Chief Accountant

What does a Chief Accountant do?

The Chief Accountant ensures the credibility of the accounts of a company/corporation in accordance with the standards determined by management, while verifying the work provided by the accounting teams.

What are the responsibilities of a Chief Accountant?

The Chief Accountant's responsibilities are varied. First of all, the Chief Accountant manages the organization of the accounting team by determining the structure of the organization (function, profession, legal entity). Together with their team, the Chief Accountant defines the schedule with strict deadlines for legal or financial reasons. The Chief Accountant is in charge of the organization during the closing of the accounts. The Chief Accountant sets up quarterly, monthly or annual closing schedules while verifying the accuracy of the information received, regarding accounting standards.

In addition, the Chief Accountant is responsible for monitoring the budget and the financing plan and is the one who sets up communication with banks in order to have regular information on the latest developments. The Chief Accountant also participates in negotiations with banking institutions.

The Chief Accountant meets with the Statutory Auditor to schedule the audit of the accounts and must present the main inventories and restatements of the closing of the accounts.

What are the skills and proficiencies required for a Chief Accountant?

Master accounting techniques (Local Gaap, statutory consolidation, payroll, etc.)

Master accounting standards (IAS/IFRS, UK-US GAAP)

Good knowledge of the regulations

Good knowledge of IT and accounting tools (MS Office, MS Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, etc.)

Confident with numbers

Knowledge of professional Dutch and French is highly appreciated

Knowledge of taxation

Good analytical and synthesizing skills

Ability to work effectively under deadlines and manage priorities

What background is needed to become a Chief Accountant?

A Chief Accountant has generally obtained at least a Bachelor's degree in Accounting (including management or tax courses).

Many Chief Accountants have obtained a Master's degree with a financial focus (finance/accounting, management sciences, etc.)

However, other degrees are possible provided that you have followed a finance/accounting specialization. The position of Chief Accountant is possible after a minimum experience of seven years.

What are the career prospects for a Chief Accountant?

The Chief Accountant may evolve into a position of Administrative and Financial Director, Financial Director or Consolidation Director.

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National salary range for Chief Accountant

4950 - 6950

25th percentile

4950

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

50th percentile

5850

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferrable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

75th percentile

6950

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialized certifications.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Accounting Director

6650

8450

11250

Accounting Manager

5700

6800

9050

Senior Accountant

4400

5000

6000

GL Accountant

3750

4700

5400

Cost Accountant

3250

4000

5000

Assistant Accountant

2550

3550

4300

AR/AP Team Leader

5000

5500

6300

AR/AP Assistant

2850

3650

4600

Accounting Clerk

2550

3300

3900

Senior Accountant (Public)

3700

4300

5250

Accountant (Public)

3150

3500

3900

Assistant Accountant (Public)

2450

2850

3250

How much should I earn or pay?

Newest Chief Accountant jobs

Plant Controller

Financieel & Administratief Verantwoordelijke

Senior GL Accountant

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Our starting salary projections come from a detailed, multistep process that ensures our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They’re based on real compensation data for job candidates our recruiters have matched with companies across the country.

The Salary Guide from Robert Half is the original. We’ve been publishing salary forecasts since 1950, and our guide has served as a trusted source for employers, job seekers, industry associations, government and educational institutions, and national and local media.