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Accounting Specialist job description template

If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.

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Free job description below
Median pay
$43,804per year, about $21 an hour
Range$25,000 to $60,000 a year
Hourly$13 to $29 an hour
Also calledAccountant, Accounting Clerk, Accounting Manager
DepartmentAccounting
The role

What is an Accounting Specialist?

Accounting Specialists are financial professionals who work in business organizations, accounting companies, banks, and other business institutions.

They mostly work in accounting or payroll departments where they manage financial accounts, process and verify transactions, and assist in daily, monthly, and annual financial activities.

They maintain accurate records of incoming and outgoing payments, ensure invoices are paid and analyze and prepare documentation.

Their main task is to keep the financial system in control and resolve any accounting irregularities or errors.

What to screen for

The top Accounting Specialist skills.

Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.

SkillWhy it matters
Analytical SkillsAccounting work expects great numerical and analytical skills. Accounting Specialists must be meticulous and detail-oriented when dealing with documentation and reports. Their analytical skills help them ensure everything is in order and keep accurate track of all segments of their work.
Industry KnowledgeFirst of all, Accounting Specialists are experts in their role. However, the vast knowledge of actions in other departments and active collaboration with them is of huge importance. Accounting Specialists who possess strong business and industry awareness are more likely to excel in their position and contribute to the company.
OrganizationAccounting Specialists have to be highly organized in order to juggle clients and transactions, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate documentation. Every assignment involves a significant amount of documentation and information, and Accounting Specialists who struggle to stay organized are more likely to make mistakes or oversee some important details.
CommunicationProbably the most important skill for Accounting Specialists is the ability to explain their findings to colleagues and clients. Some people do not possess strong knowledge of financial procedures and concepts, and that is why Accounting Specialists must convey information and give explanations that are understandable to the average person.
Computer SkillsAccountant Specialists nowadays rely on various programs, software, and charts to complete their work. Computer proficiency is essential in this role, especially the use of Excel, Microsoft Office, and various spreadsheets platforms. The ability to effectively apply computer knowledge in their work will make Accounting Specialists stand out.
Free template

The job description, ready to post.

Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.

Accounting SpecialistAccounting · Free to use and edit

We are hiring an experienced and qualified Accounting Specialist who will manage our clients’ accounts and process payments. In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining accurate and relevant records of incoming and outgoing transactions and payments, and assisting in daily, monthly, and annual financial activities. You will also make sure all payments are received and reviewed, and resolve any financial or accounting irregularities or errors.

Your primary goal in this position will be to provide efficient, accurate, and committed support and assistance to financial and accounting departments and staff members. Our ideal candidate is someone who is able to build and maintain trusty relationships with clients, vendors, and coworkers by means of communication. Other beneficial skills include excellent organization, attention to detail, computer proficiency, and analytical mind.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Verify, process, and record transactions and payments
  • Maintain accurate and relevant records of incoming and outgoing payments, such as journals, invoices, receipts, etc.
  • Maintain receipts and supply and inventory information
  • Assist in daily, monthly, and annual financial activities, such as financial reports, budgets, taxes…
  • Communicate with vendors and suppliers to ensure payments are processed and received on time
  • Handle payroll functions if required
  • Review and update financial information and documents
  • Manage general ledger bookkeeping
  • Manage clients’ accounts and their payment schedules
  • Identify and resolve accounting irregularities or errors
  • Prepare and submit documentation regularly in the accounting system
  • Follow all procedures to maintain the company’s financial security

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field
  • Proven prior experience as an Accounting Specialist or similar position
  • A Certified Public Accounting (CPA) preferred
  • Strong knowledge of financial principles and computer proficiency
  • Analytical mind and math skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Organization
Add your pay range, benefits, and location before you post. Postings with a stated range get significantly more finished applications than the ones that leave it out.

Take the template with you

Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.

Education

Degree first, then the certification.

The necessary educational requirements for Accounting Specialists include a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.

Some employers may look for a candidate who has a Certified Public Accounting degree.

Accounting Specialists must have excellent math and analytical skills to handle reports, payments, payroll, and bookkeeping, as well as strong computer skills and understanding of accounting principles and financial legislation.

CPA

Certified Public Accountant

Demonstrates expertise in accounting principles and practices.

AICPA
Treat these as a signal, not a requirement. Plenty of strong candidates come up through experience without one.
After the applications land

Sample interview questions for an Accounting Specialist.

Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.

Personal
  • Why do you like your job as an Accounting Specialist?
  • How would you describe yourself in a few words?
  • Do you play any sports or have a hobby outside of work?
Human Resources
  • Why do you think you will be successful as an Accounting Specialist in this company?
  • Why are you leaving your current job as an Accounting Specialist?
  • What skills do you think will help you the most in this job?
Management
  • How do you stay focused and motivated when doing repetitive work?
  • What is the professional achievement in your career so far that you are most proud of?
  • Do you consider yourself a leader?
Technical Skills and Knowledge
  • What software and accounting programs are you familiar with?
  • Have you ever had to resolve a financial difficulty or error? How did that end?
  • How would you briefly describe your job to a child?
Score answers with AvaHR scorecards
Pay

How much to pay when hiring.

Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.

10th percentile$25,000
25th percentile$36,000
Median$43,804
75th percentile$49,000
90th percentile$60,000

Hourly equivalents run from $13 at the 10th percentile to $29 at the 90th.

Related job titles

Candidates may apply under a different name.

Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.

Same work, different title

Three titles, one description.

Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.

Browse every title

Accountant

An accountant is a professional who provides financial services to individuals or businesses.

$68,326 median

Accounting Clerk

Accounting Clerks work in accounting departments in companies where they provide assistance with accounting and clerical duties.

$38,217 median

Accounting Manager

Accounting managers are responsible for tracking, overseeing, and evaluating daily accounting tasks and activities.

$95,659 median
Questions

Frequently asked questions.

Who do Accounting Specialists report to?

Accounting Specialists typically work with other Accountants to complete assignments. They are supervised by a Senior Accountant or Accounting Manager.

What are the different types of accountants?

There are various titles regarding accounting work, and some of them are:

  • Staff accountant
  • Certified public accountant
  • Investment accountant
  • Project accountant
  • Management accountant
  • Cost accountant
Where do Accounting Specialists usually work?

Accounting is considered a very important job for the public, so there are always accounting specialists jobs needed.

Accounting Specialists can work in accounting firms and offices, various companies, banks, government, payroll and business departments, etc.

What is the average salary for Accounting Specialists?

Accounting Specialists earn between $25,000 and $63,500 per year.

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