journal entries;
- Helps investors acquire a better idea of a company's overall financial stability and liquidity by monitoring accounts receivable;
- Produces an accurate balance sheet by tracking and monitoring accounts payable;
- Ensures that information is correct and readily available when requested by keeping financial data in databases up to date;
- Shares financial statements by preparing and submitting weekly or monthly reports;
- Prepares budgets by collaborating with management and staff;
- Conducting payroll data entry by compiling payroll expenses and entering them into the appropriate entry line;
- Ensures a seamless accounting procedure by executing reconciliations operations.
Junior Accountant Job Description: Educational Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or business administration is required as it provides an educational foundation;
- Qualifications (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) are preferred but not essential;
Junior Accountant Job description: Experience Required
- 1 year's accounting experience is required to handle the day-to-day tasks.
- Experience with accounting software systems is required to capture data quickly and efficiently and create full and thorough reports;
- Experience creating budgets for the department to arrange team training and certifications.
Related: Job Description of Finance Director: What Do You Need To Know
Junior Accountant Job description: Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAO)
Knowledge
- Excellent knowledge of mathematics is necessary to assist the incumbent in performing your everyday accounting activities competently;
- This post requires a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance or a related field;
- Excellent knowledge of accounting and financial reporting principles and processes is necessary to read and interpret financial reports and understand how to complete tasks;
- Knowledge of Advanced Excel, such as Vlookups and pivot tables is required to be able to process data to improve decision-making.
Skills
- Excellent financial analytical skills are essential because the position requires a high level of analytical ability;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary to communicate with managers, financial specialists, and other accountants;
- Organization skills are required to properly manage several activities and clients at once, especially during hectic periods;
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are necessary to
Abilities
- The ability to use accounting instruments such as calculators and computers, particularly accounting software packages is required as these tools are used in day-to-day tasks;
- A critical thinker with strong math skills is required to assess events and make sound judgments;
- Excellent report writing, communication, and information technology capabilities are necessary to deliver accounting-specific knowledge and can be deemed hard skills;
Other Characteristics
- Extremely detail-oriented is necessary to guarantee that financial accounts are reviewed carefully and that any anomalies are identified;
Related: KSAOs Step By Step Guide to Understanding KSAOs
Conclusion
Junior accountants are qualified financial experts that assist firms by managing day-to-day accounting and financial activities. They generate, maintain, and reconcile financial statements and other financial documentation and compile reports. These activities will vary from organization to organization and should be reflected clearly in the job description.
Natasha Chimphondah is an organizational development consultant at Industrial Psychology Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, a business management and human resources consulting firm.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-chikondi-chimphondah-9b62a9159/
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Email: natasha@ipcconsultant.com
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