Chief Accountant in Ghent

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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Salary for Chief Accountant in Ghent

5000 - 7020

25th percentile

5000

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

50th percentile

5909

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

75th percentile

7020

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

6717

8535

11363

Accounting Manager

5757

6868

9141

Senior Accountant

4444

5050

6060

GL Accountant

3788

4747

5454

Cost Accountant

3283

4040

5050

Assistant Accountant

2576

3586

4343

AR/AP Team Leader

5050

5555

6363

AR/AP Assistant

2879

3687

4646

Accounting Clerk

2576

3333

3939

Senior Accountant (Public)

3737

4343

5303

Accountant (Public)

3182

3535

3939

Assistant Accountant (Public)

2475

2879

3283

How much should I earn or pay?

Newest Chief Accountant jobs

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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.