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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Account Analyst

💰 $55,000 - $80,000

FinanceAccountingBusiness AnalysisCorporate Operations

🎯 Role Definition

An Account Analyst is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and reconciling financial accounts to ensure accuracy and compliance with company policies. They provide actionable insights through reporting, support budget management, and assist with financial decision-making. Account Analysts serve as a bridge between finance, operations, and business units, ensuring financial integrity and strategic alignment across accounts.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Accountant
  • Financial Analyst
  • Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialist

Advancement To:

  • Senior Account Analyst
  • Finance Manager
  • Accounting Supervisor
  • Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Analyst

Lateral Moves:

  • Business Analyst
  • Revenue Analyst
  • Compliance Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  1. Analyze financial statements and account activity to identify discrepancies, trends, and opportunities.
  2. Reconcile general ledger accounts, ensuring all transactions are accurately recorded and supported.
  3. Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for management and stakeholders.
  4. Monitor accounts receivable and payable to ensure timely invoicing, collections, and payments.
  5. Collaborate with internal teams to resolve account discrepancies, billing issues, and audit inquiries.
  6. Support budget preparation and forecasting by providing detailed account analysis and insights.
  7. Review transactions for compliance with company policies, internal controls, and regulatory requirements.
  8. Maintain detailed and organized accounting records and documentation.
  9. Participate in month-end and year-end closing activities, reconciliations, and reporting.
  10. Develop and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy in account management.
  11. Perform variance analysis to explain differences between budgeted and actual figures.
  12. Assist with audit preparation and responding to internal and external audit inquiries.
  13. Ensure proper allocation of expenses and revenue recognition in accordance with accounting standards.
  14. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support financial projects and system implementations.
  15. Prepare ad-hoc reports and analyses to support strategic business decisions.
  16. Maintain knowledge of industry accounting standards, GAAP, and corporate financial policies.
  17. Monitor account activity for potential fraudulent or unusual transactions.
  18. Provide guidance and support to junior accountants or administrative staff on account procedures.
  19. Assist in the development of dashboards and reporting tools for financial performance tracking.
  20. Communicate financial information and account status to management with clarity and accuracy.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data analysis and exploratory financial investigations.
  • Contribute to corporate initiatives to streamline accounting workflows and reporting processes.
  • Participate in cross-departmental meetings to provide financial insights and account updates.
  • Assist in implementing accounting software upgrades or ERP integrations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Strong knowledge of general ledger, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
  • Proficiency in financial reporting and reconciliation.
  • Experience with ERP systems and accounting software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, NetSuite).
  • Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and financial modeling.
  • Understanding of GAAP, IFRS, and regulatory compliance.
  • Ability to perform variance analysis, trend analysis, and account investigations.
  • Experience preparing budgets, forecasts, and financial statements.
  • Knowledge of internal controls, auditing processes, and risk management.
  • Competence in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
  • Ability to document accounting procedures and maintain detailed records.

Soft Skills

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple accounts and deadlines.
  • Collaborative mindset for cross-functional teamwork.
  • Adaptability to changing financial regulations and organizational needs.
  • Critical thinking to identify trends, discrepancies, and improvement opportunities.
  • Professionalism and integrity in handling confidential financial information.
  • Strong time management and organizational skills.
  • Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in accounting and finance.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

Preferred Education:

  • CPA or equivalent certification preferred.
  • Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration advantageous.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Business Administration
  • Economics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2–5 years of experience in accounting, finance, or account analysis.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience in corporate accounting, financial reporting, or account reconciliation.
  • Experience supporting audits, financial planning, and cross-functional finance projects.
  • Familiarity with ERP systems, financial dashboards, and advanced data analytics.
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