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Accounting Associate Resume Samples
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0-5 years of experience
Led the Federation in its transition to AnyBill, an electronic system for invoice approval and disbursement while maintaining robust safeguards and internal controls for accuracy.
- Recorded and reconciled securities gifts. Corrected variances between two securities recording accounting
- Generated and provided tax valuation letters to donors of securities to the $25 Million annual campaign.
- Conveyed the benefits of appreciated securities as a charitable giving vehicle to fundraisers and donors
- Utilized existing systems to make the process of valuing, recording and acknowledging securities gifts more
- Allocated and recorded the costs of purchasing, renovation, and management of commercial office space to proper cost centers. This required knowledge of GAAP, the completed contract method and activity based
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for full cycle accounts payable duties and processing/vouchering up to 500 invoices on a weekly basis.
- Processed multi-state/international invoices, including payment through ACH, wires, and EFT
- Supported month-end closing duties assigned by supervisor along with journal entries for various accounts.
- Analyzed vendor correspondence reports and reconciled against discrepancies.
- Maintained and reconciled balance sheet accounts- including vouchering including prepaid expenses, deposits and other asset accounts.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure that all expenses were accounted for.
- Conducted accounts payable processes training for new hires on daily and weekly basis.
10+ years of experience
- Implemented an Accounts Payable process that categorized and streamlining workflow.
- Developed and implemented a consistent monthly payment schedule with improved internal
- Created an efficient method of inputting Accounts Receivable data into QuickBooks with 100% accuracy. This technique has been utilized by the company, which increased
- Prepared end of month invoices for over 100 clients by retrieving data from AbacusLaw.
- Constructed a system of scanning and filing incoming and outgoing documents quickly and accurately, resulting in a 98% increase of productivity.
0-5 years of experience
Managed all accounts payable and accounts receivable functions on a daily basis.
- Resolved accounting-related issues with clients, vendors, and underwriters.
- Prepared invoice aging reports using Excel’s PivotTable and VLOOKUP
- Audited 5+ years of receivables on key client accounts, generating significant
- Created, reviewed, and distributed account analysis statements on a monthly basis.
- Reconciled 15+ bank accounts including escrow, health insurance, and county
- Implemented processes for improved efficiency in the areas of collections, client
- Assisted in various marketing efforts including trade shows, networking events, and e-mail marketing.
0-5 years of experience
Created specialized revenue reports by pulling data from QuickBooks to compare the budget versus actual
revenue for a specific time frame. Provided analysis and recommendations to managers based on the report.
- Streamlined the Accounts Payable process by working with the Accounting Manager and COO to create a
- Performed month end close procedures and prepared journal entries in a timely manner to close books.
- Prepared multiple bank reconciliations.
- Reconciled American Express credit card account with monthly charges over $30,000.
- Extensively used QuickBooks to process all bills, extract aging reports, and issue checks.
- Partnered with HR Manager to prepare bi-weekly payroll using ADP and EZ Labor Manager.
- Ensured the appropriate organization of records and files.
6-10 years of experience
Maintain, analyze, and reconcile all accounts and related entries on a monthly basis. Coordinate and assist with month end closing process, including timely and accurate preparation of journal entries. Managed and oversaw the reconciliation of general ledger accounts in a timely and accurate manner. Documented all accounting processes and procedures to ensure that they complied with company guidelines.
- Reduced front end register shortages by enforcing register audit alert program for the customer service managers.
- Consistently produced results beyond expectations of supervisors.
- Coded checks, monthly journal entries, bank reconciliations and financial statements.
- Maintained general ledger and supervised monthly closings.
0-5 years of experience
Performed financial duties for various clients. Continuously identify opportunities for improvement that increase productivity and efficiency.
