Accounting Job Titles

Below is a list of some of the most common accounting job titles, as well as a
description of each. For more information about each job title, check out the
Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Accountant
An accountant prepares, analyzes, and maintains financial records. Accountants
typically work for a company, managing that company’s finances. They might
perform a variety of tasks, including managing a company’s payroll, taxes, and
various other payments. There are many different types of accountants, from
general accountants to tax accountants. Each one has slightly different duties.

Accounting Clerk
An accounting clerk produces and maintains financial records for a company. He
or she might enter financial information into computer software, check this data
for accuracy, and/or produce reports on this information. Also known as a
bookkeeping clerks or auditing clerks, they work in almost all industries.

Auditor
An auditor’s duties are very similar to an accountant’s. Like an accountant, an
auditor prepares, analyzes, and manages financial records. However, auditors
more typically work for an accounting or payroll service, rather than working for
one particular company. Generally, an auditor checks the work performed by a
company’s accountant. He or she often helps multiple companies deal with their
finances.

Chief Financial Officer

A chief financial officer (CFO) is responsible for managing the finances of an
organization. He or she is in charge of financial planning, maintaining financial
records, and sometimes also analyzing these records. He or she manages the
accounting department, and typically reports to the chief executive officer (CEO)
of the organization.

Controller
A controller (sometimes called a comptroller) is responsible for accounting
activities for a particular company. He or she might prepare financial statements
and budgets, process data, and/or prepare taxes. The controller typically reports
to the chief financial officer (CFO).

Financial Analyst
A financial analyst evaluates businesses and projects to see if an entity is a good
candidate to invest in. Financial analysts might make recommendations to a
particular bank, company, or to various investors about whether to invest in a
particular company.

Accounting Job Titles List

Below is an extensive list of accounting job titles, including those described

above.

A-D

 Accountant
 Accounting Clerk
 Accounting Clerk Leader
 Accounting Director
 Accounting Manager
 Accounting Supervisor
 Accounting Vice President
 Accounts Supervisor
 Assistant Director of Finance
 Assistant Director of Financial Operations
 Audit Supervisor
 Auditor
 Bookkeeper
 Budget Analyst
 Budget Manager
 Bursar
 Certified Public Accountant
 Chief Accounting Officer
 Chief Financial Officer
 Compliance Auditor
 Comptroller
 Contracts and Financial Compliance Manager
 Controller
 Corporate Accountant
 Cost Accountant
 Credit Analyst
 Director of Financial Operations

E-L

 Environmental Auditor
 External Auditor
 Financial Analyst
  Financial Assurance Manager
 Financial Assurance Specialist
 Forensic Accountant
 Gift Administration Specialist
 Gift Assurance Officer
 Government Accountant
 Government Auditor
 Grants and Contracts Assistant
 Grants and Contracts Specialist
 Industrial Accountant
 Information Technology Audit Manager
 Information Technology Auditor
 Internal Auditor

M-R

 Management Accountant
 Managerial Accountant
 Payroll Manager
 Payroll Services Analyst
 Private Accountant
 Public Accountant
 Revenue Cycle Administrator
 Revenue Cycle Manager
 Revenue Cycle Supervisor

S-Z

 Senior Auditor
 Senior Budget Analyst
 Senior Cash Management Analyst
 Senior Financial Analyst
 Senior General Audit Manager
 Senior Gift Assurance Officer
 Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist
 Senior Strategic Planner
 Staff Accountant
 Staff Auditor
 Strategic Planner
 Strategic Planning and Institutional Analysis Manager
 Strategic Program Planning Advisor
 Tax Accountant
 Tax Specialist
Lists of Job Titles
More information on job titles and job titles for a variety of occupations.

Job Title Samples

Sample job titles and job title lists categorized by industry, type of job,
occupation, career field, and position level.

Accountant Job Description

Accountants collect, organize and track financial information for organizations.

They prepare financial reports regarding revenues, expenses, assets, and
liabilities for internal use by staff and to meet requirements by the government,
shareholders and other external entities.

