Accounts assistant job description
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed accounts assistants about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed accounts assistants about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Organising
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Detail-oriented
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Intellectual
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Tasks and responsibilities for an accounts assistant
Accounts assistants are the right-hand people to senior employees in an accounting firm and use their strong organisational skills and good attention to detail to support their team in many ways.
Account assistant duties can include:
- Supporting accountants and the wider finance team
- Reconciling accounts
- Processing payments and invoices
- Preparing tax returns
- Communicating with clients and suppliers
- Processing financial transactions
- Preparing financial reports and financial statements
- Resolving financial discrepancies
- Accurately maintaining financial information
- Filing various financial records
- Updating ledgers and spreadsheets
- Taking meeting minutes
- Performing necessary administrative duties for the business
Reasons to choose this job
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.
Learning opportunities
Starting with an accounting assistant job can offer you a huge learning experience. The valuable opportunity to gain experience in this position can serve you well if you progress further into a more senior financial role.
Job security
The accounting industry has had stable growth recently, and this rise is predicted to continue over the next five years. With the industry’s positive outlook, accounting roles in the financial sector are a safe bet for the foreseeable future.
Enjoyable
If you love being in a supportive role, are at ease in communication with many people, enjoy numbers, and like a process-driven job, then a accounts assistant career can be enjoyable.
Job satisfaction
Overall job satisfaction
This overall score combines the critical factors in job satisfaction. It includes fulfilment, stress levels, and opportunities for advancement, based on our career survey data.
Stress level
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Fulfilment
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Skill level
The skill level required to do this job is based on both our career survey data and official data from the Labour Market Information Portal.
Job market trends for an accounts assistant
Most businesses need assistance when it comes to their finances, and with the support of better economic conditions on the horizon, the sector is set to see stable further growth.
The predicted continued industry growth in financial accounting paves the way for a more robust workforce, which will open up more job opportunities, including support staff, from here on out.
Median salary
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Projected job growth
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Pathway options
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.
Not only is a career in accounts administration a solid choice for the long-term, but it can also lead to job growth and open you up to many other opportunities.
Some career paths could be:
Junior
-
Accounts assistant
Most common qualification: Diploma of Accounting (FNS50217)
Mid
-
Accounts administrator
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Accounts Administration (FNS30317)
-
Bookkeeper
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40217)
-
Payroll officer
Most common qualification: Diploma of Payroll Services (FNS50417)
Senior
-
Accountant
Most common qualification: Bachelor of Accounting
-
Accounting manager
Most common qualification: Advanced Diploma of Accounting (FNS60217)
-
Auditor
Most common qualification: Bachelor of Accounting
-
Chief financial officer (CFO)
Most common qualification: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
-
Tax accountant
Most common qualification: Bachelor of Accounting
Skills you might already have
Based on our career survey data, the soft skills that workers said were most needed to do their job well.
A job supporting a larger team in accounting requires specific soft skills. The skills you learn in training situations are essential, but just as important are the innate strengths people have in their personalities that allow them to excel in their careers.
Some soft skills you can bring to the table might be:
Communication
On a day-to-day basis, accounts assistants contact senior accounting staff, clients and suppliers. Good communication is vital to ensure no misunderstandings or grey areas in this accuracy sensitive industry.
Problem-solving
Discrepancies come up occasionally in accounting, along with many opportunities for things to go wrong in the business. Your ability to think logically and systematically identify issues and rectify problems will be a massive advantage to this role.
Time management
Most processes in accounting are very time-sensitive. Good organisation and timekeeping skills ensure you have everything in place when it needs to be.
Teamwork
As a support position in accounting practises, accounts assistants constantly collaborate with a team of other finance professionals. Team members that are approachable, receptive and empathetic are crucial to a cohesive work environment.
Hard skills
The job-specific skills that workers said were most important, supplemented with data from JobOutlook and online job advertisements.
As part of their role, accounts assistants need to perform fundamental accounting tasks. To gain the skills you need to complete tasks confidently, you can study a VET course.