- Prepared client financial statements for internal and external purposes using QuickBooks
- Prepared personal and business tax returns for clients using ProSeries
- Implemented a concise and standardized approach for correspondence to clients
- Developed procedures for all aspects of client documentation including retention, disposal, security and privacy
- Performed payroll tasks for various clients
- Maintained and supported client relationships
10+ years of experience
Conducted quarterly and annual P&L analysis and reported directly to senior management
- Complied income report of government contract, special grants, program services and fundraising events
- Created and updated bank loan amortization spreadsheet in MS Excel
- Prepared trial balance for annual audit, conducted account analysis as auditors request
- Implemented new procedures to improve communication and working efficiency between Accounting and
- Excellent ability to work multi-tasks and meet deadlines, developed strong leadership and communication skills
- Recognized for high level of efficiency and accuracy, received top rating in annual performance evaluation
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for and maintained financial records of healthcare organization clients
- Processed, monitored, and tracked checks for medical equipment
- Maintained accurately and timely records for all deposits and credit card payments
- Performed alpha numeric and 10-key data entry in efficient and accurate manner
- Provided clerical support to department and office operations on daily basis
0-5 years of experience
Fulfilled a six month contract, applying accounting expertise, dedication, and problem solving to extend position into a full year opportunity.
- Financial Management: Confirmed Accounts Payable, created monthly financial statements, and
- Administration: Scanned and emailed documents, photocopied files, and created and maintained a filing
- Office Resources: Distributed mail and internal correspondence, ensuring cohesive and accurate
- Event Planning: Coordinated activities for company wide events.
0-5 years of experience
Performed general accounting / administrative duties using Propertyware, QuickBooks Online, Word and Excel.
- Processed and maintained all company accounting records using Propertyware and QuickBooks including accounts receivables / payables and bank reconciliations for eight different divisions.
- Processed Payments from Private and National Accounts Tenants, Private Owners and Corporate.
- Processed Invoices for Private and National Accounts.
- Performed Bank & Credit Card Accounts Reconciliations
- Developed and generated needed reports for management.
10+ years of experience
Responsible for providing a variety of general accounting activities including bookkeeping, accounts payable and accounts receivable. Provided administrative support to Payroll Manager.
- Prepared, analyzed and audited between 50-100 expense reports daily.
- Set up new vendors both domestic and international into the database system, and requested authorization for change of payment terms.
- Responded to all vendor calls regarding payment status.
- Reviewed expense reports to ensure compliance with corporate guidelines.
- Audited and tracked special executive allowances including health club dues, technology allowances, parking fees, and cell phone reimbursement on Excel spreadsheet.
- Reconciled American Express Corporate Account Card statements, and identified and resolved delinquent status.
- Entered freelance hours into internal time tracking system.
10+ years of experience
Managed Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable for a $10 million e-learning firm. Corporate and higher education clients.
- Successfully merged two companies onto a single financial system while maintaining growth. Oversaw database, phone system, and financial system conversion.
- Assisted with project bids and ensured timely completion of contract submissions.
- Negotiated contracts with new vendors and service providers to reduce expenses.
- Responsible for monitoring and maintaining all customer accounts- Customer calls, account adjustments, small balance write off, customer reconciliations and processing credit memos.
- High volume collections activity to delinquent customers
- Accountable for reducing delinquency for assigned accounts.
- Performed clerical activities to support other members of the accounting department.
- Compiled and prepare journal entries.
- Arranged travel and accommodations for 30 local and remote employees for meetings, conferences, seminars, and morale boosting activities.
- Maintained vendor files and recurring updates online.
10+ years of experience
Completed statement reviews and provided monthly and quarterly closing reports to Accounting team
- Top 100 vendors primarily reflected 0% greater than 90 days on the statement review process
- Reviewed vendor statements and worked directly with vendors for requests of proof of delivery, outstanding open invoices, duplicate payments, and any other issues
- Manually reconciled invoices to product(s) received at the division warehouses; reconciled accounts as necessary
- Prepared short pay notices for vendors and reconciled vendor chargeback(s)/credit memo(s)
- Effectively used office automated systems to input data, generate reports, conduct specialized research projects and respond to inquiries promptly and accurately
- Checked and verified records, prepared invoices and vouchers, posted ledger and general journal entries, and successfully balanced Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable records
- Responsible for successful completion of Six Sigma Greenbelt Pricing Debit project:
10+ years of experience
- Applied and posted high volume of customer payments, credit/debit memo’s, used Mas 200 software.
