Assistant accountant

Knowledge

K1: Understands the transactional processes and support provided by accountancy firms or the accounting function within an organisation. Understands their organisations business strategy including customer and supplier needs, in order to produce relevant and compliant financial information. Is aware of how their role fits in with the wider organisation and sector they are working in. Back to Duty

K2: Understands how to enter accounting transactions, perform a reconciliation, correct errors and produce a range of reports using a computerised accounting system. Understands the systems and process of the organisation, within the responsibility of the position such as Sales, Purchase and Payroll. Understands the use of all relevant office and accounting packages used within their organisation, relevant to their job role. Back to Duty

K3: Understands the relevant Ethical Standards to protect their own and their organisations professional reputation and integrity. Understands the importance of upholding relevant codes of conduct. Back to Duty

K4: Understands the basic elements of double entry bookkeeping and accounting standards required to process financial documents and report financial information to users of accounts. Understands the current financial standards for basic accounts preparation, in order to be able to make necessary end of year adjustments. Understands what is required to draft final accounts. Understands how to account for the purchase and disposal of non-current assets. Understands the basic tax principles to apply current regulations to calculate VAT and submit a VAT return. Back to Duty

K5: Understands how to recognise and use different accounting approaches and is able to gather, analyse and report information about income and expenditure to support decision-making, planning and control. Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Effectively records and analyses financial data at the appropriate level using the organisation’s standard tools and processes. Communicates to all stakeholders to aid decision making to add value to the organisation, within the responsibility of the position. Back to Duty

S2: Works both independently and as part of a team within the organisation’s standards; competently demonstrates an ability to communicate both in writing and orally at all levels, using a range of tools and demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and cultural awareness when dealing with internal and external customers. Demonstrates the ability to communicate financial information in a way that non-finance staff can interpret and understand. Back to Duty

S3: Consistently delivers high quality, ‘right first time’ financial and performance data in a timely fashion in line with the organisation’s requirements, to aid decision making and planning. Back to Duty

S4: Demonstrates the ability to identify the appropriate systems and processes to work productively in order to complete the required tasks. Demonstrates competent use of office and accounting packages. Able to maintain the security of accounting information using passwords and backup routines. Back to Duty

S5: Applies techniques to both common and non-routine problems, analysing where required and selecting the appropriate tools and techniques to produce solutions. Escalates or seeks guidance and support where appropriate. Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Accepts changing priorities and working requirements readily and has the flexibility to maintain high standards in a changing environment. Back to Duty

B2: Identifies opportunities to actively engage in the wider business when appropriate. Provides information that positively contributes to influencing business decisions whilst continually striving to improve own working processes and those of the organisation. Back to Duty

B3: Applies a transparent and objective manner in all actions and interactions to ensure that they meet the ethical requirements of the profession. Back to Duty

B4: Takes the initiative for own personal development. Proactively takes responsibility for completing tasks and meeting expectations. Consistently prioritises in order to achieve timely outcomes. Back to Duty

B5: Organises work effectively and achieves required results within deadlines. Performs professionally in pressurised situations and escalates appropriately when necessary. Back to Duty

B6: Consistently supports colleagues & collaborates to achieve results. Aware of their role within the team & their impact on others. Back to Duty