Responsibilities:
Data Entry: Basic data entry tasks for accounting assistant include logging transactions, recording and reviewing journal entries, creating invoices, and crafting spreadsheets.
Clerical Duties: Accounting assistant may run errands around the office. They handle incoming mail, scan and photocopy documents, and prepare quarterly reports. They also help with year-end audits and bank reconciliations.
Customer Service: Accounting assistant often need to communicate with vendors and customers about invoices and payments. This could be by email or phone.
Employee Expenses: Assisting with payroll is one of the most important parts of an accounting assistant's job description. They verify timesheets, calculate vacation and sick days, prepare checks, and assure compliance with laws and best practices.
Financial Reports: Accounting assistant help accounting managers create and update financial reports. They work on balance sheets, statements of income, statements of retained earnings, and cash flow statements.
Skills:
Payroll Accounting: Accounting assistant need excellent command over payroll functions. They should understand employee compensation, benefits and deductions, and payroll taxes.
Math Skills: Accounting is mostly about numbers. Accounting assistants need sharp mathematics knowledge and error-free calculation and fact-checking skills.
Accounting Software: Accounting Assistant use specialized software programs such as QuickBooks. Accounting assistants who prepare and file tax returns also need proficiency with income tax software.
Accounting Standards: Accounting careers demand a thorough grasp of the generally accepted accounting principles for preparing financial statements. These standards include accrual accounting methods, depreciation and capital expenditures, bad debts, handling of assets, and historical costs.