- Types, files, posts ledger, high volume of check deposits, ran 20 credit card payments per day and general journal entries and balances accounts payable and accounts receivable records.
- Generate and keep records of daily sales reports in excel software.
- Used office-automated systems to input data, generate reports, and respond to inquiries.
- Reconciled accounts, matched 60 invoices per day, received, directed and relayed telephone messages and fax messages, maintained the general filing system and file all correspondence. Assisted in the planning and preparation of meetings, conferences and conference.
- Reduced the company’s outstanding Accounts Receivable from 140,000 to 35,000 in one month.
0-5 years of experience
site by compiling relevant information and archiving outdated material. This improved companywide efficiency when searching for information.
- Assigned project manager role for software update testing. Developed test scripts, writing, completing, recording outcomes, verifying test cases. Also, insured testing responsibilities were completed by coworkers and maintained testing timeline. Sufficiently exposed processors to new software and accomplished tasks within deadlines.
- Streamlined documents making it easier for department to determine the most up-to-date processing guidelines, by updating documentation methods, saved time for both customer and processors.
- Reviewed on-line expense reports for policy compliance and accuracy
- Trained employees in the expense report submission process
- Partnered with other departments to insure departmental compliance and accuracy adhering to expense reports regulations and guidelines
- Assisted employees with expense report issues
- Compiled, analyzed and reviewed credit card transactions for employee expense reports
- Prepared Finance Acumen PowerPoint presentation for Senior Manager
10+ years of experience
- Process and maintained A/P report by obtaining invoices and expenses reports and screening them to make sure they’re filled out properly and have proper backup
- Entered A/P vouchers into MAS 90 and checked the A/P register to make sure expenses went to proper budget/client and the accounting code is correct
- Managed and maintained weekly A/R schedule by printing and proofing Access and MAS 90 reports for matching time and billable hours, drafting invoices and updating database spreadsheets
- Inserted final invoices into MAS 90, changing expenses to proper accounting code and proofreading A/R register and journal entry for proper accounting codes
- Imported and screened weekly employee timesheets from Access macro into MAS 90 – updated and evaluated billable percentages spreadsheet to help assess employee performance
- Developed, maintained and analyzed budget graphs by preparing spreadsheet reports that compare budget costs to actual costs
- Assisted Director of Finance in monthly closing process, including updating general ledger, revenue recognition, WIP reconciliation, and preparing and posting timely and accurate journal entries.
0-5 years of experience
Process payables for six entities and receivables for four entities
- Solely handle annual billing and processing of over 7000 member payments and responsible for handling and maintaining credit card confidentiality
- Established a fluid working relationship between the membership and accounting areas
- Created Excel documents and workbooks that simplified the yearly billing process and organized detailed amounts of information
- Organized filing of over 1000 account numbers and eliminated time-wasting steps
6-10 years of experience
Monitored daily and weekly shortages and longs.
- Completed management and account balances report.
- Reviewed operational records and reports to project sales and determine profitability.
- Consulted with managements to plan advertising services and to secure information on equipment and customer specifications.
- Organized incoming deposit statements.
- Provided receipt information upon customer’s requests.
10+ years of experience
- Supervised and adjusted pending and unbilled hours for over 140 employees
- Updated project expense accounts using specialized accounting software
- Compiled and mailed company invoices for over 2000 clients
- Archived vendor bills for over 1300 vendors and expense reports for over 140 employees on company’s server
0-5 years of experience
- Control aircraft fueling and deicing records for over 90,000 flights and $288M annual revenue
- Formulate budget requests of incoming inventory to customers based on forecasted usage and current inventory levels
- Certify all accounting records are in compliance with company and regulatory requirements
- Execute critical analytical support to corporate accounting department related to audit and regulatory compliance
- Developed and managed a specialized training program to educate employees on practices designed to improve efficiency and customer relations
10+ years of experience
Processed and reconciled reimbursement payments for 200 clients. Processed monthly deduction remittance payments to appropriate clients/vendors. Directly communicated with clients to resolve a wide range of issues. Liaison between areas for abandoned/escheated funds and fraud cases.
