Accountant (General)

Description

Provides services relating to compliance-based financial reporting, auditing, insolvency and accounting information systems; and advises on associated record-keeping requirements. Registration or licensing may be required for certain services such as auditing.

Description

Accountants provide services relating to financial reporting, taxation, auditing, insolvency, accounting information systems, budgeting, cost management, planning and decision-making by organisations and individuals; and provide advice on associated compliance and performance requirements to ensure statutory and strategic governance.

Tasks include

• assisting in formulating budgetary and accounting policies
• preparing financial statements for presentation to boards of directors, management, shareholders, and governing and statutory bodies
• conducting financial investigations, preparing reports, undertaking audits and advising on matters such as the purchase and sale of businesses, mergers, capital financing, suspected fraud, insolvency and taxation
• examining operating costs and organisations' income and expenditure
• providing assurance about the accuracy of information contained in financial reports and their compliance with statutory requirements
• providing financial and taxation advice on business structures, plans and operations
• preparing taxation returns for individuals and organisations
• liaising with financial institutions and brokers to establish funds management arrangements
• introducing and maintaining accounting systems, and advising on the selection and application of computer-based accounting systems
• maintaining internal control systems
• may appraise cash flow and financial risk of capital investment projects