Some technical skills required are:
Research and analysis
Best accounting practises
Business administration
Account reconciliations
Tax documentation preparation
Financial report preparation
Budget and forecast management
Accounting principles
Operation of computers systems
Using industry tools, techniques and accounting software (like QuickBooks)
How to become an accounts assistant
-
Study
To gain the essential skills needed to work in the finance industry, you can complete a VET course through TAFE or an RTO (registered training organisation). Courses like a Diploma of Accounting (FNS50217) or a Certificate IV in Business Administration (BSB40515) will provide you with a broad understanding of systems and processes necessary to enable you to join the industry with confidence.
-
Further study
Those who wish to progress further in the accounting industry can complete a Bachelor of Accounting. This degree prepares learners for a role as an accountant and significantly increases career progression outlook.
Explore related qualifications
Many registered training organisations in Australia provide courses covering the foundation skills you need to start a promising career as an accounts assistant.
Options vary and offer flexibility to fit into the busiest schedules.
Diploma of Accounting
A Diploma of Accounting prepares learners for supportive accounting job roles autonomously and under the supervision of senior accounting professionals in financial services and other industries.
The diploma teaches skills needed in accounts receivable, accounts payable, tax services and other complex accounting duties, which will make you an attractive prospect to future employers.
The average duration of this course is one year. This course can be completed online or in a classroom environment. It can be studied part-time or full-time in self-paced study modes.
This course is eligible for JobTrainer funding which may cover all or part of the course fees for learners that meet the requirements.
*This qualification is an approved Tax Practitioner Board (TPB) course in Australian taxation law and commercial law, leading to registration as a tax agent. Learners who wish to register with the TPB should check current registration requirements as registration requirements are reviewed regularly.
1 providers offer this course
Certificate IV in Business Administration
A Cert IV in business administration focuses on developing strong business administrative abilities and teaches a broad base of skills ideal for use in various industries.
After completing this course, you will be prepared to start an administrative role in an accounting company and further develop your accounting skills on the job.
The average duration of this course is one year. You can complete this course online in a self-paced study mode or on campus.
This course is eligible for JobTrainer funding which may cover all or part of the course fees for learners that meet the requirements.
4 providers offer this course
Related subjects
A job as an accounts assistant might sound perfect for you, but there are many other fantastic jobs in the finance sector that are perfect for highly organised people.
Reviews
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
Is this your job title?
Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
Is this your job title?
Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.
- All
- Positive
- Negative
Gabriella
Nov 04 2021A self-regulating role that gives me independence.
What are the best parts of the job?
Accounts assistant roles can be fairly busy at the beginning of the month, but pretty consistent throughout the rest. I like that it is self regulated and that I am in charge of ensuring tasks are flowing and that deadlines are met. The independence makes the role exciting, while the structure of the role is pretty set, so what needs to be done and when rarely changes.
What's the most challenging part?
Time management and being disciplined. You also need to be self motivated as you have to self manage many tasks at once.
Erin
Nov 04 2021Full of deadlines and organisation.
What are the best parts of the job?
Working amongst a team that is all fully switched on and organised.
What's the most challenging part?
The most challenging part is keeping and meeting timelines.
Aiden
Nov 04 2021A great way to get exposed to different areas of business.
What are the best parts of the job?
Getting your work the way you want to get it done, and learning all about different business requirements.
What's the most challenging part?
You need to be on the ball when it comes to being proactive and growing your skills.
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Job cluster: The Coordinator
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
A job in accounting requires process-driven workers and a love for organisation. An accounts assistant role would be perfect for a person that fits The Coordinator’s personality type.
The Coordinator likes to know their job inside out and feel confident that they can perform their tasks to the highest standard. They work well in a team but are equally as happy working autonomously, getting the job at hand done.
Take the Career Quiz to discover what jobs are a great fit for you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an accounts assistant earn?
In Australia, the average salary for an accounts assistant is $64,349.
What makes a good accounts assistant?
A good accounts assistant is a team player with great communication skills and basic professional accounting and business administration skills.
What's the difference between an accounts assistant and an accounting administrator?
Accounts assistants have a broad knowledge of accounting processes and directly assist senior accountants or a team of accountants in all facets of accounting. Accounts administrators are more focused on accounting practice’s clerical and financial processes.
How long does it take to become an accounts assistant?
Although no formal training is required to start a role in account administration, you can complete a course in business administration or a diploma in accounting to gain the vital skill needed to work in the industry in about one year.