Accountant job description: Duties, skills and responsibilities

Hiring the right accountant is essential for ensuring your financial operations are accurate, efficient, and compliant. Accountants play a vital role in maintaining your business’s fiscal health by managing records, interpreting financial data and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Below, we break down the key duties, skills and qualifications of an Accountant, helping you craft a compelling job description to attract top talent.

Accountant job duties and responsibilities

Accountants are the backbone of financial accountability in companies across diverse industries. Their role involves far more than just number crunching — they provide insights that guide your business toward sustainable growth.

Here are some key responsibilities to include in an accountant’s job description:

• Financial reporting and analysis
  • Prepare and maintain accurate financial records, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets and cash flow reports.
  • Analyse financial performance and trends to provide actionable insights to management.
  • Deliver regular reports that inform business strategy and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Regulatory compliance
  • Ensure compliance with tax regulations, employment laws and financial reporting standards.
  • Complete and submit accurate tax returns, liaising with relevant authorities as required.
  • Stay updated on changes to accounting regulations and legislation.
• Budgeting and forecasting
  • Assist in preparing operational and capital budgets to support the company’s financial objectives.
  • Monitor budget adherence to control costs and prevent overruns.
  • Provide forecasts and financial data to inform strategic planning.
• Accounts management
  • Handle accounts receivable and payable, reconciling discrepancies and ensuring timely payments.
  • Oversee payroll processes to guarantee accuracy and adherence to employment standards.
  • Conduct thorough audits of financial systems to identify inefficiencies or risks.
• Stakeholder collaboration
  • Work closely with leadership teams to align financial plans with organisational goals.
  • Communicate with external auditors, financial institutions and regulatory bodies.
  • Offer tailored financial advice and solutions to meet specific business needs.

Accountants keep businesses financially stable and compliant by combining technical expertise with strategic thinking.

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What should be included in an accountant job description?

A detailed and transparent job description ensures that you attract candidates with the right skills and experience. Be sure to include:

• Job overview: Provide a summary of the accountant’s role and its significance to your company.
• Core responsibilities: Outline specific expectations, including reporting, compliance and budgeting tasks.
• Key skills: Specify the technical expertise and personal capabilities needed for success.
• Experience and qualifications: Highlight minimum education levels, certifications and years of experience.
• Company culture: Share insights into your organisation’s mission, values and work environment.
• Next steps: Include clear instructions on how candidates can apply and what materials are required.

Example of a job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Accountant to manage the financial health of our organisation. This role requires precision, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering excellent financial insights.

Key responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
• Prepare financial reports, budgets, and forecasts to guide decision-making.
• Manage accounts receivable and payable, ensuring timely reconciliations.
• Handle payroll calculations, deductions and submissions.
• Collaborate with auditors, tax agencies and other stakeholders to align financial operations.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years of experience in accounting or bookkeeping.
• Proficiency in accounting software like MYOB, Xero or QuickBooks.
• Strong analytical abilities and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills to work with stakeholders at all levels.

Work environment:

• Hybrid work model with flexibility for remote days.
• Occasionally requires longer hours during peak financial periods, such as quarterly reports or tax time.

If you’re ready to make an impact by ensuring financial integrity and driving business growth, apply today.

What is the best way to screen candidates?

Finding the right accountant for your business requires a focused recruitment strategy that examines their technical skills, experience, and suitability for your company culture. Here’s how to streamline your screening process:

Streamline your process with Employment Hero’s tailored recruitment tools. Get connected with pre-qualified candidates ready to make an impact.

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What skills should an accountant have?

Accountants must balance technical expertise with interpersonal abilities to succeed. Here are some vital skills:

Technical competencies: An accountant should have a mastery of accounting principles, financial reporting standards, and tax regulations. They’re expected to have a high-level proficiency in accounting software and spreadsheet tools, as well as an analytical ability to interpret financial data accurately and provide actionable insights.

Soft skills: It’s not just about the technical skills though! Accountants are expected to have strong organisation and time-management skills, especially during critical deadlines. They should have clear and professional communication to liaise with internal teams and external stakeholders, and the ability to solve problems efficiently, from errors in data to complex financial challenges.

Focus on the skill sets most important to your organisation to ensure cultural and professional alignment.

What qualifications should an accountant have?

While practical experience is highly valued, certain qualifications signal a well-trained professional. These include:

• Educational background: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline is typically required.
• Certifications: Recognised credentials such as CA (Chartered Accountant) are often essential in senior roles.
• Experience: A minimum of 2–5 years in accounting or financial management roles, depending on the complexity of the position.

Specify the level of experience and education needed in your job description to attract candidates that meet your exact criteria.

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Should an accountant be required to have any specific education or training?

To become an accountant, you’ll generally need a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a similar subject. For more senior roles, a Master’s degree might be preferred. It’s also highly recommended to get professional certifications like CPA or CA, which involve tough exams and practical experience. Because accounting rules, technology, and the economy are always changing, accountants need to keep learning and updating their skills, especially with new tax laws, accounting standards (like IFRS or GAAP), and software. 

Being good with accounting software such as Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks, plus advanced spreadsheet tools like Microsoft Excel, is vital. Knowing how to use larger company systems (ERP) is also helpful. Since accountants handle sensitive financial information, strong ethics training is a must and many programs include this.

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