Staff Accountant Job Description
Overview
A Staff Accountant job role is responsible for managing the day-to-day accounting activities of an organization. This includes preparing financial statements and reports, maintaining accurate records, reconciling bank accounts, and overseeing accounts payable/receivable. The staff accountant also performs account analysis and assists in budget preparation. Additional duties may include analyzing data to identify trends or irregularities, performing audit procedures, assisting with tax compliance tasks such as filing returns or responding to queries from the IRS or other government agencies.
Steps to take to start your career as a Staff Accountant and other jobs like it
- Accounting requires a strong foundation in mathematics and analytical abilities. You don’t need more advanced math like calculus but having precision in your mathematical ability is important (the math you do needs to be consistently correct).
- If you want to progress past being an accounting clerk or bookkeeper, a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for many entry level accounting positions. Common majors include accounting, finance, or a related field from an accredited university or college. Some employers may also accept degrees in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Pursuing a master's degree in accounting can open up additional opportunities but isn’t required.
- Seek internships or entry-level positions in accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations to gain practical experience in the field. This hands-on experience will help you apply your academic knowledge and develop essential skills. Start building practical knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Obtaining a professional certification can enhance your credibility and job prospects in the field of accounting and is a requirement to progress in many accounting jobs. The most common certification for accountants in the United States is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential, which is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Other certifications include the Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and others, depending on your career goals and specialization.
- Consider specializing in a particular area of accounting, such as tax accounting, forensic accounting, auditing, or managerial accounting, based on your interests and career goals. Specialization can help you stand out in the job market and advance your career.
Accounting Jobs
I'm an accountant for a family office. I started my career in public accounting. It does offer you a way to learn about different businesses and how they're run, which I thought was great at the start of my career.
Interesting Experiences
I've had to do an inventory count in a gigantic warehouse freezer and dress for sub-zero temperatures. I had to do an audit for a learning center with river otters.
Public Accounting Workload
Public accounting does have a busy season or multiple busy seasons. Usually from late January, early February to mid April, you will probably have to work longer hours, I'd say about 50 to 60 hours a week or six days a week. Most firms do offer overtime pay, so it is, they do make it worth your while when you're logging in the extra hours.
Accounting Requirements
Most public accounting firms want their accountants to pursue a CPA license. The CPA exams are a series of exams that are fairly difficult. They do require studying, so that's another thing to consider. So usually on top of your workload and the hours that you're logging in at work, you'll have to think about when you're going to study for this exam.
More Opportunity
Once you do get licensed, I do believe it does open a lot of doors. You could go to a private firm or work for a company depending on your interests and your experience.
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Education you need to become a Staff Accountant
These are the most common degrees or certificates earned by Jobtrees users prior to becoming a Staff Accountant
There may be other required degrees or certifications needed for this job. The below info shows you the most commonly desired education level from employers when hiring for this job.
- Bachelor Degree in Accounting
- Bachelor of Science (b.sc.) in Accounting
- Bachelor of Business Administration (b.b.a.) in Accounting
- Master Degree in Accounting
- Associate Degree in Accounting
- Bachelor of Business Administration (b.b.a.)
Annual Pay Estimate for Staff Accountant and Other Important Info
See how many years Staff Accountant's are in their job, how much they make, how long it took to get there and how available this job is in terms of open positions.
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Career Paths for Staff Accountant
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