Job description: Accountant

Job description: Accountant
The image of the accountant disappearing behind his account books and getting stuck in the numbers is a thing of the past. He now uses accounting processing software. Above all, he does not just enter figures or prepare balance sheets. Depending on the company where he works, he can complete pay slips or tax declarations. Or, calculate a cost price. With bac + 2 to 3 training in accounting, this professional also works in an accounting firm

Professional life
Especially in business
There are an estimated 400,000 accountants. Their numbers have been growing steadily for more than twenty years, but should stabilize in the years to come. The majority of jobs are found in businesses, banks and administrations. Accounting firms provide about a third of recruitment. The profession has a low level of precariousness.
Operational otherwise nothing
As it takes a year to train a good accountant, experienced professionals are in high demand. Beginners must therefore complete a minimum of internships before entering the job market. Temporary assignments are an effective way to get your foot in the door.
A good springboard
Experience in an accounting firm facilitates career development, particularly as a chief accountant in a company. Likewise, working in an SME proves a good degree of autonomy, a factor in promotion. In small accounting firms, a few mission manager positions can allow for internal development.
Beginner's salary
On average 1500 euros gross per month.
Working conditions
More or less autonomy
In a small company or association, the sole accountant is a co-pilot. Providing analytical accounting, budget monitoring and cash flow, he is involved in investment decisions. In a large company, functions are more compartmentalized, with the accountant having only a partial view of the accounting chain.
More or less variety
If the activity of the corporate accountant is sometimes routine, it is not the same in the office. From the plumber to the pharmacist, the employee manages the accounting of different clients at the same time. Which leads him to travel outside his office.
Heating strokes
Accounting activity is quite intense with, in addition, “hot spots”. Particularly when preparing the annual report at the start of the year. Only perfect organization makes it possible to deal with it in the best conditions.
SKILLS
Rigor above all
With it, no overdue invoice, undeclared VAT or unpaid employee bonus. Organized, the accountant makes his entries very rigorously. He demonstrates great vigilance when taking inventory and closing the annual accounts.
In the standards
This professional masters accounting standards as well as accounting and tax processing software. Curious, he listens to tax, social or legal developments. Fluency in English is a major asset, particularly in companies that maintain contacts abroad.
Good contact
Autonomy and interpersonal skills are essential to progress. The accountant must, in fact, demonstrate good contact. Whether with clients when working in an office. Or in his relationships with customers, suppliers, employees and external correspondents of his company.
Nature of the work
Sole accountant
In a small business, the single accountant is on all fronts. It records day-to-day accounting transactions. He prepares the closing of the annual accounts, which will be verified by the accountant and certified by the auditor. He prepares employee pay slips and tax and social security declarations...
Specialized accountant
In a large company, customer accountants, supplier accountants, payroll accountants and cost accountants work under the responsibility of the chief accountant. They are respectively responsible for monitoring the processing of customer or supplier invoices, managing employee payroll or setting up dashboards for management control.
Or expert collaborator
In an accounting firm, the employee is responsible for various business files under the responsibility of the accountant. Most often, he keeps the accounts of craftsmen, farmers, traders or liberals. He prepares the annual balance sheets under the supervision of the accountant.
Training to enter the profession
• The BTS in accounting and organizational management is prepared in high schools, private establishments or on a work-study basis. • The DUT in business and administration management (GEA) offers a specialization in accounting and financial management in more than 80 IUTs