what is a financial accountant?
As a financial accountant, your job is to handle an organisation's finances. Your duties involve creating various reports such as income statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets, and maintaining precise records of all financial activities. You are also responsible for ensuring that the company complies with all legal requirements and pays its taxes accurately. Your work is crucial in helping decision-makers comprehend the company's financial status and identify potential investment prospects. This profession offers you the opportunity to work in various industries.
view vacanciesaverage financial accountant salary
Financial accountants typically earn an average of $98,000 annually, but their compensation package may vary based on their education and professional qualifications. Those new to the profession can expect a starting salary of $90,000 per year, with opportunities for increased earnings as their knowledge and expertise grow, potentially exceeding $105,000 annually.
what factors affect the salary of a financial accountant?
Your salary as a financial accountant is influenced by the size of the company and the industry you work in. In small startups, resources may be limited, resulting in a lower salary. In contrast, larger companies typically offer higher salaries due to their greater resources. Your professional qualifications and industry experience can also increase your earnings. Over time, you gain expertise in your industry and can handle complex issues, which can lead to negotiation for a higher salary.
Additionally, your geographical location also affects your earning potential. Working in metropolitan areas increases your chances of a higher salary due to the high demand for financial accountants. However, working in smaller cities may reduce your earning potential.
Want to know what you will earn as a financial accountant? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
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 review weekly and monthly financial statements and offer suggestions to improve the company's financial health. This includes submitting tax reports and conducting internal audits to ensure accuracy. Your goal is to optimise cash flow and provide valuable insights to help the company succeed.
- 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 have the important task of presenting the company's financial information to management and stakeholders. This involves communicating the company's financial position and making recommendations for expansion. Additionally, you keep investors informed about the company's financial situation.
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work environment
As a financial accountant, you have the opportunity to work in a variety of industries, including education, manufacturing, and consultation services. Your work is primarily computer-based, as you spend your time analysing financial information. In some cases, you can work remotely to complete your tasks. Occasionally, you may need to 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, finance assistants, finance directors and office managers.
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work schedule
As a financial accountant, you can expect to work full-time hours that typically run from 9 am to 5 pm. However, there may be occasions where you need to work overtime, in the evenings, weekends, or public holidays to meet work obligations and deadlines. Although most jobs are full-time, some companies do 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. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year 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. Some of the qualifications include:
- bachelor’s degree: to become a financial accountant, you require a bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting. Complete a bachelor’s degree in business and specialise in accounting. The degree takes three years, and you need to complete Year 12 and have the necessary Universities Admission Index.
- experience: as a financial accountant, you require three years of professional experience. You should also undertake professional development activities annually. Completing a Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting (CA) or a certified practising accountant (CPA) program is also important.
financial accountant skills and competencies
As a financial accountant, you need a range of skills and competencies to be effective. These include:
- accounting skills: you must be familiar with processes such as tax reporting and preparation of financial statements. Your technical skills will allow you to work efficiently and identify any issues in financial reports.
- maths skills: strong mathematical skills are needed to perform calculations and prepare accurate financial reports. These skills will also help you identify any errors that arise from incorrect computations.
- analytical skills: as a financial accountant, you will be responsible for data analysis and interpretation of financial information. You will need analytical skills to understand the information 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 $98,000 per year. When you are new to the role, you receive a remuneration of $90,000 annually. As you improve your skills and experience, your earnings increase to over $105,000 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 financial accountant job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.