Accountants conduct audits to determine if client organizations or their own

employer is following established legal practices and company policies for
financial transactions and record keeping. They prepare reports with their
findings and recommend remedies to resolve problems and reduce the risk of
law suits and financial losses due to staff errors or criminal activity.

Accountants prepare tax returns to minimize tax liabilities and ensure that income
is reported according to the IRS code. They advise clients or management at
their firm regarding strategies to limit future tax burdens. Public accountants must
go through a rigorous certification process that includes passing the Certified
Public Accounting (CPA) exam as well as meeting educational and work
experience requirements.

Employment Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for accountants is

expected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all
occupations. Accountants with professional certifications like the CPA
designationare expected to have the best job prospects.

Salary

The median salary for accountants was $68,150 in May 2016 according to
the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bottom 10 percent earns less than $42,140,
while the top 10 percent earn more than $120,910.
What to Include in an Accountant Resume and Cover Letter

Whether you are applying for a position as a public accountant with a financial
services firm or as a private accountant with a company, you will need to list the
specific accounting proficiencies that you possess—things like AP/AR
administration, general ledger reconciliation, tax accounting, or auditing. Your
best guide for knowing which of your skills to emphasize is the specific
description of the job to which you are applying. If the description mentions
specific “Preferred Skills,” you need to echo these in your resume.

Showcase your education, certification, and training. Having earned your

CPA certification or taking other continuing education courses will set you apart
from other candidates who have not completed advanced accounting training. If
you are still in the process of studying for your CPA designation, list the most
relevant courses you have taken in the “Education” section of your resume.

Include mention of soft skills. While accountants are required to have strong
analytical and mathematical skills, they also need to be able to communicate
effectively with clients and/or departmental team members. Mentioning soft
skillssuch as teamwork and oral/written communications talents will help to
convince a potential employer that you would thrive not only working
independently, but also in collaborative settings.

Accountant: Cover Letter Example

Your Name, CPA

Greenville, SC 29601
myname@email.com
Mobile: 360.123.1234

Dear (Name):

Please accept the attached resume as a sign of my deep interest in the

Accountant position that has opened with Upwards Corporation.

As a Certified Public Accountant with solid experience in both public and private
accounting, I have developed a broad skillset in the fields of corporate treasury
accounting, tax preparation, and auditing that will ensure my flawless analysis
and organization of your company’s financial data. A few of my qualifications for
this role include:
  5 years’ CPA experience with Greenville’s Mason Financial Services,
successfully performing all accounting functions for business clients
including Grant Seeds Co., Southern Interiors, and Harrison’s Market.
 Demonstrated attention to detail in handling all tax and general ledger
accounting, AP/AR, and budget / payroll preparation functions.
 Certified Public Accountant designation and a Bachelor of Science degree
in Accounting and Finance from Clemson University, graduating Magna
cum Laude.
 Excellent understanding of QuickBooks, Crystal Reports, Peachtree,
Paychex, SAP, and Microsoft Office Suite complemented by the ability to
teach clients and peers rising software applications.

Eager to return to the intellectual challenges of private corporate accounting, I

would welcome the chance to speak with you at greater length about how I could
contribute to Upward Corporation’s accounting department. Thank you for your
time, consideration, and forthcoming response.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Accountant Position: Resume Example

This is an example of a resume for an accountant position. Download the

accountant resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or
see below for more examples.

Top Five Accounting Skills

1. Analytical: Accounting professionals must read, compare, and interpret

figures and data. For example, accountants might work to minimize a client’s tax
liability by looking at their finances. Auditors might analyze data to find instances
of people misusing funds. Being able to analyze numbers and figures in
documents is a critical skill for all accounting jobs.

 Accuracy
 Analysis
 Attention to Detail
  Compliance
 Mathematical
 Numerical Competence

2. Communication/Interpersonal: Accountants have to be able to communicate

with other departments, colleagues, and clients. They might have to
communicate in person, via email, or over the phone. Accountants also often
have to give presentations. Therefore, their written and oral communication must
be strong. Often, they have to present complex mathematical ideas in a clear,
accessible way.

