accountant.

The title of Certified Accountant serves both as a job description and a certification. To earn this designation, one must have a recognized accounting qualification and pass a nationally accredited Certified Accountant exam. Professionals with this qualification typically hold higher-level accounting and financial positions within organizations. They can also work as consultants for individuals or companies. Preparing annual financial statements requires the Certified Accountant credential. These statements must be signed or "certified," which can only be done by a registered Certified Accountant who is officially listed in the government registry.

Taxation is expected from both individuals and companies. A tax accountant is a professional who assists with tax filings and resolving tax disputes. They can be part of a team at an accounting firm or a large corporation, where there is usually a dedicated accountant knowledgeable in both domestic and international tax laws, efficiently handling accounting tasks related to taxation. Their main responsibilities include ensuring compliance with tax laws for clients or internally, reviewing and optimizing tax structures, preparing and verifying tax returns (e.g., VAT, personal income tax), providing data reports (statistics, reports) to authorities such as NAV (National Tax and Customs Administration), and auditing accounting records from a tax perspective.

Forensic auditors are professionals who specialize in applying accounting knowledge to legal matters. They are commissioned by law enforcement agencies and tax authorities to investigate illegal financial activities and hidden income. Companies may also hire forensic auditors if there is suspicion of embezzlement or misconduct. These auditors not only track down the money but also explore ways to recover it.

Assists individuals and businesses with financial planning and investments. While many general accountants handle investments, professional investment accountants focus exclusively on this aspect. These accountants develop investment strategies aimed at achieving both long-term and short-term growth.

The scope of responsibilities for an AP accountant can vary. Sometimes, they handle end-to-end tasks, while other times, they only perform specific parts of the process. Generally speaking, the larger the company, the more specialized the roles tend to be (including AP, AR, and GL functions).

One of the main responsibilities of an AR accountant is invoicing and issuing invoices. They also monitor the credit limit of each customer. Additionally, they verify that companies meet certain requirements, handle cash management, process various types of incoming payments linked to invoices and customers, and perform reconciliation - matching invoices and other sources with the received amounts.

Works with the general ledger and is responsible for complex accounting tasks. Participates in month-end, quarterly, and year-end closing activities, coordinating with other departments regarding discrepancies. Preparing reports and income statements, as well as preparing audit documentation, are also part of the role.

Monitoring the financial health of a specific department, company, or organization is a key focus for every accountant. This includes entering data or overseeing the process. Even in companies that use integrated software which automatically records transactions, an accountant is still needed to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

The accountant needs to verify that the figures in the reports match the company's actual cash holdings. If a bank statement does not reflect the numbers shown in the internal report, the accountant must identify the reason for the discrepancy.

For tax and planning purposes, businesses need to periodically close their books. This process involves finalizing all transactions for a specific period—such as a month, quarter, or year. The reports generated from these closures provide management with a snapshot of the company's financial position at that point in time. In construction or manufacturing companies, the closing process may also include a review of current raw material inventories. Quarterly, semi-annual, and annual inventory counts and closures can be labor-intensive and may require overtime work.

It is the responsibility of the accounting department to complete the tax calculations and ensure the proper submission of the tax return, taking advantage of any benefits derived from tax regulations. Failing to fully comply with this obligation can lead to regulatory audits and significant fines.

One of the accountant's responsibilities is to share financial information. They gather this data from financial statements and compile it into clear, understandable reports. The completed reports are made accessible for review by relevant stakeholders, or a senior accountant formally presents them to company management.

An audit involves examining a company's financial practices. Nonprofit organizations may be required to undergo an annual external audit. Other businesses use audits to ensure they are following best financial practices. Government agencies, such as the tax authorities (like NAV), can also conduct tax audits if issues arise with a company's tax filings. The accountant plays a central role in this process, as they need to make data accessible and explain the reasoning behind financial decisions.

Applicants for entry-level accounting positions should have at least a BSc degree in a business-related field. If you don't have a financial background, additional training may be necessary in areas such as accounting and tax filing. Considering the benefits of a master's degree could be worthwhile, as it can help with career advancement. There is an option to secure a junior accounting position (mainly suitable for roles like accounting clerk or invoice bookkeeper) without the proper degree, but this may limit your opportunities for promotion.

Job descriptions for accountants either require or prefer candidates to be certified in balance sheet accounting. This requires relevant professional qualifications and practical experience in bookkeeping. To qualify for the position, one must first acquire basic economic knowledge and then pass the balance sheet certified accountant exam.

A bookkeeper can obtain registration only after working in the profession for three years following their certification. They must also participate in annual professional development courses and earn credits. Once registered, the accountant is entered into a public state registry, which anyone can access. This system is designed to ensure that anyone listed is a trustworthy and up-to-date professional. As a result, these registered accountants are authorized to sign off on annual financial statements.

Those who can thrive in the accounting profession often have a good sense for numbers and show an interest in mathematics. They are frequently able to perform calculations quickly without a calculator. However, accountants do not need to understand advanced mathematical operations; calculating profit and loss can be done with basic arithmetic skills. It is also important for them to be comfortable with statistics in order to prepare and interpret reports.

A detail-oriented accountant is a company's strength. part of a cost accountant's job is to find ways to reduce expenses and increase profits. Saving just a few forints during production can add up to a significant amount in the company's revenue over the course of a year.

Accountants perform most of their work using computers. They need to create spreadsheets and work with accounting software. Additionally, they should be proficient in using online communication tools in their daily routines, such as email and video conferencing applications.

The accountant needs to maintain digital files for tracking purposes so that external auditors can quickly find the necessary data. Well-organized staff make time-consuming tasks, such as month-end closing, more efficient.

An accountant must convey financial information in a clear and understandable way, as accurate and straightforward data is essential for company leaders to make well-informed decisions. The accountant is the one who helps the management understand the financial position of the business.

Many employers prefer to hire certified accountants. However, a lot of accountants spend their entire careers without obtaining the certification. Earning a certified accountant credential presents new opportunities, but it’s not a requirement for every position in the accounting field.

Without accounting studies, additional training or retraining will be necessary for a career change. Those who did not earn a college degree in finance or accounting but hold a degree in economics often continue their studies in this field and obtain a master's degree in accounting. An increasing number of online training programs are now available to help acquire such qualifications.

Those just starting their accounting careers often find positions as accounting clerks or junior accountants at large companies. These roles provide valuable opportunities to gain experience, advance your career, and expand your knowledge.

Applying for an accounting position is easy: create your profile on Randstad, and browse our job offers near you. Once logged in, you can apply with just one click for the opportunity that interests you directly through our website!