what is an accounts assistant?

An accounts assistant is a finance administrator working in a junior position in an accounting department. You support and report to financial managers and ensure the department accomplishes its financial tasks by working on bookkeeping and other financial administration.

Accounts assistants can find employment opportunities in all types of companies because finances are a major part of any business. Your role as a financial support employee is critical to a company's success, especially if the employees work with large quantities of financial data.

are accounts assistants junior accountants?

Accounts assistants are often confused with junior accountants as they also perform support roles for accountants. However, these are completely different roles. As an accounts assistant, you report to junior accountants who double-check entries and fix accounting errors. Due to your role in administrating financial accounts, you can work in various industries. These include professional companies, financial institutions and government offices. In most companies, you are in charge of all accounting tasks, although it's possible to specialise.

Would working in finance as an accounts assistant suit your mathematical and analytical skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an accounts assistant role.

accounts assistant jobs
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average accounts assistant salary

Compensation may differ depending on factors such as experience, location, and the employing company. On average, accounts assistants in Canada earn approximately $55,000 annually, with entry-level positions starting at $45,000 and more seasoned professionals earning up to $65,000 per year.

what factors affect your salary as an accounts assistant?

The salary of an accounts assistant in Canada is shaped by factors such as experience, education, and geographical location. Salaries can vary by region or city. For instance, the cost of living in urban areas tends to be higher, which may be reflected in higher salaries. Industry and company size also play a role, with larger and more prosperous companies often offering higher compensation. Specialized skills and effective negotiation during the hiring process can contribute to increased salaries. Additionally, economic conditions in the country impact overall salary trends, with growth periods potentially leading to higher earnings. Overall, understanding and navigating these factors can help individuals secure a more competitive salary in the field.

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types of accounts assistants

Some types of accounts assistants include:

  • accounting clerks: as an accounts clerk, you are responsible for tracking and monitoring accounts and company transactions. You can work in any business to record accounts receivable and payable.
  • bookkeeping clerks: as a bookkeeper, you can work in any business. Your job is to record transactions, store financial documents and analyse financial statements.
  • auditing clerks: as an auditing clerk, you deal with more mathematical tasks. In this position, you audit financial documents for inaccuracies and provide solutions for errors.
accounts assistant
accounts assistant
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working as an accounts assistant

Working as an accounts assistant involves helping companies keep track of their financial transactions. Let's explore the daily duties and responsibilities in the role.

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accounts assistant education and skills

To become an accounts assistant in Canada, a common educational path is to obtain a diploma or degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with formal education in accounting principles, financial management, and relevant software applications. Some accounts assistants may also pursue professional certifications, such as the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, to enhance their qualifications. While specific educational requirements can vary among employers, having a foundation in accounting through formal education is generally advantageous for pursuing a career as an accounts assistant in Canada.

skills and competencies

Accounts assistants need a particular set of skills to carry out various accounting responsibilities competently. They include:

  • analytical skills: mathematics is at the core of accounting. As an accounts assistant, you collect necessary financial data, analyse it, and make accurate calculations and conclusions. Strong mathematical and analytical skills enable you to notice disparities between reports and solve bookkeeping problems.
  • computer skills: to make their work possible, accounts assistants rely on computer apps and software such as spreadsheets to record and store volumes of data. Therefore, you have to be knowledgeable about computing and have some experience with the relevant accounting software.
  • listening and communication skills: since accounts assistants work in collaboration with other accounting experts, it's necessary to have the ability to interact and communicate well with other people. As an accounts assistant, you need good listening skills to learn from your superiors fast. You should also be very clear when passing on information. Constant communication will help you avoid errors in accounting records.
  • strong attention to detail: precision is important for success as an accounts assistant. Being thorough when handling accounting records helps you deliver high-quality work. In accounting, the smallest errors can cause problems for even a large company if they're not resolved promptly.
  • organisational skills: as an accounts assistant, your work can be complex, especially when dealing with many records in a large firm. You must be good at organising your work to beat deadlines and deliver exceptional results.
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FAQs

Here are the most asked questions about working as an accounts assistant:

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