Accounting Assistant
Job description, Salary, Resume, and Interview Questions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT DOES An Accounting Assistant DO?
Accounting Assistants play a crucial role in supporting the daily operations of finance departments by handling routine accounting tasks such as data entry, invoice processing, expense tracking, and account reconciliation. They assist accountants and finance managers by maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring that transactions comply with company policies and regulatory standards.
Successful Accounting Assistants possess strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and a solid foundation in accounting principles. They excel at managing multiple responsibilities, maintaining accuracy under pressure, and using financial software to support efficient and reliable bookkeeping processes. These professionals are dependable, process-oriented, and essential to keeping financial operations running smoothly.
AVERAGE SALARY FOR
Accounting Assistants
Salaries can vary depending on factors such as geographical location, experience, educational background, and industry sector.
$21.38/hour
Accounting Assistant Job Descriptions
Below are four types of Accounting Assistant job descriptions, detailing the range and expectations of the role:
Job Description:
We are seeking an Accounts Payable Assistant to support daily financial operations by ensuring timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices and payments. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented and capable of managing high volumes of transactions with efficiency.
Responsibilities:
- Review, verify, and enter invoices into the accounting system.
- Prepare and process electronic transfers and check payments.
- Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies.
- Assist with month-end closing tasks and expense reporting.
- Maintain organized records of accounts payable transactions.
- Communicate with vendors regarding billing issues or payment status.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Previous experience in accounts payable or a related role.
- Familiarity with accounting software such as QuickBooks or SAP.
- Strong attention to detail and time management skills.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
Job Description:
We are seeking an Accounts Receivable Assistant to manage invoicing and collections processes, ensuring timely receipt of customer payments and accurate financial reporting.
Responsibilities:
- Generate and send invoices to clients.
- Track incoming payments and apply them to customer accounts.
- Monitor accounts for overdue payments and follow up accordingly.
- Reconcile accounts receivable records with bank deposits.
- Assist with month-end reporting and cash flow projections.
- Maintain detailed and organized records of receivables.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business.
- Prior experience in accounts receivable or billing support.
- Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent attention to detail and organization.
- Strong communication skills for customer interactions.
Job Description:
We are seeking a Payroll Accounting Assistant to support payroll processing activities, including data entry, payroll reconciliation, and reporting, to ensure accurate and timely employee compensation.
Responsibilities:
- Enter and verify employee time and attendance data.
- Assist in processing bi-weekly or monthly payroll.
- Prepare payroll reports and reconcile payroll accounts.
- Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll information.
- Ensure compliance with payroll tax regulations and company policies.
- Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll discrepancies.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, HR, or a related field.
- Previous payroll or accounting support experience preferred.
- Proficiency with payroll software (e.g., ADP, Paychex) and Excel.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong organizational and confidentiality skills.
Job Description:
We are seeking a General Ledger Accounting Assistant to support the maintenance of the company’s financial records, assist with journal entries, and ensure the accuracy of ledger balances.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare and post journal entries into the general ledger.
- Reconcile ledger accounts and assist with account analysis.
- Support monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
- Assist with internal audits and documentation.
- Maintain organized financial records for audit readiness.
- Collaborate with senior accountants and finance team members.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
- Familiarity with GAAP and general accounting principles.
- Experience with accounting software (e.g., Oracle, NetSuite).
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
Candidate Certifications to Look For
Consider the following certifications and qualifications when evaluating candidates:
Demonstrates advanced bookkeeping knowledge and skills in areas like adjusting entries, payroll, and error correction. Ideal for accounting assistants handling day-to-day financial transactions.
Validates foundational accounting knowledge, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and financial statements—great for assistants supporting accountants or CPAs.
Highlights proficiency in Excel functions, pivot tables, and data management—an essential skill for accounting assistants involved in spreadsheet-based financial tracking and analysis.
HOW TO HIRE An Accounting Assistant
Securing a skilled Accounting Assistant requires a strategic approach to identifying professionals with a strong foundation in accounting principles, attention to detail, and the ability to manage financial data accurately. Here are key strategies to help you hire top talent:
Comprehensive Job Descriptions: Clearly articulate the responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for the role to attract candidates who meet the specific needs of your organization.
Accounting Assistant Competency Assessments: Evaluate candidates by testing their ability to manage financial records, process invoices, reconcile accounts, use accounting software, and maintain accuracy in data entry while adhering to company policies and accounting standards.
Focus on Detail Orientation: During interviews, ask questions designed to gauge candidates’ attention to detail and their approach to minimizing errors in their work.
Highlight Opportunities for Growth: Emphasize any potential for career advancement or skill development within the organization to attract candidates who are looking for long-term opportunities.
Leverage Accounting-Specific Platforms: Post job listings on platforms that specialize in accounting roles, such as those focused on bookkeepers, staff accountants, and financial analysts, to access a broader pool of qualified accounting professionals.
Accounting Assistant Interview Questions
How do you ensure accuracy when entering financial data, reconciling accounts, and processing invoices?
Describe your experience with accounting software such as QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle. Which features help you work more efficiently?
What strategies do you use to manage competing deadlines, such as month-end close, data entry, and vendor communications?
Can you share an example of identifying and correcting a financial discrepancy that impacted account balances or reporting?
How do you stay organized when handling large volumes of invoices, receipts, and reconciliations?
Describe a challenging accounting project you supported. What was your role, and how did your contributions improve the outcome?
How do you ensure compliance with company policies and financial regulations when processing transactions or assisting with audits?
What’s the most complex aspect of supporting accounting operations, and how do you maintain accuracy while managing your workload?
How do you approach quality assurance when reviewing financial entries, reconciliations, or documentation?
What steps do you take to stay updated on accounting tools, GAAP standards, and best practices in bookkeeping or financial support?
THREE EASY WAYS TO COMPLETE YOUR accounting TEAM
AcctPositions can assist you in finding the right Accounting Assistant for your team. Here are three ways to complete your accounting team:
- Utilize AcctPositions, a specialized accounting staffing agency.
- Post your job on leading accounting job boards.
- Leverage your professional network in the accounting sector. AcctPositions offers access to a network of pre-screened and qualified accounting professionals.
NEED HELP HIRING An Accounting Assistant
Discover how AcctPositions can elevate your hiring process with tailored staffing solutions. Contact us today to experience a partnership that transforms your recruitment strategy and connects you with top-tier talent.
