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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Accounts Officer

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

AccountingFinanceCorporate FinanceAccounts Management

🎯 Role Definition

An Accounts Officer is responsible for managing day-to-day accounting activities, maintaining accurate financial records, and supporting the finance team in budget management, reconciliations, and reporting. This role ensures compliance with financial regulations, internal policies, and GAAP standards while providing analytical support for decision-making. The Accounts Officer plays a key role in ensuring accurate accounting, timely reporting, and efficient financial operations across the organization.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Accounting Assistant
  • Junior Accountant
  • Finance Administrative Officer

Advancement To:

  • Senior Accounts Officer
  • Finance Officer
  • Accounting Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Accounts Payable Specialist
  • Accounts Receivable Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  1. Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records for accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger.
  2. Prepare and process invoices, receipts, payments, and expense reimbursements in accordance with company policies.
  3. Reconcile bank statements and cash balances on a regular basis.
  4. Assist in preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
  5. Monitor and analyze accounts for discrepancies, errors, or irregularities.
  6. Ensure compliance with statutory regulations, tax laws, and internal accounting policies.
  7. Assist in budget preparation and monitoring, providing variance analysis and cost control support.
  8. Process payroll and related employee benefits, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
  9. Support internal and external audits by providing required documentation and reports.
  10. Maintain accounts for fixed assets, depreciation, and amortization schedules.
  11. Prepare and post journal entries, accruals, and adjustments as necessary.
  12. Monitor receivables and payables to ensure optimal cash flow and working capital management.
  13. Liaise with vendors, clients, and internal departments regarding financial transactions and queries.
  14. Assist in implementing and maintaining accounting systems, controls, and procedures.
  15. Perform financial analysis to support management decision-making and strategic planning.
  16. Ensure proper filing and archiving of financial records in accordance with compliance requirements.
  17. Coordinate with other finance team members to streamline accounting processes and reporting.
  18. Review contracts and agreements for financial implications and compliance with accounting standards.
  19. Maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive financial information.
  20. Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and operational efficiency in finance functions.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc financial analysis and management reporting requests.
  • Contribute to finance system upgrades, ERP implementations, and digital transformation initiatives.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth financial operations and accurate reporting.
  • Participate in training and development programs to maintain up-to-date accounting knowledge and skills.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in accounting software such as QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, or Tally
  • Solid understanding of GAAP and basic accounting principles
  • Experience with general ledger management, reconciliations, and journal entries
  • Knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll processing
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis)
  • Familiarity with financial reporting and statutory compliance requirements
  • Ability to prepare budgets, forecasts, and financial statements
  • Understanding of taxation, VAT, and other regulatory compliance
  • Experience in ERP systems and financial process automation
  • Data entry accuracy and record-keeping skills

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and numerical accuracy
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
  • Time management and ability to meet strict deadlines
  • Team collaboration and cross-department coordination
  • Integrity and ethical handling of confidential financial information
  • Adaptability to evolving financial systems and business processes
  • Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks efficiently
  • Customer service orientation in dealing with vendors and internal stakeholders
  • Proactive approach to process improvement and financial controls

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration

Preferred Education:
Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or MBA

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
2–5 years of experience in accounting, finance, or corporate accounting roles

Preferred:
3+ years of progressive experience in accounting with exposure to ERP systems, financial reporting, reconciliations, and compliance, ideally within corporate or organizational finance environments.

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