The work of an accountant

Job Description

An accountant is a professional who prepares, records, and organizes the financial data of an individual or legal entity in accordance with the commercial and tax legal framework. They also compile summary statements and present them in prescribed formats for investors, lenders, employees, suppliers, and creditors, but also directly safeguards the client's interests before tax authorities, public bodies, etc. The accountant is issued a special license under Albanian law. He can be employed by private or public companies, and can also offer services as a self-employed professional to multiple companies or individuals simultaneously.

To be a good accountant, you will need to have a special interest in calculating a business's finances.

You are responsible for preparing the appropriate financial information, which is passed on to the managers, and based on this information, further steps for the company are taken.

Profilometers

• Municipal accountant
•  Firm accountant
•  Certified Accountant
•  Cost accountant
•  Public sector accountant
•  Auditor
•  Certified Accountant
•  Accountant for financial audit
•  Management accountant
•  Tax accountant

Skills

• Interest in business development and finance in general.
• A comprehensive, methodical, and logical approach to your work.
• High self-confidence and proven competencies in the field of mathematics.
• Strong communication skills
• High commercial clarity
• Good skills in using the appropriate work tools.
• Self-motivation
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to understand complex information and solve problems.
• Ability to work effectively under the pressure of meeting deadlines.
• Honesty in handling confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate data on the transaction activity of the enterprise or organization.;
• Check the accuracy of the organization's invoices and documentation.;
• They coordinate schedules with suppliers and make payments to them at the bank.;
• Update actions on banks and treasuries.;
• Prepare income and expense statements (monthly or quarterly).;
• Prepare the cash flow.;
• Prepare the capital movement statement.;
• Prepare the balance sheet.;
• They file the entity's tax and duty declarations online.;
• Maintain accurate documentation in the file.;
• They are responsible for and report on tax audits.;
• Report and inform the administrator of the enterprise or organization about discrepancies in cash transactions, violations, and changes in the legal framework related to taxes and duties.;
• They advise on and install accounting systems.;
• Defend or contest tax returns before tax officials;
• Prepare and report on forecasts of the enterprise's profits or losses, payment defaults, or bankruptcy.;
• Prepare the capital statement.;
• Prepare financial analyses and reports.;
• They comply with the legislation and its guidelines.;
• They participate in various professional events held in the form of seminars, lectures, and meetings to obtain information about legal changes.;
• They enhance and develop their skills through qualifications in this sector.

Qualifications

Many accountants gain training during their studies by undertaking various internships or part-time jobs that may be offered to them through training programs or that they can secure on their own.

Qualifications are very important, and upon completing the “Accounting” study program, one can pursue various courses or training programs. In fact, many employers train their employees through different training courses.

As a student who has just left the school bench, you will learn on the job and simultaneously develop your knowledge and skills, and you will earn a very good qualification that can be fruitful in the future.

The internship will teach you and at the same time greatly help you in managing your work and any situations you may encounter.

Work hours

Accountants usually work standard hours, but there are times when they need to prepare the business's financial statements, and in those cases the hours stretch. The most difficult periods are at the beginning and end of the year, since the annual financial statement must be completed.

Part-time work and long career breaks are usually permissible in this profession.

How much can I be paid?

The accountant is the specialist who deals directly with a company's finances, so his role is very important. As such, his pay is also satisfactory, with a new professional earning 55,088 lek per month, while experts in the field reach up to 62,600 lek per month.

Salaries vary from employer to employer and by the sector you're working in, so the above payments are provided for reference only.

Professional development

Many accountants at the start of their careers need to undergo training to improve their skills. Another very important element that every new accountant must learn is the computer programs and software packages, which vary depending on the sector they specialize in as well as the company and region in which they are working.

Many employers are prepared to offer employees a form of support to enable them to improve their skills and knowledge through continuous professional development.

Work experience

Work experience in this profession is the most important factor that will help you advance in your career. You can gain experience through internships, apprenticeships, or part-time jobs at accounting firms.

Career/Outlook

• Auditor
• Finance Director
• Financial Controller
• Internal auditor
• Payroll Manager
• Tax analyst, etc.

Who are the employers

As an accountant, you can find work in:

• Accounting firms
• Banks and construction companies
• Charitable organizations
• Educational institutions
• Health authorities
• Insurance companies
• Local government
• Media
• Public services
• Retail companies
• Service industries
• Small and medium-sized enterprises, etc.

Source: Educational.