Accountant duties and responsibilities
An Accountant is responsible for financial audits within an organization, on behalf of a government agency, or on behalf of a private company. Their goal is to ensure all financial transactions are properly recorded and reported. Some of the main day-to-day duties of an Accountant usually include:
- Verify receipts, income tax returns, financial statements, ledgers, and other documents pertaining to finances within an organization
- File income tax returns
- Ensure corporations are complying with the Canadian Tax Act
- Develop reporting standards for future use within the organization
- Prepare audit reports
- Work with or supervise other Auditors or Junior Accountants
- Prepare financial documents for the government, the organization or other governing bodies
- Provide tax consultation services to clients
Accountant skills and qualifications
A successful Accountant candidate will have the necessary skills to analyze every last detail within an organization. Some skills that make an excellent candidate include:
- Strong organizational skills
- Excellent analytical skills
- Strong time management skills
- Good communication skills
- Being capable of managing a team and demonstrating leadership skills
- An excellent knowledge of finance and accounting
- Being adaptable to different working environments and different industries
- An in-depth knowledge of Canadian financial laws
Accountant experience requirements
Each accounting certification requires different levels of experience. For example, a CA may need more hours of training on specific topics, and individuals must also pass the Chartered Accountant Exams to be certified. Each accounting designation offers its own unique certification exam that must be completed.
Accountant education and training requirements
To be considered for the position of Accountant, candidates must have completed a university degree in accounting. They must then have completed 24 to 30 months of training on the job and successfully passed the Uniform Evaluation (UFE). Upon completion, a candidate must then apply for a designation exam (CA, CPA, CGA, etc.) and pass the required examination to obtain that designation certification. Accounting certification is provided by the Chartered Professional Accounting association or similar organization in their province.
Accountant salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average annual income for an Accountant in Canada is $53,185 per year. The salary varies widely depending on the candidate’s designation, their years of experience, and the location of the position.
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