Key Takeaways
- A clear accountant job description helps you find the right person for your business.
- Accountants in Australia must know ATO rules and AASB standards.
- Key tasks include BAS/GST compliance, PAYG, and financial reporting.
- Proficiency in software like Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks is a standard requirement.
- Understanding the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant is important for your hiring strategy.
Finding the right person for your finance team starts with a clear accountant job description. This document tells people what you need. It also helps you measure how well your staff performs. In Australia, an accountant does more than just look at numbers. They help your business stay safe with the law and plan for the future.
If you need someone for daily data entry and basic records, you might want to look at a Bookkeeper Job Description instead. An accountant takes those records and turns them into reports that help you make big decisions.
What Does an Accountant Do?
Before you write your job ad, you should understand what does an accountant do in a typical day. An accountant looks at the financial health of your business. They do not just record money coming in and out. They interpret that data.
Their work helps you understand if you are making a profit. They also make sure you pay the right amount of tax to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). They use their knowledge of the law to keep your business out of trouble.
Key Accountant Duties and Responsibilities
When you list accountant duties in your job ad, you need to be specific. The tasks can change depending on your business size. However, most roles include a set of standard accountant responsibilities.
Financial Statement Preparation
Your accountant will create reports that show your financial status. These include:
- Profit and Loss statements.
- Balance sheets.
- Cash flow statements.
- Budget reports.
General Ledger Management
The general ledger is the heart of your accounting system. Your accountant will:
- Record all financial transactions.
- Make sure all entries are correct.
- Fix any mistakes in the ledger.
- Keep the chart of accounts up to date.
Reconciliations
This task involves checking your business records against other documents. This makes sure your data is accurate.
- Bank reconciliations: Matching bank statements to your internal records.
- Credit card reconciliations: Checking business spending.
- Supplier reconciliations: Making sure you have paid your bills correctly.
BAS and GST Compliance
In Australia, businesses must handle Goods and Services Tax (GST). Your accountant will:
- Prepare and lodge the Business Activity Statement (BAS).
- Calculate how much GST you owe or are owed back.
- Meet all ATO deadlines to avoid fines.
PAYG and Payroll Support
While a payroll officer might do the weekly pay, the accountant often oversees the big picture.
- Managing Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding.
- Making sure staff get the right amount of superannuation.
- Reporting payroll data through Single Touch Payroll (STP).
Audit Support
If your business gets audited, your accountant is your main contact.
- They gather the files the auditor needs.
- They explain how you reached certain numbers.
- They help fix any issues the auditor finds.
General Accountant Job Description Template
You can use this accounting job description template to start your hiring process. Feel free to change the details to fit your specific needs.
Job Title: Accountant Location: [Insert Location, Australia] Reports To: [Insert Manager Title, e.g., Finance Manager]
Job Summary: We are looking for a detailed Accountant to join our team at Righteo. You will handle our financial records and make sure we follow all Australian tax laws. You will be responsible for preparing reports and helping us manage our cash flow.
Your Main Duties:
- Manage the general ledger and record daily transactions.
- Perform monthly bank and account reconciliations.
- Prepare monthly and yearly financial statements.
- Manage GST and lodge BAS on time.
- Handle PAYG and superannuation tasks.
- Help with the yearly budget and audit process.
- Give advice on how to save money and increase profit.
What You Need:
- A degree in Accounting or Finance.
- Experience with Australian accounting standards (AASB).
- Knowledge of ATO tax rules.
- High level of skill with Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Good communication skills.
Required Skills and Software Knowledge
A general accountant job description should always list the tools the person will use. Most Australian businesses use cloud-based software. You should ask for experience in at least one of these:
- Xero: Very common for small to medium businesses in Australia.
- MYOB: A traditional choice that many established firms still use.
- QuickBooks: Another popular tool for tracking money.
Beyond software, they need "soft skills" too. They must be able to explain hard financial ideas in a way you can understand. They also need to be very organised. A small mistake in a tax form can cost your business a lot of money.
Australian Accounting Standards and Compliance
Your accountant must follow the rules set by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB). These rules make sure that all financial reports in Australia are fair and clear.
They also need to stay updated on ATO requirements. Tax laws change often. A good accountant keeps learning so your business stays compliant. This includes knowing about:
- Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT).
- Payroll Tax (which varies by state).
- Corporate Tax rates.
Professional Qualifications for Accountants
In Australia, you might look for specific letters after a person's name. These show they have reached a high level of training.
- CPA (Certified Practising Accountant): This is a well-known qualification. It shows the person has finished a strict program and keeps their skills fresh.
- CA (Chartered Accountant): This is another high-level qualification. CAs often work in complex tax and audit roles.
While not every role needs a CPA or CA, having one of these can give you more peace of mind. It shows the person is serious about their career.
Conclusion
Writing a good accountant job description is the first step to building a strong finance team. By being clear about accountant duties and accountant responsibilities, you attract the right people. Make sure you focus on their knowledge of Australian laws and their skill with software like Xero or MYOB.
At Righteo, we know that the right staff can help your business grow. Use this job description template to find a professional who will keep your books in order and your business on the right track with the ATO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper?
A bookkeeper records daily transactions and keeps the books balanced. An accountant takes that data to prepare tax returns and financial reports. Accountants also give advice on business strategy and tax law.
Do accountants in Australia need a specific licence?
Most accountants have a degree. To give tax advice for a fee, they must be a registered tax agent with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). Many also hold CPA or CA memberships.
How often does an accountant lodge a BAS?
Most businesses lodge their Business Activity Statement (BAS) every three months. Some very large businesses might do it every month. Your accountant will make sure these are filed on time to avoid ATO penalties.
What software should an Australian accountant know?
Most Australian firms look for experience in Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks. These programs are built to handle Australian GST and Single Touch Payroll requirements.
Can an accountant help with business growth?
Yes. An accountant looks at your profit margins and costs. They can show you where you are losing money and help you plan for future spending. This helps your business stay healthy and grow.