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, he manages the organization of his accounting team by determining the structure of the organization (function, profession, legal entity) and together with his team, he defines the schedule with strict deadlines for legal or financial reasons. He is in charge of the organization during the closing of the accounts. He sets up quarterly, monthly or annual closing schedules while verifying the accuracy of the information sent to him, regarding accounting standards.

In addition, the Chief Accountant is responsible for monitoring the budget and the financing plan, he is the one who sets up communication with banks in order to have regular information on the latest developments. He 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

Good stress resistance

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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Salary for Chief Accountant

4871 - 6659

25th percentile

4871

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

50th percentile

5609

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

75th percentile

6659

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

Assistant Accountant (Public)

2368

2735

3155

Accounting Clerk

2484

3211

3807

Assistant Accountant

2522

3411

4159

AR/AP Assistant

2751

3517

4517

Accountant (Public)

3031

3353

3723

Cost Accountant

3204

3834

4669

Senior Accountant (Public)

3516

4096

5039

GL Accountant

3637

4577

5142

Senior Accountant

4298

4796

5369

AR/AP Team Leader

4795

5273

6049

Accounting Manager

5533

6578

8795

Accounting Director

6506

8263

10973

How much should I earn or pay?

Newest Chief Accountant jobs

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Chief Accountant / Rechterhand Zaakvoerder

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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.