Accountant (General)

Overview

Provides services relating to compliance-based financial reporting, auditing, insolvency and accounting information systems; and advises on associated record-keeping requirements. Registration or licensing may be required for certain services such as auditing.

Skills

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks

• assisting in formulating budgetary and accounting policies
• preparing financial statements for presentation to boards of directors, management, shareholders, and governing and statutory bodies
• conducting financial investigations, preparing reports, undertaking audits and advising on matters such as the purchase and sale of businesses, mergers, capital financing, suspected fraud, insolvency and taxation
• examining operating costs and organisations' income and expenditure
• providing assurance about the accuracy of information contained in financial reports and their compliance with statutory requirements
• providing financial and taxation advice on business structures, plans and operations
• preparing taxation returns for individuals and organisations
• liaising with financial institutions and brokers to establish funds management arrangements
• introducing and maintaining accounting systems, and advising on the selection and application of computer-based accounting systems
• maintaining internal control systems
• may appraise cash flow and financial risk of capital investment projects

Specialisations

• Financial Analyst
• Insolvency Consultant
• Insolvency Practitioner

Related Occupations

• Management Accountant
• Taxation Accountant