Accounting Technician duties and responsibilities
Accounting Technicians use their accounting training to carry out various organizational and record-keeping tasks for a client. Some important duties and responsibilities of an Accounting Technician include:
- Maintaining and updating financial records in an organized manner
- Reconciling balance sheet accounts and preparing basic financial statements
- Recording journal entries
- Calculating pay cheques for tax and related bills
- Completing and submitting tax remittance forms such as T4 slips
- Performing other bookkeeping duties
- Implementing internal controls that protect a client’s assets
Accounting Technician skills and qualifications
An Accounting Technician needs various skills to perform their duties and responsibilities. They must also be detail-oriented and concentrate for long periods. Other important skills and qualifications include:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to present accounting concepts to other professionals
- Excellent organization skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality when managing company records
- Computer proficiency to work with digitalized financial records
- Strong numeracy skills
- Ability to establish and monitor financial reporting systems
- Critical-thinking and analytical skills
- Ability to prepare detailed reports and financial statements
Accounting Technician experience requirements
An Accounting Technician is typically an entry-level role. Accounting Technicians must understand the importance of various business documents such as invoices, bank statements, till tapes, and purchase orders. They must be familiar with how to use accounting software such as QuickBooks and related computer programs.
Accounting Technicians may gain experience through an apprenticeship, volunteering opportunities, or internships. Strong candidates may also have experience working as a Financial Clerk, Accounting Clerk, or Accounting Assistant. Depending on your organization’s needs and the industry you operate in, you may prefer a candidate with specific experience. For example, experience in sales taxes and fixed asset reporting.
Accounting Technician education and training requirements
Look for candidates with specific Accounting Technician training from an accredited post-secondary institute. Many Canadian colleges offer specialized two- or three-year programs that prepare candidates for the role. Some vocational institutions also offer apprenticeship programs that offer Accounting Technicians hands-on training and experience that make them an asset to your organization. Alternatively, candidates with a diploma or degree in accounting, bookkeeping, or a related discipline are also qualified and have the necessary transferrable skills.
Accounting Technician salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, average pay for an accountant in Canada is $22.37 per hour. Salaries may vary based on the candidate’s experience and the company’s location, among other factors.
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