What do accountants do?

Posted by Fed Finance Canada in Our employment advice
Posted at 14/01/2021
What do accountants do?
Accounting is essential for all businesses. Regardless of its legal structure, every business has to make sure that accounts payable, receivable or other accounts are well managed to maintain excellent financial stability

Would you like to become an accountant and participate in the success of countless businesses? Learn more about the accountant job description, including the duties and responsibilities.

What accountants do

In Quebec, accountants oversee all of a company's finances. They collate and analyze accounting data used to determine a company's financial statements.

Accountants are also responsible for completing federal and provincial income tax returns. To work in accounting in Quebec, candidates need excellent taxation knowledge and skills.

Accountants can be employed directly by a company or work in a firm. Generally speaking, firm accountants will be more specialized in one area, while corporate accountants will have a wide variety of general duties.

Duties and responsibilities of accountants

As mentioned above, the specific tasks of an accountant may vary depending on the work environment and specialization. However, the following is a detailed list of most accountants’ main duties.

Bookkeeping 

Bookkeeping is the process of recording a company's transactions so that they are well organized. Provincial and federal tax authorities may ask to see certain statements or evidence. It is therefore important to be able to find this data easily.

Preparation and analysis of financial statements

Accountants are also responsible for producing and analyzing clients’ financial statements. They first make sure that the company is in good financial standing. They then help business leaders develop new financial strategies based on their business objectives and financial statements.

Customer relationship management

Accountants also need excellent interpersonal skills. This helps them maintain good professional relationships with their clients. Accountants have to understand their client's objectives and explain their accounting strategy. 

Other examples of accountants' tasks

Here are a few other daily tasks that accountants may also do:

  • Design, implementation and administration of accounting systems

  • Management of pay slips 

  • Preparation of tax returns

  • Initial internal control assessment

  • Act as liquidator in case of bankruptcy

  • And more

Find a job in accounting with Fed Finance

In short, the tasks of an accountant can vary greatly. They can be more general or more specific, depending on where they work. 

However, most accountants are involved in bookkeeping, producing and analyzing financial statements, and other tasks. They also have to maintain excellent relationships with their clients.

Looking for a job in accounting in Quebec? At Fed Finance, we help finance and accounting professionals find a position that suits them.

Submit a spontaneous application today to find your dream job!