The accepted starting point for a career in accountancy is as a junior accountant, usually in a corporate set-up, performing as an assistant to the senior members of the team. General duties include preparing journal entries, updating company balance sheets and helping with monthly accounts closing. Accounts receivable and payable are often a junior accountant’s responsibility, as are monthly financial reports for senior staff members and payroll duties. Basically, this is about learning the job in a corporate setting and working towards promotion.
An aptitude for figures is the number-one requirement, together with high personal integrity. Knowledge of popular accounting software and Microsoft Excel use is a big advantage, along with meticulous attention to detail, a quick analytical mind and strong interpersonal communication skills. Qualifications required for this entry-level position are a Bachelor degree in accounting, with those who have a Master along with some experience gaining the best positions.
Starting salaries for this position, at around C
$35,000, are less than the Canadian published annual average salary by about 20 per cent. But accountancy is a profession where, on advancement, wages can rise fairly quickly to more than satisfactory levels.