Job Description Senior Accountant

Transcription

1 Job Description Senior Accountant Name Reports to Start date Permanent staff Business Services Manager TBA YES A Senior Accountant is a highly productive and functioning member of the team, managing work at volume and with technical knowledge and agility. They have a high level of knowledge of business services and are able to complete work efficiently, recognising issues of concern and opportunities as they arise, and take steps to resolve or maximise those issues. Senior accountants develop a higher level of taxation knowledge beyond basic compliance and apply this knowledge to their work. Seniors also work co-operatively with the team, sharing their knowledge with other team members and contributing to the team as a whole. Working and functional relationships 1. Complete assignments accurately, according to the firm s operational manual and standards. 2. Ensure work is completed within the specified time frame and manage risk prior to the deadline where work is falling behind schedule. 3. Identify solutions to problems, opportunities or issues raised. 4. Maintain excellent working relationships with clients. 5. Work with the team to ensure that every team member is able to manage their workload and meet targets as set down. Objectives 6. Complete all assignments within the time allocated. 7. Complete all assignments within the budget allocated 8. Complete all assignments accurately in accordance with current law, regulation and industry standards, completing each assignment using the standard working papers and precedents set down by the firm. 9. Achieve performance targets: To be 85% productive Achieve write off levels at less than 5%. 10. Liaise with clients in a friendly and professional manner 11. Meet the competencies as outlined in the Competency Framework.

2 Competencies The competency framework provides a clear career and training path for team members. It provides guidelines as to the competencies required at each level within the firm. Competencies are general skills and traits that you need to fulfil your responsibilities. These competencies reflect expectations of professional behaviour and have been identified based on the following considerations: The services expectations of clients and the market place The firm s strategy The skills, abilities and attributes required for the professional s career to grow within this firm The competency framework provides a basis on which performance will be measured and assessed. The main areas covered by the framework are: Client service being responsive to client needs. Looks to value add. Communication Can communicate effectively. Development of communication skills to a high standard. Personal effectiveness Demonstrate sound organisational and administrative skills and high professional standards. Willingness to learn and be self-motivated. Job management takes responsibility, is productive and completes work effectively and in a timely manner. Technical continuously develops knowledge and shares skills. These competency areas are common to all disciplines within the firm and to all grades of team members. Detailed below is an outline of how the Senior Accountant s position fulfils the principles outlined in the competency framework. Key tasks Expected results Measurement Team work Team relationships Maintains a professional working relationship with team members. Respectful of other s time and opinions Positive feedback from team members Maintains a co-operative, professional working relationship with Manager Easy to reach and talk to Responds quickly to communication Demonstrates a team attitude, able to work effectively in groups Takes initiative to assist others Feedback from Director 2 Job Description Senior Accountant

3 Involvement Socially engaged with firm and colleagues Leadership/ coaching Seen to set a high standard. Positive attitude, completing all assignments to best of their abilities Contributes to the development of other team members Participates in team events and activities and demonstrates readiness to be involved Client service Service delivery Meets deadlines All assignments completed to a high standard and delivered by agreed date Understands the nature of the client issue and keeps clients best interests front of mind. Identifies issues and acts to resolve Thinks strategically about client work Ability to manage workflow and achieve productivity targets Development through marketing /networking Maintains confidentiality of client records Aware of services delivered by the firm and seeks to cross and up sell services Continues to develop business networks Developing commercial knowledge Is aware of client s structure and profile Questions and approach to work recognise structure Attitude and approach Responds quickly and positively to client requests Prioritises responses Ensures initial contact made within shortest possible timeframe Managing client relationships Builds rapport with clients recognising the importance of the relationship Client records out of sight of visitors Client communication and drafts placed in secure bins Client affairs not discussed except with those working on the client s job Identifies and advises client/ manager of opportunities to assist clients with additional services Identifies new opportunities to obtain new business in line with firms target client profile Client feedback Feedback from clients 3 Job Description Senior Accountant

