what is a financial accountant?
As a financial accountant, you run an organisation's financial and accounting activities. You ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial and accounting management. Your job is to ensure proper preparation, documentation and reporting of financial transactions. The role involves a wide range of paperwork, such as preparing income statements, cash flow statements and balance sheets. You also handle the general ledger, including preparing or supervising journal entries.
Financial accountants ensure accurate calculation of company taxes. You submit the required taxes to the relevant authorities and ensure the company complies with the statutory requirements. Aside from reporting, you also inform the stakeholders of the financial information. You analyse the financial records and inform the company of its financial position. You assist companies with decision-making and finding new investment opportunities with the information you provide.
Since financial accounting emphasises gathering data for internal and external reporting, most duties revolve around financial reporting. You can work in various fields, including education, government and corporate or non-profit organisations. You also work in various industries, including manufacturing, mining and construction.
find jobsaverage financial accountant salary
The average income of a financial accountant is $95,000 per year. However, the typical remuneration package of a financial accountant may vary depending on their educational achievements and professional qualifications. When you are new to the profession, your starting salary can be $75,000 annually. As your knowledge in the profession improves, your earnings increase to over $110,000 yearly.
what factors affect the salary of a financial accountant?
The salary of a financial accountant depends on the size of the company and the industry. When you work in a small startup, you are likely to earn less due to limited resources. Your remuneration package is higher in a large company since they have more resources. Your professional qualifications and industry expertise also improve your earnings. After working for a particular industry for a long time, you have the relevant industry expertise to handle complex issues that arise. With work experience and added expertise, you can negotiate a higher remuneration package.
The geographical location of the company also influences your earnings. Working in metro areas improves your remuneration prospects due to the high demand for the role. However, working in smaller cities reduces your earning potential.
types of financial accountants
Some of the types of financial accountants include:
- forensic accountant: as a forensic accountant, you investigate financial information and records to determine accuracy and importance. Your job is to analyse and interpret financial records used for legal proceedings. You also deliver the information collected to clients and other stakeholders.
- project financial accountant: as a project accountant, you focus on project delivery needs. Your job involves tracking, reporting and analysing the financial results of a project. You provide regular reports to the management on the project's expenses and the required budgetary adjustments.
- public accountant: as a public financial accountant, you work in state-managed institutions managing public funds and performing audits. You assist with budgeting public funds and reviewing resource allocation to various departments.
working as a financial accountant
Working as a financial accountant involves managing financial information in companies. The role requires analytical and numerical skills. If you are interested in the role, check out the duties and responsibilities of financial accountants.
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financial accountant job description
Some of the duties of financial accountants include the following:
- preparing financial information: as a financial accountant, you perform weekly and monthly accounting operations. That means you supervise the preparation of ledger accounts and prepare the income statements for the company. You also prepare balance sheet reports and cash flow statements to show a company's financial position.
- analysing financial statements: as a financial accountant, you analyse weekly and monthly financial records and make recommendations to the company. After analysing the financial statements, you submit the required taxes and recommend ways to improve the company's cash flow. You also audit the correctness of the financial statements and conduct internal audits of the company’s finances.
- keeping expenditure under control: as a financial accountant, you guide the project funding estimates. You prepare the project budgets and monitor the weekly cash flow figures. Since you monitor the income and expenses, you can recommend ways to keep the cash flow under control. You also monitor the reconciliation of credit card and bank transactions to determine the business's expenses.
- communicating financial information to stakeholders: as a financial accountant, you present financial information to the company management. That means you communicate with stakeholders on the company's financial position and recommend strategies and investments for expansion. You also keep investors updated on the financial positions of the company.
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work environment
As a financial accountant, you work in diverse industry sectors, from education to manufacturing and consultation services. Your job is usually office-based, and you spend most of your time on computers analysing financial information. Some financial accountants also work remotely since they can complete their tasks virtually. You are expected to dress professionally when you work in an office setting. Sometimes, you travel to attend stakeholder meetings or professional workshops.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include accountants, bookkeepers, finance analysts and finance managers. You might also be working in close proximity to controllers and credit controllers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, auditors, business analysts, finance directors, financial planners and office managers.
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work schedule
Financial accountants generally work full-time due to the nature of their role. Your work hours may run from 9 am to 5 pm, depending on your employer. You may occasionally work overtime or in the evenings to fulfill some work obligations. Sometimes, you also work weekends and public holidays to meet deadlines. While most jobs are full-time, some companies offer part-time positions for accountants.
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job outlook
As a financial accountant, the expertise and skills you gain from your role are versatile. You can apply your knowledge in various industries and improve your career prospects. For instance, the technical and legislative expertise prepares you for the company's auditor roles and finance controller positions. If you want a leadership role, improving your expertise in financial accounting prepares you for positions like finance manager and finance director.
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advantages of finding a financial accountant job through randstad
Finding your financial accountant job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a financial accountant is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
You require academic qualifications to become a financial accountant. Qualifications include:
- complete a degree from an approved university
- complete three years of professional experience
- complete qualifications set by CA ANZ or CPA Australia.
- Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand website - information on becoming a chartered accountant
- CPA Australia website - information about becoming a certified practicing accountant
financial accountant skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a financial accountant include:
- accounting skills: you need accounting skills to be familiar with processes like tax reporting and preparation of financial statements. Your technical skills help you work efficiently and identify issues in financial reports.
- maths skills: you require strong mathematics skills to perform calculations and prepare financial reports. Your maths skills help you identify errors that arise from incorrect computations.
- analytical skills: as a financial accountant, you assist in data analysis and interpretation of financial information. After collecting the information, you require analytical skills to understand it and offer financial advice to managers.
- communication skills: as a financial accountant, you discuss financial matters with people inside and outside the company. Your communication skills help you explain complex financial information to various stakeholders and guide your colleagues.
- time management: you require time management skills to meet deadlines. Time management helps you prioritise your responsibilities and focus on various tasks.
FAQs about working as a financial accountant
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a financial accountant.
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what is the main role of a financial accountant?
As a financial accountant, you prepare financial statements and reports. You also communicate a company's financial status to the stakeholders to ensure everyone understands the prevailing economic condition and its impact on the organisation’s finances. Financial accountants also advise company leaders on the best investment practices and strategies to ensure the business meets its expansion goals.
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how much does a finance accountant earn?
As a financial accountant, you earn an average salary of $95,000 per year. When you are new to the role, you receive a remuneration of $75,000 annually. As you improve your skills and experience, your earnings increase to over $110,000 yearly. The remuneration package of a finance accountant depends on the size of the company and geographical location. Some employers can afford higher salaries due to the unlimited resources unavailable.
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what is the difference between an accountant and a financial accountant?
As a financial accountant, your job entails both finance and accounting work. That means you record information but also plan and direct the company's finances. The work of an accountant is to record and report transactions only. They aren’t involved in financial planning.
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what skills does a financial accountant need?
As a financial accountant, you require analytical skills to analyse financial information in the company. You also rely on communication skills to explain financial matters to various stakeholders. With communication skills, you can collaborate well with colleagues and provide instructions on how to prepare financial statements. You also require maths skills to complete the complex calculations associated with accounting work.
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is financial accountant a good job?
Being a financial accountant is an exciting career with high job satisfaction. Your knowledge of financial planning improves your career expectations, and you can progress to other roles in the company.
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how do I apply for a financial accountant vacancy?
Applying for a financial accountant job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.