What Is an Accounting Specialist and How to Become One
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What Is an Accounting Specialist?
An accounting specialist has a number of accounting duties, including payroll and financial transaction reporting. As an accounting specialist, you are usually employed by financial institutions, such as banks, or as part of the accounting and payroll departments of a company or organization. In this career, your responsibilities are to keep accurate accounting records related to general ledger entries and to complete accounting reports, specifically for accounts payable and accounts receivable. Qualifications include a certificate or associate degree, experience with accounting techniques, and math and problem-solving skills.
How to Become an Accounting Specialist
The qualifications you need to become an accounting specialist include an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. You must have proficient math skills to handle bookkeeping, payroll, revenue accounts, expenses, transactions reports, and related financial duties. Computer skills and familiarity with accounting programs and software are necessary. An accounting specialist should also have an understanding of accounting principles, stay current on financial legislation, know company policies and procedures, and be able to analyze data accurately and efficiently.
Accounting Specialist Job Description Sample
With this Accounting Specialist job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Accounting Specialist role.
Job Summary
We are looking for an Accounting Specialist to join our payroll team. In this role, you will assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable. Your tasks will include drafting invoices, processing payments, sending payment reminders, updating vendor information, and making payments. In addition to reconciling accounts, you will also submit journal entries to the general ledger and help ensure that our company maintains good financial standing. Applicants must have some accounting or bookkeeping experience.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Draft and send invoices
- Input vendor information
- Reconcile accounts
- Report payment discrepancies
- Make journal entries in the general ledger
- Assist with payroll and tax filing preparation
Requirements and Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Associate or bachelor's degree preferred
- Accounting or bookkeeping experience
- QuickBooks experience a plus
- Vendor management skills
- Basic computer and math skills
