What does a Senior Accountant do?
A Senior Accountant ensures the financial accounts of an organization meet the highest standards of integrity. They resolve financial discrepancies and locate areas of revenue loss within a company, while also identifying new opportunities for growth.
This individual is typically the head of the finance department and covers all aspects of financial activity. Top executives rely heavily on the advice and expertise of their Senior Accountant in order to forecast trends in the economy and how best to navigate them. People with this job title may train articling students and provide guidance to Junior Accountants.
Senior Accountant skills and qualifications
Senior Accountants are knowledgeable about tax laws and are able to train and manage staff. Some of their top skills include:
- Strong understanding of mathematics
- Excellent time management and ability to meet constant deadlines
- Knowledgeable in financial computer software
- Good delegation skills
- Accounting knowledge
- Detail orientation
- Proficiency in Excel
- Accreditation through CPA Canada
Senior Accountant experience requirements
In many cases, Senior Accountants should have three years’ or more experience to be considered for a position. Depending on the province, Senior Accountants are expected to have a minimum of two years to 30 months of on-the-job training before they may practice.
Prospective Senior Accountants may also have had internships and volunteer opportunities. They may have done stints with non-profit organizations, such as charities, as a volunteer to help sort out the organization’s finances.
Senior Accountant education and training requirements
Basic educational requirements for a Senior Accountant generally include a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or a related field.
Top-level Accountants should hold a CPA designation which stands for Chartered Professional Accountant. CPA certification varies between provinces, but must be obtained from a regulatory authority. Practicing Accountants must be registered with the appropriate provincial Association.
The ideal candidate stays abreast of current trends and technology developments through workshops, online courses, and enrolling in continuing education every few years. They also stay current by mentoring interns and teaching Junior Accountants.
Senior Accountant salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average annual salary for a Senior Accountant is $66,836 per year. Salary can be dependent on location, experience, industry and employer.
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