When picturing the role of an accountant, it may be difficult to fully imagine what they do. These professionals’ roles and responsibilities can vary greatly depending on their sector, the businesses they work for and their areas of specialization.
Although all accounting jobs involve finances in one way or another, some titles require more in-depth training and unique skill sets. Consider the following list of 5 different types of accounting jobs when conducting your next job search.
1. Forensic Accountant
Ever watched an episode of CSI and thought you had what it takes? In the world of accounting, that’s precisely what forensic accountants do. Recognized as the detectives of accounting, these professionals are responsible for analyzing financial records to ensure they align with standards and laws.
In addition, people counsel forensic accountants for exceptional cases where they help uncover errors, omissions or actual financial fraud within the records.
To land one of these positions, accountants require a unique skill set that varies from the standard. Understanding numbers and an investigative curiosity will ensure you excel in this role.
The two sectors these accounts usually work in are either investigation or litigation support. Depending on the extent of their findings, situations may occur when forensic accountants must serve as expert witnesses in court proceedings.
Professionals who aim to become forensic accountants hold a Bachelor’s degree. In addition to this initial education, further certification may be required, along with earning a CPA credential.
As an accounting staffing agency, our experts lend a helping hand in finding you the perfect candidate, allowing you to focus on core operations and standard business. Our recruiting experts will work with your firm to connect you with talented, ambitious, experienced professionals.
2. Cost Accountant
Whether it’s a big corporation or a small business, the objective is often to improve operations and processes to save money. This is where cost accountants come in. These individuals are responsible for examining each expense associated with a particular client’s supply chain to perform profitability analysis’ and budget preparation.
They also analyze the different costs across a particular business’ operations, including labour, materials, shipping, production, administration, etc. After they finish, the cost accountant compiles all the information before sharing it with business leaders.
The information provided helps business owners identify the gaps in their financial efficiency and how to improve them.
A Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is often held by cost accountants, along with demonstrated skills in both math and statistics. Similar to other jobs within the industry, it is recommended that these professionals also obtain their CPA credential or more specialized licensure, such as the Certified Cost Accountant accreditation.
Our experts take the time to understand the values on which our clients operate and the type of employees they see fit. At our accounting staffing agency, we considerably understand what an accounting professional possesses.
It makes working with clients across different industries easier and connects them with great candidates.
3. Investment Accountant
Although it may be evident by the name, investment accountants typically specialize in finance and investment. These professionals often work in either a brokerage or asset management firm. The areas of specialization investment accountants can have include stocks, bonds, ETFs, currencies, precious metals and other investment vehicles.
Maintaining a client’s investments while also following existing state regulations are among the primary responsibilities of an investment accountant. They are also knowledgeable about financial strategizing and may provide advice towards a firm’s development plan.
To become an investment accountant, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics or business. Most professionals in this sector choose to earn their CPA credentials and become Personal Financial Specialists.
Being an accounting staffing agency means we have the expertise to refer great professionals to willing employers. We ensure we learn everything about our candidates through in-depth, personalized discussions and assessments.
4. Project Accountant
Similar to working as a freelancer, project accountants provide their services on a project-by-project basis.
Overseeing all aspects of a project that might affect the overall cost, project accountants are responsible for preparing and collecting invoices, approving expenses, verifying employees’ billable hours, planning and maintaining budgets and ensuring the team meets project deadlines.
The different projects these professionals may work on range from a new project launch to constructing a new facility. Some of the skills required to be a project accountant are communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills to effectively work alongside project managers and other professionals on the same assignment.
Although most project accountants mainly hold a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, many employers prefer candidates that have either a CPA certification or CMA credential.
Our accounting staffing agency focuses on quality employees with the qualifications and personality to fit your role and organizational purpose. We conduct personalized discussions and interviews with potential candidates so that we can refer them to employers with confidence.
5. Staff Accountant
Staff accountants are the most recognizable accounting job in the industry. Offering a general set of skills, staff accountants possess a wide range of responsibilities. Their different assignments include:
- Preparing financial statements
- Maintaining a company’s general and subsidiary accounts.
- Performing account reconciliations.
- Maintaining payroll records.
- Cash management.
- Supervising clerical employees.
Depending on the type of business, the duties of a staff accountant may vary. In a small business, these professionals tend to fulfill more bookkeeping duties.
On the other hand, those who work at large companies may be required to perform more supervisory roles. The exact job responsibilities will vary depending on an individual’s position.
Like other accounting jobs, staff accountants typically hold a Bachelor’s degree, often in accounting. As well they are recommended to obtain their CPA certification.
Land Your Next Accounting Job
To book a consultation with one of our experienced accounting professionals today and learn more about how our accounting staffing agency can help you, call AHK Accounting Recruiters at 855-630-0383 or contact us online.