all about accounting jobs

Depending on where you work, you may assist a bookkeeper, controller or finance director with a variety of tasks. Your role is similar to that of an accounting assistant.

Some common tasks that cross your desk include processing invoices, assisting accounts payable and receivable, and establishing and maintaining financial records. You also lend a hand with other clerical duties as needed.

The skills, training, and experience you bring as an accounting , will open the door to a bright future in other more senior accounting jobs.

what accounting jobs entail

As an accounting , you typically work in an offics setting.You work closely with or report an accountant or other accounting professional in your company's financial department, providing support for a variety of accounting tasks. If you work for a smaller company; you may also perform admninistrative or clerucal duties as a part of your job. At larger companis; you may have a more specialized accounting role.

average accounting salaries

As an accounting , you can make anywhere from $32,000 to $55,000, depending on your level of experience and location. As an accounting just starting your career, you can expect to make on the low end of this spectrum, with your salary increasing in tandem with your experience.

Accounting salaries are very consistent across Canada, indicating a strong demand for accounting s across the county. No matter where you choose to reside, you should be able to find a variety of accounting jobs that fit your experience level.

Once you gain some accounting experience, you may also opt to continue your training and become a chartered accountant. This will significantly increase your earning potential.

your day to day tasks

Much like accounting assistants, accounting s work closely with their company's accounting team to prepare a variety of financial documents. As an accounting , tasks you'll encounter include:

calculating, preparing and processing bills, invoices, reports, account statements, purchase orders, payroll and other financial statements
coding, totaling, batching, entering, verifying and reconciling transactions like accounts payable and receivable
compiling data for budgets and reports, keeping track of costs
responding to customer inquiries
performing clerical duties like word processing, filing, faxing and photocopying

where you can work

The vast majority of businesses in Canada have some financial component, ensuring that accounting jobs are in demand across a wide array of industries and fields.

The largest Canadian employers in the financial industry are banks, however, insurance companies, consulting companies and accounting companies are also employers with large accounting teams.

what you bring to the table

Accounting positions require proficiency in office and accounting software, and excellent technical skills. Skills employers look for in accounting s include:

math skills
familiarity with accounting principles
attention to detail
problem-solving skills
adherence to ethical standards
strong people skills
bilingualism in English/French is a plus

Prior experience with industry-standard accounting software will also help you fast track your career and find better-paying jobs.

training and certifications

Accounting jobs are largely considered entry-level. If you're just starting out in your accounting career, an accounting job is an opportunity to learn the ropes and get your foot in the door.

You'll need a high school diploma, though some employers may look for post-secondary education in administration, accounting, of office technology. According to Service Canada, employers favor graduates with a Diploma of College Studies (DEC) in accounting and management technology.

Many accounting jobs will also provide on the job training, or provide support to help you continue your education and become a Chartered Accountant.

where your career is headed

Employment opportunities for accounting s have expanded as many previously manual accounting tasks have become more computerized. With advanced accounting software, it is now possible for accounting s to handle some tasks once reserved for chartered accountants.

Regardless, many accounting s opt to continue their education and become fully designated accountants to access new job opportunities with higher pay and other benefits. If you aren't interested in becoming an accountant, another option is to choose a specialty and move into roles such as accounts payable , accounts receivable , payroll administrator or other related financial roles.