Understanding Accounting Job Titles
To an outsider, the worlds of accounting and finance can seem like a mystery. Sure, ...
Staff Accountants are critical parts of their organizations, and essential in tracking and analyzing budgets, costs, taxes, and cash flow — some of the most vital functions of any business.
They need to have an eye for every detail and a head for numbers in everything they do. They’ll often review aspects as small as single receipts or as large as annual business audits, checking details and making sure everything is running smoothly for the business, as well as preparing relevant reports for management when needed.
Staff Accountants need to think on their feet and find creative solutions for problems they detect. If you have a passion for details, strong verbal and written communication skills, and are great at managing tasks and solving problems, the Staff Accountant position may be an ideal fit.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform monthly, quarterly and annual accounting activities including reconciliations of bank and credit card accounts
- Coordinate and complete annual audits
- Review financial reports
- Develop, maintain, and analyze budgets; prepare periodic reports that compare budgeted costs to actual costs
- Improve systems and procedures and initiate corrective actions
- Adjust journal entries when necessary
- Oversee taxes and abide by federal regulations
Education and Background
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, as well as CPA Certification.
Skills and Proficiencies
- Expertise with QuickBooks
- Extensive knowledge of S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
- Proficient skills in Microsoft Office Suite, accounting software, and databases
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
Compensation
According to Payscale the median annual salary of a Staff Accountant with
1 Year of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida:$62,000
- Tampa, Florida:$65,000
- Jacksonville, Florida:$55,000
- Miami, Florida:$55,000
- Atlanta, Georgia:$54,000
- Chicago, Illinois:$48,000
- Houston, Texas:$52,000
- Los Angeles, California:$65,000
- New York City, New York:$55,000
- Seattle, Washington:$50,000
- Overall: $56,000
5 Years of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida:$70,000
- Tampa, Florida:$75,000
- Jacksonville, Florida:$62,000
- Miami, Florida:$63,000
- Atlanta, Georgia:$65,000
- Chicago, Illinois:$58,000
- Houston, Texas:$62,000
- Los Angeles, California:$70,000
- New York City, New York:$65,000
- Seattle, Washington:$60,000
- Overall: $67,000
Similar Job Titles
- Accounts Payable Clerk
- Accounts Receivable Clerk
- Collections Specialist
Career Path
The career path for a Staff Accountant starts with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, as well as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. CPA certification involves passing the Uniform CPA Exam set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Position Trends
Demand for accountants should increase as global business grows, and with that comes more scrutiny. As standards become more common as companies grow — and sometimes merge — there should be a need for qualified accountants in these situations. Not just global businesses have this need. National, regional, and local businesses, and even some individuals, require good accounting work.
Job Outlook
The accounting and auditing services sector is expected to grow stably at six percent through the year 2028 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth rate is about average, but a stable one for candidates interested in this work.
Typical Hours
The typical work hours for a Staff Accountant can be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in an office setting. However, longer or different hours can be necessary. For example, overtime hours may be needed at certain times of the year, like at the end of a company’s budget year or during tax season.
Where You Can Find Jobs
Are You Interested in Becoming a Staff Accountant?
Here at 4 Corner Resources, we will connect you to one of our headhunters or recruiters to see if you are a perfect fit for one of our job openings. If a job opening does not suit you, we will always keep you in mind as new positions open up. We have vast experience connecting professionals with some of the most well-known organizations in the country. Your next job or career path can be right around the corner. Check out our latest open positions and our blog for career advice. Feel free to contact us at any time.