 Collections
 Commitment
 Communication
 Interpersonal Skills
 Motivation
 Multitasking
 Problem Solving
 Teamwork
 Training
 Writing
 Written Communication

3. Detail Oriented: A lot of accounting is about paying attention to the little

details. Accounting professionals often wade through a lot of data that they must
analyze and interpret. This requires great attention to detail.

 Attention to Detail
 Time Management

4. Information Technology: Accounting jobs often require knowledge of a

variety of computer programs and systems. For example, an accountant might
need to use finance-related software systems (like QuickBooks), a bookkeeper
might need advanced Excel skills, or an auditor might need to know certain data
modeling programs. Having a grasp of IT related to the accounting field will put
you ahead of the job competition.

 Computer
 IT Knowledge
 Microsoft Office
 MS Access
 MS Excel
 MS Word
  Software
 Technology

5. Organizational/Business: Organizational skills are important for accounting

jobs. Accountants, bookkeepers, and others in the accounting field must work
with and manage a range of clients’ documents. They need to be able to keep
these documents in order, and manage each client’s data.

 Asset Management
 Business Awareness
 Compliance
 Corporate Reports
 Credit Management
 Finance
 Professionalism
 QuickBooks
 Special Projects

Accountant Job Skills

A–G

 Account Analysis
 Account Reconciliation
 Accounting Information Systems
 Accounting Software
 Accounts Payable
 Accounting Processes
 Accounting Principles
 Accounts Receivable
 ADP
 Aging Reports
 Annual Reports
 Audits
 Audit Schedules
 Balance Sheets
 Banking
 Bank Deposits
 Bank Reconciliations
 Bill Payment
 Bookkeeping
 Budgets
 Cash Receipts
  Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
 Chart of Accounts
 Check Runs
 Corporate Tax
 Cost Accounting
 Credits
 Crystal Reports
 Debt Management
 Depreciation
 Federal Tax Law
 Financial Analysis
 Financial Reporting

 Financial Software
 Financial Statements
 Financial Statement Analysis
 Fixed Assets
 Forecasts
 Forecasting
 Full Charge Bookkeeping
 Full Cycle Month-End Close
 Full Cycle Year-end Close
 GAAP
 General Ledger
 Great Plains Accounting
 Great Plains Dynamics

H-M

 Income Tax
 Interest Calculations
 Invoices
 Job Cost Reports
 Journal Entry Preparation/Posting
 Monthly Closes

N-S

 Oracle
 Organization
 Paychex
 Payroll
 Payroll Liabilities
  Payroll Taxes
 Peachtree
 Personal Tax
 Petty Cash
 Platinum
 Prepaid Income/Expenses
 Profit and Loss
 Reconciliation
 Regulatory Filings
 Reporting
 Revenue Projections
 Revenue Recognition
 Sales Receipts
 SAP
 State Tax Law

T–Z

 Tax Analysis
 Tax Compliance
 Tax Filing
 Tax Law
 Tax Liabilities
 Tax Reporting
 Tax Returns
 Tax Software
 Trial Balance
 Vouchers
 Year-End Reporting

Accounting Interview Questions

Accounting interview questions are generally a mix of questions about

accounting issues and your own accounting skills, plus behavioral
questions regarding soft skills, character, and work habits.

You should never try to present a false front during a job interview because,
among other issues, your interviewer might notice and decide that your lack of
candor is a red flag for deeper problems.
However, you can increase your chances of interviewing well and getting hired
by practicing some typical questions.

How to Answer 4 Common Accounting Interview Questions

Prepare answers to these common accounting interview questions, and give

yourself a leg up on the competition:

1. What do you consider to be the biggest challenge facing the accounting

profession today?

There is no one right answer to this question, but you should be able to
demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to your profession by having a well-
thought-out and intelligent answer. The interviewer wants to see that you are
familiar with the industry and its challenges and that you care about your job
enough to have an opinion.

