Everything you need to know about the accounting profession: curriculum, salary, assignments
The accounting profession is essential to the smooth running of any business. By combining technical, organizational and interpersonal skills, this professional ensures the financial health of the company and participates in its development strategy. If you're precise, rigorous and like numbers... a career in accounting could well be for you!
The accounting profession requires very specific skills
To work as an accountant, certain skills are essential. First and foremost, you need to be able to interpret financial data accurately and appropriately. Why is this? Because this expertise makes it possible to determine a company's financial situation, by assessing its profitability, analyzing its resources and verifying its ability to meet its financial obligations. This analysis is essential to guide strategic decisions tailored to the company's profile, ensuring optimal management and sustainable growth.
In addition, an accountant must have a good command of accounting software and a thorough knowledge of the various standards and regulations that may change.
Last but not least, accountants must be organized, able to manage their time efficiently and demonstrate unfailing rigor in all their tasks.
Contrary to popular belief, the tasks of an accountant are varied
As you'll have gathered from the accountant's job description, the duties of an accountant are many and varied. The accountant must know how to keep the accounts and all the financial operations of a company, but he or she must also prepare tax and social security returns, draw up balance sheets, income statements and other financial statements such as expense reports.
What is an expense claim ? It's the document used by employees to be reimbursed for business expenses they have incurred. This can include costs such as travel, meals, accommodation and other expenses incurred in the course of their work.
The accountant is responsible for verifying, validating and recording these expense claims, ensuring that they comply with company policies and current tax regulations. Rigorous management of expense reports is essential to maintaining accurate accounts and avoiding fraud or error.
Beyond these basic tasks, accountants often play an advisory role, helping companies to optimize their financial management. In some organizations, accountants may also be involved in internal auditing and management control, as well as payroll and human resources management.
There are several ways to become an accountant
Although the skills are numerous, they are not sufficient for the job. Accountants are required to undergo several years of compulsory training. A number of different courses are available. These include: the BTS Comptabilité Gestion, the DUT Gestion des Entreprises et Administrations, as well as various bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting, control or auditing.
In addition, professional qualifications such as the Diplôme de Comptabilité et de Gestion (DCG) and the Diplôme Supérieur de Comptabilité et de Gestion (DSCG) are highly valued on the job market. Continuing education is important to keep up to date with the various changes in accounting regulations and practices.
Salary is progressive and proportional to experience
An accountant's salary varies according to a number of factors, including level of experience, qualifications, company size, business sector and geographical location. At the start of their career, assistant accountants can expect a gross annual salary of around €25,000 to €30,000. With more experience, a senior accountant can earn between 35,000 and 50,000 euros a year.
Chief accountants and chartered accountants, depending on their level of expertise and client base, can earn in excess of 70,000 euros a year. Career development prospects are numerous, with various possibilities for salary increases.
Accountant in a firm or in-house: the choice is yours !
The particularity of the accountancy profession extends even to the way in which it is practiced. As the cornerstone of any company, the accountant may choose to work within a company, managing only that company. Alternatively, the accountant may work for a firm managing a portfolio of companies that have chosen to outsource their management.
Many accountants have tried both options to find out which one suits them best. One thing is certain: this profession is not about to disappear, and there's no shortage of opportunities. If you recognize yourself in this job description, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get started.
