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What does a Junior Accountant do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A junior accountant is responsible for a variety of tasks related to the financial operations of a company. They may maintain financial records, prepare financial reports, and assist with budgeting and forecasting. Junior accountants may also be involved in auditing and tax preparation.

Junior Accountant job duties include:

  • Assisting in the preparation of financial statements and reports
  • Assisting with month end and year end closing
  • Reconciling bank statements
  • Accounts payable and receivable
  • Processing invoices
  • Assist with auditing process
  • Maintaining general ledger
  • Posting journal entries
  • Fixed asset maintenance

Junior Accountant Job Requirements

A Junior Accountant typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Some employers may require certification, such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. Junior Accountants usually have up to three years of experience in accounting or a related field. They typically perform tasks such as preparing financial statements, maintaining ledgers, and preparing tax returns.

Junior Accountant Skills

  • Junior accountant skills:

1. Organizational skills

2. Time management skills

3. Communication skills

4. Writing skills

5. Research skills

6. Problem-solving skills

7. Critical thinking skills

8. Interpersonal skills

9. Teamwork skills

10. Computer skills

11. Math skills

12. Accounting knowledge

Related: Top Junior Accountant Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Junior Accountant

A Junior Accountant is responsible for maintaining financial records, preparing financial reports, and assisting senior accountants with various tasks. If you are interested in becoming a Junior Accountant, here are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success:

1. Get a degree in accounting or a related field. While it is not required to have a formal education to become a Junior Accountant, it will give you a leg up on the competition. Employers often prefer candidates who have at least an Associate’s degree in accounting or a related field.

2. Take advantage of internships and entry-level positions. Many accounting firms offer internships and entry-level positions that can give you the experience and knowledge you need to succeed as a Junior Accountant. These opportunities can also help you network with professionals in the field, which can lead to future job opportunities.

3. Stay up-to-date on changes in the accounting industry. The accounting industry is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay abreast of new developments. Reading professional journals and attending conferences are two great ways to stay informed about the latest trends in accounting.

4. Develop strong problem-solving skills. As a Junior Accountant, you will be responsible for solving various financial problems. Therefore, it’s important to develop strong problem-solving skills. Practice solving different types of financial problems so that you will be prepared when challenges arise in your career.

5. Be detail-oriented and organized. Junior Accountants must pay close attention to detail and be able to keep track of many different pieces of information at one time. Staying organized is also critical in this role, as you will often be working with large amounts of data.

Related: Junior Accountant Resume Example

Related: Junior Accountant Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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