Assistant Accountant

Assistant Accountant job description

The Assistant Accountant will provide support to the senior accountant and wider finance team by helping to prepare financial statements, accounts, budgets, processing invoices and preparing VAT returns.

Assistant Accountants are also a key member of the finance team who are responsible for the finalisation of month-end and year-end accounts.

Assistant Accountant duties and responsibilities of the job

The role is hugely instrumental in helping the finance team make decisions about what will ultimately improve business performance.

An Assistant Accountant job description generally includes:

Supporting the senior/managing accountant and wider finance team

Collaborating with these teams to work on various accounting projects

Performing reconciliations of accounts

Processing payments and invoices accurately and within expected time periods

Verifying financial statements, ledgers and accounts and making corrections where appropriate

Preparing profit and loss accounts sheets

Preparing VAT return

Preparing the yearly budget

Taking minutes in meetings and other administrative duties

Assistant Accountant job qualifications and requirements

Although a Bachelor’s degree isn’t a requirement, it may be advantageous in helping candidates secure a career in accounting or finance, of which an Assistant Accountant is generally the first step. Degrees in the following industries may work especially in jobseekers' advantage:

Accounting

Economics

Mathematics

An Assistant Accountant job description should also highlight the following skills.

The ability to produce accurate financial reports

Excellent attention to detail

Discretion as there will likely be sensitive information and figures discussed

The ability to work to strict time constraints

The ability to prioritise work

An organised and methodical approach to a task

An Assistant Accountant is unlikely to be expected to have a huge amount of experience and is likely to get a lot of on-the-job training.

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Salary for Assistant Accountant

85000 - 95000

25th percentile

85000

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

50th percentile

90000

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

75th percentile

95000

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

Salary range based on three percentiles The starting salaries represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or KiwiSaver.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Accounts Assistant

75000

80000

85000

Accountant

100000

115000

125000

Company Accountant

110000

120000

135000

Group Accountant

130000

155000

180000

Accounts Payable Officer

65000

75000

85000

Accounts Payable Manager

95000

120000

140000

Accounts Receivable Officer

65000

75000

85000

Accounts Receivable Manager

95000

120000

140000

Financial Accountant

105000

115000

130000

Senior Financial Accountant

120000

130000

140000

Corporate Accountant

130000

145000

160000

Cost Accountant

115000

140000

160000

Management Accountant

120000

140000

160000

Senior Management Accountant

140000

155000

170000

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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.