What is an Accounting Support Job?
An accounting support job encompasses a range of duties that support the accounting and financial operations of an organization. It involves providing administrative and technical assistance to the accounting team, including processing financial transactions, managing accounts payable and receivable, reconciling bank statements, and generating financial reports. Essentially, accounting support professionals help ensure the financial health and stability of a company.
What Usually Do in This Position?
An accounting support job involves a variety of tasks, including data entry, record keeping, and financial reporting. The day-to-day responsibilities may vary depending on the specific role and industry, but some common duties include:
- Processing financial transactions such as invoices, payments, and receipts
- Maintaining accurate records of financial transactions and account balances
- Reconciling bank statements and ensuring accuracy of accounting data
- Assisting with the preparation of financial reports and statements
- Managing accounts payable and receivable
- Providing administrative support to the accounting team
- Communicating with clients, vendors, and other stakeholders regarding financial matters
Top 5 Skills for Position
To succeed in an accounting support job, you will need a combination of technical and soft skills. Here are the top five skills that employers typically look for:
- Attention to detail: As an accounting support professional, you will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records. Attention to detail is essential to ensure that all transactions are recorded correctly.
- Organizational skills: Accounting support jobs involve a lot of paperwork and data entry. You will need to be highly organized to keep track of all the financial information and ensure that nothing is overlooked.
- Communication skills: You will need to communicate with clients, vendors, and other stakeholders regularly. Clear and effective communication is essential to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
- Technical skills: Proficiency in accounting software and other financial tools is essential to perform the job duties effectively.
- Analytical skills: You will need to analyze financial data and identify any discrepancies or irregularities. Strong analytical skills are essential to identify and resolve financial issues.
How to Become This Type of Specialist
To become an accounting support specialist, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers may prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates with previous experience in accounting or bookkeeping.
To improve your chances of getting hired, you can consider obtaining professional certifications such as Certified Bookkeeper (CB) or Certified Accounting Technician (CAT). These certifications demonstrate your knowledge and skills in accounting and can help you stand out from other candidates.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks was $42,410 as of May 2020. However, the salary can vary depending on the industry, location, and level of experience.
Roles and Types
There are various roles and types of accounting support jobs, including:
- Accounts payable clerk: Responsible for processing and recording payments to vendors and suppliers.
- Accounts receivable clerk: Responsible for processing and recording incoming payments from customers.
- Payroll clerk: Responsible for processing and recording employee payroll information.
- Bookkeeper: Responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and generating financial reports.
- Accounting assistant: Provides administrative and technical support to the accounting team.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
Accounting support jobs are in demand across the United States, with some of the most popular locations including:
- New York, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Atlanta, GA
What Are the Typical Tools
Accounting support professionals typically use a range of tools and software to perform their job duties, including:
- Accounting software such as QuickBooks or Xero
- Spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
- Other financial tools such as invoicing software or payment processing tools
In Conclusion
Accounting support jobs are essential for maintaining the financial health and stability of an organization. They involve a range of duties, including data entry, record keeping, and financial reporting. To succeed in this field, you will need a combination of technical and soft skills, including attention to detail, organizational skills, communication skills, technical skills, and analytical skills. With the right education, experience, and certifications, you can build a rewarding career in accounting support.