Accountant Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
4 min read

An accountant, or accounting professional, supports organisations by maintaining accurate financial records and helping guide financial decision-making. Duties you may want to include in your accountant job description are preparing financial statements, reconciling accounts and supporting budgeting or forecasting activities.

Related Content

33195306488527852235000.0080294.65143000.00YEARLY2026-03-012026-02-01

Accountant duties and responsibilities

Accountants ensure that organisations maintain up-to-date financial information and follow relevant reporting standards. They may work as part of an internal finance team, manage financial activities independently or provide services within an external accounting practice. Their responsibilities typically support financial planning, operational oversight and organisational compliance. Typical duties can include:

  • preparing, reviewing and maintaining financial statements and management reports
  • managing accounts payable, accounts receivable and general ledger entries
  • completing month-end and year-end close processes
    preparing business activity statements (BAS) and other regulatory reports
  • investigating variances, discrepancies and irregularities in financial data
  • supporting the development of budgets and financial forecasts
    ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and requirements
  • coordinating audit documentation and liaising with external auditors
  • providing financial insights that support business planning
    maintaining organised financial documentation and record-keeping systems.

Hire your next Accountant today.

Post a job

Hire your next Accountant today.

Post a job
Close

Accountant Job Description Examples:

Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

What does an accountant do?

An accountant helps maintain and interpret an organisation’s financial information so leaders can make informed decisions. They prepare and review financial statements, assess financial performance and ensure financial records remain accurate over time.

Accountants may also assist with tax-related reporting, support audit processes and help organisations strengthen financial controls. Depending on the business, they may focus on general accounting tasks or specialise in areas such as tax accounting, management accounting, payroll or compliance. Their work supports organisational stability, financial planning and ongoing operational efficiency.

Accountant skills and qualifications

Accountants use analytical thinking, financial knowledge and strong attention to detail to maintain accurate records and review complex information. Strong candidates often demonstrate organisation, problem-solving and communication skills, which may be important for success in this role. Engagement with key colleagues and time-management skills are also valuable competencies that set top candidates apart.

Other skills that may be required for the job may include:

  • knowledge of accounting standards and financial reporting principles
  • proficiency with accounting software and spreadsheet applications
  • ability to analyse financial data and identify patterns or anomalies
  • competence in preparing and reviewing financial statements
  • understanding of budgeting, forecasting and cash-flow processes
  • familiarity with payroll processing or employee expense administration
  • ability to maintain accurate and organised financial records
  • knowledge of audit procedures and compliance considerations.

Accountant experience requirements

Experience requirements for accountant roles can vary widely depending on the organisation and the complexity of the role. Some employers may prefer candidates who have previously prepared financial reports, reconciled accounts or supported monthly reporting cycles. Experience with accounting software platforms can be beneficial for many workplaces.

Candidates who have previously worked in bookkeeping, finance administration or similar roles may also be suitable for entry-level positions. More senior accountant roles may request previous experience preparing detailed financial statements, overseeing financial controls or supporting internal or external audits.

Accountant education and training requirements

Many employers consider accounting or finance qualifications to be advantageous for accountant roles, although requirements differ across workplaces. Some positions may accept candidates who have completed certificate-level training or who are currently studying an accounting-related qualification. Other positions may prefer applicants with formal tertiary education in accounting, finance or business, depending on the complexity of the work.

Professional memberships and industry-recognised certifications can be included as preferred qualifications for certain roles, although they are not necessary for all positions. Practical experience, financial software knowledge and an understanding of core accounting processes can also prepare candidates for success, regardless of their formal education.
Accountant salary expectations

Accountant salary expectations

Compensation for an accountant varies based on experience, company size, location and industry. Find current salary data for accountant roles on Indeed Salaries.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this accountant job description does not fully meet your needs, you may find the following job descriptions helpful when hiring for related roles:

Accountant job description FAQs

Hire your next Accountant today

Post a job

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

No search results found