Accountant
Job Overview
An Accountant works closely with the Accounting Manager to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information and records for assigned entities. This includes performing general accounting duties such as maintaining ledgers, preparing financial statements, and reconciling accounts. An Accountant also analyzes financial data, identifies trends, and makes recommendations for improvement. Proficiency in accounting software is important as are familiarity with GAAP principles.
Organizational Impact
The job of an accountant has a significant impact on organizations. Some of the impacts are:
1. Financial Management: Accountants are responsible for managing the financial resources of an organization. They ensure that the financial statements are accurate and up-to-date, which helps the organization make informed decisions.
2. Compliance: Accountants ensure that the organization complies with all the relevant laws and regulations. They also ensure that the organization's financial statements are in compliance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
3. Budgeting: Accountants are responsible for creating and managing the organization's budget. They help the organization allocate resources effectively and efficiently.
4. Decision Making: Accountants provide financial information to the organization's management team, which helps them make informed decisions. They also provide financial analysis and forecasting, which helps the organization plan for the future.
5. Risk Management: Accountants help the organization manage financial risks by identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate them.
Overall, the job of an accountant has a significant impact on the financial health and success of an organization.
Key Systems
- Accounting software (e.g. QuickBooks, Xero)
- Spreadsheet software (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets)
- Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
- Tax preparation software (e.g. TurboTax, H&R Block)
- Payroll software (e.g. ADP, Gusto)
Inputs
- Financial data and records
- Tax laws and regulations
- Business transactions and invoices
- Payroll and employee information
- Budgets and financial reports
Outputs
- Financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement)
- Budgets and forecasts
- Tax returns and compliance filings
- Accounts payable and receivable management
- Financial analysis and recommendations for business decisions
Activities
- Full General Ledger duties for assigned entities
- Prepare quarterly reports for entities as required
- Review and track all balance sheet accounts, keeping schedules as needed
- Enter wire transfers and ACHs as needed
- Review daily cash report to identify cash transactions that may still need to be posted to General Ledger
- Review expense coding, amounts, the validity of the debt, and authority limits of payables and check requests submitted
- Review credit card schedules for reasonableness and assure the transfer of cash between entities
- Maintain intercompany loan schedules and general ledger reconciliation
- Submit ACH requests to Treasury to clear intercompany liabilities
- Process monthly, quarterly, and annual sales tax returns
- Other duties as may be assigned
Recommended Items
- Financial statements preparation and analysis
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Accounts payable and receivable management
- Tax compliance and reporting
- Audit preparation and support
Content Examples
- Financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement)
- Tax returns (federal, state, local)
- Audit reports (internal and external)
- Budgets and forecasts
- General ledger entries and journal entries
Sample Event-Driven Tasks
- Reconcile bank statements monthly
- Prepare and file quarterly tax returns
- Review and approve employee expense reports
- Analyze financial statements and provide recommendations for improvement
- Create and maintain budgets for various departments or projects
Sample Scheduled Tasks
- Prepare monthly financial statements
- Reconcile bank accounts on a weekly basis
- Process payroll bi-weekly
- File quarterly tax returns
- Conduct annual audits of financial records
Sample Infill Tasks
- Prepare financial statements and reports
- Analyze financial data and provide recommendations for improvement
- Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable
- Prepare and file tax returns for individuals and businesses
- Conduct audits of financial records and systems