Senior Accountant

Summary of Responsibilities

Performs most work assigned with a minimum of assistance. Often leads a number of staff accountants, instructs them in work to be performed, reviews the work done, and directs necessary revisions. Is able to make decisions on all but the most unusual accounting and auditing matters. When such problems arise, outlines them for the senior, manager, or principal and then acts on advice.

Is able to set up time budgets on jobs previously handled and can lead staff accountants to employ methods that will accomplish objectives timely. Displays professional conduct, showing confidence and ease in the presence of staff and client representatives.

• Performs diversified accounting, auditing, and tax assignments under the direction of supervisor, manager, and principal.
• Demonstrates competency in technical skills, work quality, and application of professional and firm standards.
• Meets time constraints and client deadlines.
• Participates in planning and scheduling client engagements.
• Directs and instructs assistants, where applicable, in work to be performed and working paper review.
• Prepares and indexes working papers; performs various procedures established under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to verify accuracy and validity of client’s financial matters.
• Performs the broadest range of accountant tasks so that direct participation of supervisors, managers or principals is kept to a minimum.
• Prepares other reports, projects, and duties as may be assigned.
• Knows and understands the reason behind the firm’s policies and procedures.
• Possesses technical knowledge sufficient to supervise staff accountants.
• Begins acquiring the skills necessary to develop quality client relationships and loyalty.

• Begins to develop a command of GAAP, other comprehensive bases of accounting, unique or specialized accounting principles, and financial statement presentations.
• Obtains a thorough understanding of generally accepted auditing standards and common audit procedures and techniques.
• Assumes responsibility for efficiently supervising both audit and nonaudit engagements.
• Effectively communicates with client to receive information necessary to complete the engagement with a minimum of disruption to client.

• Begins developing a command of pertinent IRC sections and regulations.
• Becomes proficient at tax research including a knowledge of the reference sources available to the
• Assumes responsibility for the supervision of tax return preparation engagements with a minimum of disruption to client.

• Experience in public accounting, demonstrating a progression in complexity of auditing and accounting tasks and tax knowledge.
• Performs such other duties as may be assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, or master’s degree in accounting.
• Minimum of 40 hours of continuing professional education is required each year.

• Either holds a current and valid certified public accountant’s license, or is working toward obtaining the license by taking and passing the applicable state CPA exam.
• If licensed, should be a member in good standing with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
• Proficiency in use of computers and computer accounting and tax software programs.