- Reconciled a large volume of out of balance client accounts that validated client records with [company name]’s information.
- Received 2010 Premier Award for outstanding reconciliation of client accounts.
- Received Organization NSR Award for outstanding teamwork.
- Involved in transitioning from an old payment system to a new payment system. Involvement included testing and reporting issues to management to insure proper installation of new system.
0-5 years of experience
Performed accounts payable and accounts receivable functions.
- Monitored and record the day-to-day financial activities for the company.
- Generated weekly and monthly sales report for the Chief Financial Officer.
- Reconciled major bank accounts on a monthly basis.
- Posted and maintained accounting documents in the database.
- Performed any other duties as requested by the Chief Financial Officer.
0-5 years of experience
Used Financial Records Systems (FRS), Budget Preparation and Maintenance (BPM), Electronic Forms (ELF), Procurement, Travel, Personnel and Human Resources (PHR) to maintain and balance the finances of the [company name].
- Received & processed monies received from career fairs (up to 500 employers).
- Reviewed all department credit and travel cards; reconciled the accounting ledgers.
- Prepared monthly transaction logs for the Executive Director’s approval.
0-5 years of experience
Assisted with Accounts Payable, direct billing, and vendors account analysis.
- Performed month end closing entries and prepared weekly sales reports for the company.
- Assisted with monthly payroll and year-end budget preparation.
- Completed loan applications for clients, pulled client’s credit reports for analysis and issued pre-approval letters.
- Calculated and analyzed financial data.
0-5 years of experience
- Prepared and reviewed key reports and reconciled key journal accounts
- Generated, interpreted, and analyzed reports related to cash, deposits, and various financial
- Replenished Self Checkouts; Processed Cash Fund Transfers
- Identified daily pick-ups; identified long/ shorts in the registers and office safe
- Conducted research for accounting-related activities; Completed bank deposits
0-5 years of experience
Verify store deposits daily and balance accounts accordingly using basic accounting practices.
- Report stores that have missing deposits or are not communicating accurately according to company procedures.
- Follow up with stores to discuss, report, and/or correct any discrepancies or errors.
- Verify that all assigned stores have been thoroughly audited using analytical skills and that their reported financial records are correct in order to ensure accurate recording and reporting.
10+ years of experience
- Reduced DSO by 60 days and increased monthly revenue by$25K.
- Cash receipts totaling $90k processed daily.
- Processed 25-40 invoices daily and quarterly to bill members for their company’s sponsorship participation for each conference; entered revenue journal entries.
- Reconciled 40-50 conference ledger accounts daily
- Accurately processed an average of 75-100 expense reports per month.
- Developed a positive acquaintance with over 200 members over time to discuss quick resolution of outstanding payments.
- Attended Annual Spring Meeting in support of fellow colleagues.
0-5 years of experience
- Processed, managed and accurately maintained all currency.
- Followed Generally Accepted Accounting Principles to generate, record and reconcile all financial transactions.
- Analyzed and researched all reports relating to cash deposits, charge backs, audits and various financial transactions.
- Reported and advised on security risks, inefficient processes, accounting practices and loss prevention issues.
- Trained and shared information and skills with other associates.
- Provided excellent internal and external customer service
0-5 years of experience
Hired to manage the accounting functions for this large retail store reporting directly to all levels of management. Use policy, procedures, facts and data in order to make effective decisions. Prepared audits and generated results for asset protection manager.
- Prepared daily postings for cash receipts to the General Ledger and reconciliation of bank
- Prepared financial statements for management and asset protection managers to interpret trend analysis for long/short in financial transactions.
- Recorded and reconciled financial data to compile results analysis to determine developed trends in financial statements.
0-5 years of experience
Prepared, examined, and analyzed accounting records, financial statements, and other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.
- Reported to management regarding the finances of establishment.
- Computed taxes owed and prepared returns ensuring compliance with payment reporting & other requirements.
- Prepared forms and manuals for accounting and bookkeeping personnel, and directed their work activities.