4 Understanding value Understands the client and identifies opportunities for additional services Technical competency Respects the client relationship and client needs Delivery of Business Services Able to complete income tax returns for individuals, trusts, partnerships and super funds. Able to complete complex CGT calculations Demonstrates self checking skills Able to identify risk Able to research and resolve issues associated with client work. Able to provide documentation to support return Client feedback Minimises write offs All returns completed accurately by due date and no penalties incurred where firm at fault Able to complete work required accurately within deadline and within productivity targets Able to complete activity statements Activity statements accurate and lodged within deadline Able to complete financial statements including consolidated financial statements. Financial statements completed accurately within the month Accurate and comprehensive use of firm work papers and standards for job completion Matters arising minimal Good understanding of source data and research capabilities Assumes a high level of financial reporting Reports variances to budget allocation or targets Taxation knowledge and ability Excellent understanding of income tax and able to develop multiple scenarios for tax planning purposes High level understanding of tax regimes applicable to client scenarios such as Division 7A, alienation of personal services income, and non-commercial loss provisions. Excellent understanding of application of GST law Excellent application of capital gains tax knowledge Understanding of trust law Able to identify issues relating to clients and resolve 4 Job Description Senior Accountant

5 Taxation knowledge and ability continued Good understanding of various entity structures and the tax implications of each IT Proficient in firm s software programs and associated client programs Demonstrated knowledge and use of accounting software, Excel, MYOB, Word, and outlook Specialist subjects Starts developing an area of expertise seeking to expand knowledge Job management Effective time management Effective use of time and ability to prioritise work Minimal errors and ability to use various software programs to achieve a result Manager s feedback Complexity of work assigned Delivers work within specified timeframes Is punctual Records time accurately Completion of daily time sheets ensuring client details, work performed and time is recorded in full and accurately. Timesheets processed weekly and posted prior to 10am each day. Achieves productivity targets See below Managing workflow Manages self and work. Self disciplined in approach to work. Takes initiative to make work better/faster/easier smarter Helps others to master their own work Task completion Work completed to a high standard, within the specified timeframes and within budget Recognises potential delays, and manages delays Able to work independently and respect timeframes. Work completed within timeframes, to required standard Manages delays and advises Manager Managing invoicing effectively Invoices on job completion or progressively and manages client relationship to reduce write off levels 5 Job Description Senior Accountant

6 Communication skills Written Able to express opinions and ideas in a concise, relevant and expedient way Verbal Ability to express opinions clearly, speaks clearly and confidently Good listening skills Manager s review All writing is in plain English, grammatically correct and is appropriate for the context. Demonstrates good telephone and listening skills. Recognises what client is asking and responds appropriately. Client feedback Presentations and training Assists with presentation development demonstrating an understanding of the topic and how best to represent it to the audience Prepares for the presentation topic and engages in training Shows respect to the presenter Meetings/ interviews Demonstrates an organised approach to meetings, ensuring all documentation required is present, acts on any outcomes, and records discussion points accurately and work completion Demonstrates an ability to question the speaker and understand the topic presented Is attentive during presentations and asks relevant questions File notes Is prepared and knowledgeable on topic of meeting Contributes to the meeting and reasons ideas Personal effectiveness Integrity Demonstrated high professional standards. Is honest and trustworthy Accepts responsibility for errors Considers consequences of actions Decision making Knows when to seek assistance Ability to find viable solutions to issues and document the reason for the decision 6 Job Description Senior Accountant

7 Productivity Meets productivity targets To be 85% productive Achieve write off levels at less than 5% Initiative Demonstrates a high level of initiative Works independently Consistent ability to follow through without direction Attitude and approach Approaches all assignments positively and shows a high level of enthusiasm to learn and grow Ability to stay focussed on a number of different tasks simultaneously Is flexible and open minded, takes on work outside of their primary job function to assist team, responsive to change and encourages others to be the same. Commitment Shows commitment to the firm and to role Is committed to achieving the goals set down Quality control Follows firm procedures Work is of a high standard Able to identify and recommend where improvements can be made Work papers are adhered to and correctly used Edits own work and reviews others work 7 Job Description Senior Accountant