Sample Answer: Recent changes to the tax code are one big challenge for the
industry since we have to scour through all the new rules and guidelines and
adjust accordingly. Of course, responding to new tax laws is familiar to the
accounting industry. Another pressing issue for everyone in the field is
technology. Readily available online accounting services can make the role of a
seasoned professional seem less essential, which means as accountants, we
have to offer clients something a computer cannot.

2. Which accounting applications are you familiar with?

There are countless accounting software packages out there, and you can’t
possibly know them all. That said, if you only know how to use one software
package, that could look bad, even if the application itself is well-regarded. Know
enough about the tools of your profession to have an opinion on which are good,
and which are not so good and be ready to defend your answer. Know about
recent developments in relevant software, even those you don’t use regularly.

Sample Answer: I'm most familiar with ABC Company Name's accounting
software, since it's what I used day-in and day-out in my last position. I've also
used X and Y accounting applications in other roles. And, after a former co-
worker recommended it, I recently started an online course in how to use the Z
application for businesses.
3. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of different accounting packages
you have used in your most recent accountant jobs.

Be prepared to share specific examples of the pros and cons of the accounting
software you’ve used.

4. Describe any accounting process that you’ve developed or sought to

improve.

If you’re still early in your career, you may not have developed any processes
yet, but you should be ready to demonstrate that you can innovate. Think about
something you’ve helped change or develop over the past few years.

Sample Answer: In my role at ABC company, I discovered that the process for
handling company travel reimbursements for the sales team was so difficult and
time-consuming that everyone's expense reports came in late. I assembled a
team to evaluate the process and streamline where possible. We were able to
use an application that we downloaded on all company-provided phones, and
since we transitioned to this new process, reports are timelier.

5. Describe a time when you helped to reduce costs at a previous accounting

job.

All accountants should be able to reduce costs. That’s a major part of why
employers hire them. Describe a time when you reduced costs unexpectedly
through your personal innovation or diligence. Have the financial details of your
success available in case your interviewer asks you to elaborate.

Sample Answer: Often duplicated services and unused licenses to software

programs that charge a per-license fee (regardless of whether the licenses are in
use or not) can eat up a significant amount of budget. I led an audit of our
software, spending time with each department to understand what programs and
services were in use. We discovered that several departments had purchased
programs that did essentially the same task and that we were paying for more
licenses than we were used. I did an analysis to uncover that streamlining our
programs could result in a 15% savings in this area of the budget, and presented
my findings to the executive board.

6. Describe a time when you had to use numerical data or a graph to convince
a manager.
Discuss how data or a chart or graph helped you make your case, and how the
outcome worked in the organization’s favor.

7. Describe a time when you had to work exceptionally hard to provide great
service to a customer or client. What did you do and what was the outcome?

Share information on what you did to provide service and how you accomplished
it. Make it clear that you’re willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.

Sample Answer: One story really comes to mind here - in my role as an

accountant for ABC Company, which served small businesses, we had a new
client come through who'd recently transitioned from a full-time job to starting his
own small business. His business was doing well, but it was clear bookkeeping
was not his passion and he found all the processes overwhelming. It would have
been easy to sell him a package he couldn't use on his own, and lock him into an
annual subscription. Instead, I provided four training sessions on the software so
he could independently track his sales and expenses.

Since then, he's recommended us to other small businesses, who all signed on
to our services because of his praise.

8. Describe a time when you faced a particularly demanding deadline to

prepare a financial statement or report. How did you react? What was the
result?

If you don’t have a professional example to share, a relevant experience from

college might work. Regardless of the example you pick, do not exaggerate or
over-dramatize for effect. Your interviewer will notice and might decide that
you’re being less than honest.

Sample Answer: The most difficult deadline I can remember was preparing the
year-end FY report at ABC industries because there is so much prep work
involved and there are many dependencies on other team member's providing
data from their departments. The good news is, everyone knows how important it
is to create and present the findings in this report. My co-workers were really
good at sticking to the deadlines I established for turning in information (and I
built in a few extra days of wiggle room just in case, too).