- Advised clients in areas such as compensation employee health care benefits, the design of accounting and data processing systems, and long-range tax and estate plans.
- Analyzed business operations, trends, costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations to project future revenues and expenses, and providing advice.
- Surveyed operations to ascertain accounting needs; and recommending, developing, and maintaining solutions to business and financial problems.
- Expertly developed, implemented, modified, documented record keeping and accounting systems, and making use of current computer technology.
- Advised management on issues such as resource utilization tax strategies and the assumptions underlying budget forecasts.
- Consulted tax law handbooks and bulletins to determine proper procedures for preparation of atypical returns.
0-5 years of experience
Process Payroll for over 240 employees in 21 different pay-groups
- Support Human Resources by administering and managing our Attendance Program issuing corrective action/assist in hiring
- Quickly and effectively solve human and system issues daily
- Maintain immaculate and organized record keeping for accounting, invoicing, payroll, health services and Human Resources
- Perform Journal Entries to manage our accounts
- Manage office supplies for plant and reduced office supplies spending by over 50%
6-10 years of experience
Provided administrative support to engineers by formatting proposals, correspondence, forms, etc.
- Handled all Accounts Payable functions including generating on-demand checks.
- Managed vendor accounts, requested W-9’s and generated 1099s.
- Processed all Accounts Receivables functions including creating invoices, reviewing contracts, making
- Reviewed, executed and notarized lien waivers.
- Managed petty cash and company credit card transactions.
- Reviewed and paid employee expense reimbursements.
- Trained new employees on Accounts Payable and Billing processes and procedures.
0-5 years of experience
Balanced, reconciled, and filed office reports
- Created, prepared, and sent deposits to the bank
- Ordered, received, and balanced change orders from bank
- Maintained cash fund for in-store business operations
- Supervised and trained other accounting associates
0-5 years of experience
Processed payroll for clients, payroll tax payments, payroll reconciliation adjusting entries
- Bookkeeping, data entry, A/P using excel spreadsheets
- Financial statement preparation and analysis under CPA review
- Maintained timely communications with clients, answered phone calls, scheduled appointments
- Proficiency in Quickbooks, Intuit EasyACCT, ADP, Lacerte
0-5 years of experience
A world market and technology leader in steel wire transformation and coatings
- Assistant to the controller
- Worked directly with controller to support day-to-day business operations
- Managed accounting activities – accounts payable, billing, month end reconciliation
- Created and maintained spreadsheets and reports
- Provided feedback to supervisory and management staff
0-5 years of experience
- Analyzed accounts on monthly basis and prepared detailed reconciliations
- Prepared records of prepaid assets, accounts receivable, accruals and cash
- Calculated company revenue and crosschecked if the cost and revenue matched
- Maintained and updated inventory reconciliation
- Prepared financial statements according to the accounting principles (GAAP) and industry
- Made journal entries, checking debit and credit accounting details
- Daily: cash drawer balancing, bank deposits, credit card terminal reporting
0-5 years of experience
Responded to inquiries from vendors and internal staff; investigated discrepancies and resolved as required.
- Recorded invoices with proper coding and department allocations.
- Assisted in all financial and internal audits.
- Collected open credits from vendors.
- Uploaded batched invoices sent to the department for processing
- Researched and resolve items on the outstanding checks list.
- Processed 50 – 80 invoices daily on a timely and accurate basis.
- Matched invoices and purchase orders submitted by vendors.
- Reconciled vendors’ account statements and ensured accounts were current.
- Processed 1099s for vendors.
0-5 years of experience
Prepare journal entries for daily cash activity, including trades, remittances, and various other receipts and disbursements
- Prepare monthly-work papers, monthly accruals and account roll-forwards
- Assist in preparing consolidated financial statements
- Prepare various reconciliations to assist management with review of financial statements
- Prepare consolidated schedules for Forms 10-Q and 10-K reported to the SEC
- Maintain a monthly and quarterly close checklist to ensure that controls are being
0-5 years of experience
In charge of most accounting activities by using Prolaw and Quickbooks proficiently
- Bill receivable legal fees in Prolaw which already approved by workers comp board and match the payments to the correspondent decisions
- Prepare referral letters, maintain Excel spreadsheet to record and track referral expenses timely
- Manage company’s Quickbooks account, process vendor invoices authorized for payment, and insure that
- Process month-end closing and run P/L report and balance sheet monthly
- Reconcile revenue billed in Prolaw to business checking accounts daily
- Provide profitability analysis report, categorize income according to different departments and conduct variance analysis
10+ years of experience
- Retrieve sales and work on system queue of customers to be bill for the period, alternative process sales slips for invoicing in a manual process with the help of a spreadsheet system.
