Key Qualifications & Skills:
Education: A high school diploma is a minimum, with an associate or bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field often preferred.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Tally, SAP) and strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel, are crucial.
Soft Skills:
Strong attention to detail and numerical accuracy.
Excellent organizational and time-management abilities, with the capacity to multitask.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Problem-solving and analytical thinking skills to identify and resolve discrepancies.
Job Roles and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of an Office Assistant Accountant can be divided into two main areas: accounting support and general office administration.
Accounting Responsibilities:
Bookkeeping and Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate financial records, ledgers, and journals by recording daily financial transactions (invoices, receipts, payments).
Accounts Payable and Receivable: Process vendor invoices, prepare purchase orders, track incoming customer payments, and follow up on overdue accounts (debt collection).
Reconciliations: Perform regular bank and credit card reconciliations to ensure internal records match external statements and resolve any discrepancies.
Financial Reporting Assistance: Help prepare financial documents and reports, such as balance sheets, income statements, and profit and loss statements, for management review and external auditors.
Payroll and Expenses: Assist with payroll processing, including verifying employee hours and benefits, and processing employee expense reports.
Tax and Compliance: Support the preparation of tax returns (e.g., GST, TDS) and ensure all financial procedures comply with relevant government regulations and company policies.
Office Administration Responsibilities:
Filing and Documentation: Organize and maintain physical and digital financial and general office files securely.
Correspondence: Handle office communications, including answering phones, responding to emails, and liaising with vendors, clients, and suppliers regarding inquiries.
Inventory and Supplies: Monitor and manage office supplies inventory, placing orders when necessary.
Scheduling and Events: Assist in scheduling meetings and managing calendars, and occasionally help organize company events.
General Support: Provide ad-hoc administrative and clerical support to management and other staff as required.