An accountant prepares, analyses and maintains financial records. Accountants typically work for a company, managing that company’s finances.

They might perform a variety of tasks, including managing a company’s payroll, taxes and various other payments. There are many different types of accountants, from general accountants to tax accountants.

Each one has slightly different duties.

Accountant Job Duties: Prepares asset, liability and capital account entries by compiling and analysing account information. Document financial transactions by entering account information.

Recommends financial actions by analysing accounting options. Summarises current financial status by collecting information; preparing balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and other reports.

Substantiates financial transactions by auditing documents. Maintains accounting controls by preparing and recommending policies and procedures.

Guides accounting clerical staff by coordinating activities and answering questions. Reconciles financial discrepancies by collecting and analysing account information.

Secures financial information by completing database backups. Maintains financial security by following internal controls.

Prepares payments by verifying documentation and requesting disbursements. Answers accounting procedure questions by researching and interpreting accounting policy and regulations.

Complies with financial legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation, enforcing adherence to requirements, and advising management on needed actions.

Prepares special financial reports by collecting, analysing and summarising account information and trends.

Maintains customer confidence and protects operations by keeping financial information confidential.

Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies. Accomplishes the result by performing the duty.

Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed. Accountant Skills and Qualifications: Accounting, Corporate Finance, Reporting Skills, Attention to Detail, Deadline-Oriented, Reporting Research Results, SFAS Rules, Confidentiality, Time Management, Data Entry Management, General Maths Skills, The Association of Accounting Technician (AAT).