- Review customer information, costs and revenue generated are proper before finalizing billing/invoicing.
- Retrieve and prepared daily reports of jobs estimated, competed, delivered and billed vs costs and revenue generated.
- Prepare supporting documentation and post journal entries to computerized accounting software.
- Perform research on various accounting processes, analyze variances and prepare appropriate reports.
- Prepare reports to be submitted to management and recommend improvements if required.
0-5 years of experience
Process daily club member accounts receivable and made adjustments as needed
- General ledger entries and adjustments
- Applied daily cash payments to member accounts and made bank deposits
- Resolved all members billing, payment or monthly dues questions
- Processed 100+ employees’ Bi-weekly payroll
- Maintained petty cash fund and cash money drawers
- Software used: Club Office, ADP, TMX & Microsoft Office System
0-5 years of experience
Create and design training manuals for accounting software programs used within the company
- Account receivables & data reconciliation of client accounts
- Created and posted batches, billed fuel customers for two different entities of the company
- Printed & proofed transaction reports for the fuel inventory
- Process price change notifications and fuel invoices for various entities of the company
- Bill COD dealers for short load fees for orders less than 8000 gallons
0-5 years of experience
Balanced accounts for store income and revenue for the previous business day and maintained registers
- Made entries for all transactions daily and balanced the books at end of day
- Analyzed data and prepare reports for management
- Handled financial records and tax preparation, responsible for investigating and resolving any errors in reports
- Took inbound calls and transferred them to the correct extensions, Attended safety meetings weekly
0-5 years of experience
Managed clerical accounting process to ensure funds were accurately recorded and deposited.
- Reconcile accounts to ensure all questionable transactions were documented and communicated properly.
- Prepare journal entries and balance sheet reconcilements
- Research daily proofs and sub ledger suspense accounts
- Assist with month end close process
0-5 years of experience
Perform weekly payroll into ADP/PC Windows system and Web based workstation system
- Perform weekly accounts payable invoices into Microsoft Dynamic system (Solomon)
- Perform and post journal entries for end of the month reports
- Process weekly cash receipts using Excel spreadsheet and Archtics system
- Perform account reconciliations
- Prepare for distribution 1099s and W-2s
- Assist the Finance Director with day to day activity
0-5 years of experience
Member of Accounting Team entrusted to manage financial health of this not-for-profit corporation tasked with developing and financing affordable housing and strengthening neighborhoods
- Perform compliance audit of consortium members in Property Development program funded by $7.5M federal grant
- Assist Financial Officer in preparation of financial statements for bi-monthly Board of Directors meetings
- Maintain record of work hours and expenses billed to various private foundations and government grant programs
- Prepare monthly departmental profit and loss statements
- Analyze monthly financial statements for organization’s eight single- and multi-unit rental properties
- Perform Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable cycles averaging $20,000 per week
- Process bi-weekly payroll for 25+ employees
0-5 years of experience
Post and reconcile ledger accounts in Project Management Information System (PMIS), Do detailed research to resolve any data discrepancies.
- Provide support to Capital Projects which require active monitoring of hours, budgets, time allocations and specific
- Update and enter project account records listing hours, dollars billed, receipts received checking FRS data to assure
- Provide consistent level of customer service to internal inquiries regarding the data used to produce Quarterly
- Organize invoices and expenses and coordinate them with company accounting system
- Reconcile paper invoices with company’s electronic records, and matching appropriate reporting data.