9. How do you ensure that you don’t forget details and ensure accuracy when
you prepare monthly journal entries, record transactions, etc.?
Almost everybody forgets small details sometimes – except accountants, who
can’t afford to. What do you do to make sure you don’t forget or unintentionally
alter important numbers? If you happen to be a savant who doesn’t need any
special method, be sure to explain this so that your interviewer knows you are
not simply trying to make yourself look good.

Sample Answer: Next to my computer monitor, I have a sticky note that reads
"Check - then double check." It's a reminder to me to track all the smallest details
and to always confirm my work is accurate. I do a few things to ensure I do not
forget details: first, I automate tasks as much as possible. Also, I use calendar
reminders and a good old-fashioned list to make sure that I remind myself to do
tasks so that nothing is lost in my inbox.

10. Describe a time when you had to explain a complex accounting issue to
someone with without an accounting background. How did you help your
audience understand the situation?

Your ability to communicate with non-accountants may be very important,

especially if you will be in an advisory role with direct contact with clients or with
team members from other departments. When responding, emphasize
your communication skills and storytelling talent, as well as your ability to work as
a part of a team.

Top 30 Best Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Here's a list of suggested questions to ask the interviewer so you can ensure the
company is a good match for your qualifications and interests.

1. How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?

2. How would you describe a typical day in this position?
3. Is this a new position? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do?
4. What is the company's management style?
5. Who does this position report to? If I am offered the position, can I meet
him or her before making my final acceptance decision?
6. Why is this position available?
7. How many people work in this office/department?
8. How much travel is expected?
9. Is relocation a possibility?
10. What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected?
 1. What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
2. How does one advance in the company?
3. Are there any examples of a career path beginning with this position?
4. What can I clarify for you about my qualifications?
5. When can I expect to hear from you?
6. Do you provide professional development opportunities?
7. Do you have any reservations about my qualifications?
8. Do you have a policy for helping new members of the team get on board?
9. What are the biggest challenges of this job?
10. What's the most important thing I should accomplish in the first
ninety days?

1. How would you describe this company's values?

2. How has the company changed over the last few years?
3. What are the company's plans for growth and development?
4. What are the biggest rewards of the job and working for this company?
5. What is the best part of working for this company?
6. What's your least favorite part of working here?
7. What type of background do you feel would be best suited for success in
this position?
8. Would you like a list of references?
9. If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?

1. Are there any other questions I can answer for you?

Watch Now: 7 Questions You Should Ask Employers

General Guidelines for Asking Questions in an Interview

Avoid "Me" Questions

"Me" questions are those that put yourself ahead of the employer. These include
questions about salary, health insurance, vacation time, work hours per week,
and other concessions. During an interview, you are trying to demonstrate to the
employer how you can benefit the company, not the other way around. Once you
are offered a position, you can begin to ask what the company can do for you.

Ask One Question at a Time

Avoid multi-part questions; they will only overwhelm the employer. Each question
should have one specific point.

Avoid "Yes" or "No" Questions

Most questions with a "yes," "no," or another one-word answer could likely be
answered by searching the company's website. Instead, stick to questions that
will create a dialogue between yourself and the employer.

Ask Questions About Multiple Topics

Avoid asking questions about just one subject. For example, if you only ask
questions about your manager and his managerial style, the interviewer may
assume you have an issue with authority figures.

Ask questions about a variety of topics to demonstrate your curiosity and interest
in all aspects of the position.

Don't Ask Anything Too Personal

While it is a good idea to try to establish a rapport with your interviewer, do not
ask personal questions that are not public information. For example, if you see a
college banner on the employer's wall, you can certainly ask if he went to that
college. However, avoid overly personal questions about the interviewer's family,
race, gender, etc.

Questions NOT to Ask at a Job Interview

There are some questions that you should avoid asking, since they won't present
you in a positive light.

 What does this company do? (Do your research ahead of time!)
 If I get the job, when can I take time off for vacation? (Wait until you get the
offer to mention prior commitments.)
 Can I change my schedule if I get the job? (If you need to figure out the
logistics of getting to work, don't mention it now.)
 Did I get the job? (Don't be impatient. They'll let you know.)