There are a lot of different names for accountants who are working under the controller. They could be called a staff accountant, an assistant controller, or an assistant accountant. Accounts assistant jobs are described in more detail below.
Although assistant accountant jobs are not the most prestigious, they can still be rewarding jobs. In this position, the accountant works hand-in-hand with the controller or CFO of the company performing vital accounting functions. Usually the controller will assign his/her staff different accounts to manage. For example someone with an accounts assistant job may be expected to manage accounts receivable or accounts payable or both depending on the size of the organization.
Basically this type of job consists of making sure all entries related to a certain account are recorded on time, in the proper account, and in the proper amount. The controller usually reviews most of the staff work and also is available to help with any of the more difficult accounting entries.
Those people with accountant assistant jobs can expect to be paid anywhere between 36k to 50k starting out. Usually these people are expected to have an associates degree or bachelors degree in accounting. However, they are not necessary in all situations. In addition, someone with a CPA has much higher chance of getting assistant accountant jobs. The CPA proves that the accountant understands technical accounting. In addition when a firm’s internal controls are being audited it always looks better when they have more CPAs.
Probably the best thing about an assistant accountant job is the hours worked. While public accountants, controllers, and CFOs are expected to put in very long hours, 55-60 hrs a week, those with assistant accounting positions are normally only expected to work 40 hours a week. There will probably be an exception or two to this during the time when a company is closing its books and being audited.
Being an assistant accountant can be rewarding, but the job can grow stale after a few years if more responsibilities are not assigned. After managing accounts receivable for a year or two an accountant is probably never going to see anything else new. For some people this is a good thing and for others it is unbearable not to be challenged every day at work. Make sure you figure out what type of promotions and responsibilities you may get in the future before joining a company. Find out if the company is a good fit for you.
In review, assistant accountant jobs can be rewarding and the pay is competitive. Normally the hours are excellent (around 40 hours a week except during the year-end audit period). There isn’t a lot of prestige in this job and the only way up is to take your bosses job, the controller. After a few years you will have the job completely mastered and may grow bored if you are not assigned more responsibilities.