10+ years of experience
Compile daily operating control reports for 6 divisions; research discrepancies in margins
- Assemble weekly Work-in-Process and Inventory Summaries for 6 divisions
- Generate monthly inventory flooring, receivables aging, and service labor reports
- Reconcile asset, inventory and expense accounts; research and correct discrepancies
- Enter receivables, payables, and flooring interest
- Research to establish used inventory values
- Process bi-weekly payroll for 9 employees, file and pay employer taxes using QuickBooks
- Add and dispose of fixed assets
Accounting Associate Duties and Responsibilities
Accounting associates perform a variety duties to assist both accountants and auditors with financial tasks. We analyzed accounting associate job descriptions to put together the following list of accounting associate duties and responsibilities.
Prepare Financial Reports One of the most important duties of the accounting associate is preparing financial reports. They prepare these reports for analysis that is conducted by a certified accountant. Since most accounting associates are working towards their CPA, they may assist with the analysis.
Assist With Tax Returns or Audits Accounting associates function as the assistant to the accountant or auditor they work under. This involves performing low-level tasks associated with the tax return or audit process.
Provide Basic Accounting and Bookkeeping Support to Clients Under the guidance of their direct supervisor, accounting associates provide basic bookkeeping and accounting support to their clients. This involves tasks such as reviewing their financial statements for inaccuracies and monitoring financial activity.
Monitor and Document Travel and Client Meeting Expenses It is up to accounting associates to keep track of all the expenses that go along with servicing clients, which includes things such as travel expenses and meals with clients.
Keep Track of and Verify Accounts Payable and Receivable Accounting associates are the ones who, under the guidance of their supervisor, keep track of and verify all the money going into and out of the business through accounts payable and receivable.
Accounting Associate Skills
The role of accounting associate involves a lot of specialized knowledge and technical skills, but it also requires some universal soft skills to be successful. Accounting associates have to be wizards with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel. They use spreadsheets to prepare financial statements and keep track of their employer’s or client’s finances. Aspiring accounting associates have to have a good eye for detail and the ability to maintain focus for long periods of time to succeed in this position. They also have a strong knowledge of the foundational principles of accounting and a willingness to learn how classroom theory applies in the real world. Finally, accounting associates have to be able to thrive in a deadline-driven environment, as things get hectic during the busy season. In addition to these qualities, aspiring accounting associates have to have these skills to find employment:
- Possess a student mentality and show a willingness to take on more responsibility
- Preparing financial statements using knowledge of basic accounting and bookkeeping
- Organizing and monitoring accounts payable and receivable
- Collaborating with supervisors and other accounting associates to complete various tasks
- Analyzing employer or client financial records and correcting inaccuracies
Accounting Associate Education and Training
An associate’s degree in accounting, which takes two years to complete, is required to be an accounting associate. However, accounting associates with an associate’s degree may be competing against candidates who possess a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Coursework includes economics, financial accounting, business ethics, public accounting, and bookkeeping.
Accounting Associate Salary
According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median salary for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks, which includes accounting associates, is $38,390. Those in the top 10 percent make above $59,630 and those in the bottom 10 percent make below $23,880.
Accounting Associate Resources
Those interested in pursuing a career as an accounting associate should check out the following list of resources:
The American Accounting Association – Founded in 1916, this organization is one of the oldest professional organizations for those in the field of accounting. Its website contains a calendar of upcoming events, which includes local meetings and regional conferences. It also has a list of affiliated publications.
The National Society of Accountants – Founded in 1945, the National Society of Accountants has thousands of members around the country. It is dedicated to the professional development of its members and helping members find career opportunities. In addition to in-person events, the website also has webinars.
Re: The Auditors – This is a must-read blog for accounting associates who work in public accounting. Written by Francine Mckenna, it is regularly updated with articles from around the web regarding the world of auditing.
TaxProf Blog – Although not specifically related to the role of accounting associate, this is an excellent blog to read for those who want to specialize in tax accounting. It is edited by Paul L. Caron, dean of the law school at Pepperdine University.
Fundamentals of Financial Accounting – This book on financial accounting is used on many college campuses around the country. It has various tools built in to help those new to financial accounting grasp and retain the information.