Skills of accounting administrative assistant

 

Administrative accounting assistants provide administrative assistance to an organization's accounting department or team. Their role differs from that of general administrative clerks in that they also perform basic accounting functions. They should be able to perform general office tasks, such as answering the phone and greeting customers, as well as performing higher-level functions, such as processing invoices and preparing deposits.

Administrative accounting assistants work under the supervision of an accountant or department supervisor. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment growth of 3% for secretaries and administrative assistants through 2024. This will add approximately 118,800 jobs to these areas during this period.

Duties and responsibilities of the accounting administrative assistant

The type of organization an accounting administrative assistant works for will determine their particular responsibilities, however there are several main tasks that all accounting administrative assistants perform. A review of the current worklists identified the following key tasks and responsibilities.

Perform basic accounting activities

Administrative accountants support accountants and other financial personnel in performing some of the basic accounting tasks. This can include preparing deposits, processing payments, creating financial reports, assisting with budget planning, preparing and submitting tax forms, and managing financial databases and spreadsheets. The scope of these activities will vary depending on the type and size of an organization, but accounting administrative assistants must have a working knowledge of basic accounting functions.

Provide administrative assistance

Administrative accounting assistants also help with office or administrative duties. They can answer the phone, greet customers, make appointments, file documents, perform data entry, scan documents, receive and sort mail, and any other activity that contributes to the function of the accounting department. Most administrative accounting assistants will find themselves doing this type of business every day.

Skills of accounting administrative assistant

An accounting administrative assistant must be reliable and highly organized. They must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and work equally well independently and in groups. In addition to these characteristics, employers are looking for candidates with the following skills.

Basic Skills: Based on the job listings we've analyzed, employers want a clerical accounting assistant with these basic skills. If you want to work in Accounting Administrative Assistant, focus on the following.

Proficient in computer software programs, such as Microsoft Office applications

Strong typing skills, more than 50 words per minute

Experience with office equipment such as faxes, copiers and scanners.

Basic math skills

Basic knowledge of accounting and financial principles.

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