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Accounting Specialist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated March 4, 2025

An Accounting Specialist, or Bookkeeper, maintains the financial records of companies. They log financial information, process payments and reconcile accounts.

Accounting Specialist duties and responsibilities

An Accounting Specialist is responsible for ensuring that a company’s financial records are accurate and complete. To fulfill their key responsibility, they perform a variety of Accounting Specialist job duties, including:

  • Recording transactions such as expenses and sales revenue

  • Processing payments to utilities and vendors to pay for supplies, materials and other expenses

  • Sending bills to customers to request payment for services or goods provided

  • Reconciling accounts and making note of debits and credits that have not posted

  • Printing paychecks and initiating direct deposits to pay employees

  • Generating financial reports as requested

  • Identifying and correcting any errors that occur due to data entry

  • Filing tax returns

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Accounting Specialist Job Description Examples

Example 1

Do you love public accounting and want to join a team that will encourage your professional growth and afford you the opportunity to work with a diverse client base? Would you appreciate being a part of a firm that truly values your efforts and contributions? Supportive, motivating, inclusive and approachable leadership are more than words to us, at Gilbert, they are our foundation.

Gilbert CPAs is one of the largest regional accounting firms and has been serving individuals and organizations in Sacramento and throughout California since 1984. We offer audit, tax, and consulting services to a wide variety of clients including privately held businesses, non-profits, public entity risk pools, educational entities, governmental entities, and employee benefit plans. We re passionate about what we do and the clients we serve. We have been recognized by the Sacramento Business Journal as an A+ Employer.

We are currently seeking an Accounting Specialist to join the Gilbert CPA team. Candidates should have an interest in all aspects of accounting and a desire to pursue a career in bookkeeping. As an Accounting Specialist, you will immediately begin building and managing relationships with clients. You will have direct contact with clients on a regular basis. Frequent same day travel for work at client's office, meetings, and seminars is required.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 3 years of accounting/bookkeeping work experience

QuickBooks Desktop experience and general tax knowledge with sales, payroll, income taxes for small business preferred

An Associate or Bachelor s degree in Accounting preferred

QuickBooks ProAdvisor and Advanced certifications preferred

Robust skillset as it relates to: Leadership, customer service, verbal and written communication and organization

Ability to interact with all levels inside and outside the organization, take initiative, anticipate problems, and formulate resolutions, exercise good judgment, decision making, prioritize and multitask, work independently, etc.

Some out-of-town travel required.

This role is based out of our Natomas, Sacramento area office. Hybrid work schedule offered after training period - 3 days in office or at client sites and 2 days remote, if desired.

Benefits: Gilbert CPA provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K with company match, paid life insurance and long-term disability, generous paid time off, and approximately 10 day paid holiday. The firm is also pleased to provide employees with a training budget towards professional development and professional licensure. EOE

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.17 - $32.52 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40 per week

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance
  • Work from home
    Physical setting:
  • Office
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Overtime



    Education:
  • Associate (Preferred)

    Experience:
  • accounting/bookkeeping: 3 years Location: Hybrid remote in Sacramento, CA 95833

    • Example 2

    Job Summary


    This position is responsible for daily balancing of ATM s, ITM s, ProPay loan payments, and cash management accounts. This position will also serve as a backup for ACH processing and will operate on a rotating schedule to perform this duty. The accounting specialist may assist with preparation of journal entries, reconciliations, the month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring that all necessary transactions are posted in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). This person will support the CFO with all tasks assigned to that position. This is a detail-oriented position.

    Required Skills and Individual Attributes

    1. Perform basic accounting duties in accordance with standard procedures and under moderate supervision

    2. Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word, and 10-key calculator by touch

    3. Ensures the timely and accurate reporting of all financial information


    4. Very organized individual with the ability to multi-task


    5. Ability to meet required deadlines under occasional stressful conditions


    6. Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally


    7. Highly motivated individual that is eager to learn and take on new challenges


    8. Self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision - Takes direction well

    9. Follow Credit Union policies for compliance with all laws and regulations and shows discretion with confidential information

    10. Work cooperatively in a team environment with other staff members

    Qualifications





    A High School diploma or equivalent with prior accounting experience. Previous Credit Union or other financial institution experience is preferred.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift



    Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

    Experience:
  • Accounting: 1 year Location: In person

    • Example 3

    We are seeking an individual to perform daily accounting tasks to support our Financial/Operational teams. The Accounting Specialist will support the accounting manager daily with accounting/bookkeeping tasks including payroll, AP, GL & bank reconciliations, financial analysis, month-end close and timely financial reporting.

    We manage 10 different apartment communities with over 4,500 apartment homes in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. The work location of this full-time position is our corporate office. We operate in a pleasant office atmosphere in Old Town Alexandria, near the Waterfront. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.

    Reponsibilities:

  • The Accounting Specialist is responsible for driving results in a fast-paced environment in the functional areas of accounts payable, general ledger, and payroll, as well as in other accounting areas in line with our established guidelines.
  • Oversee the timely processing of bi-weekly payroll for multiple entities. Analyze, process adjustments, record journal entries and ensure payroll data is accurate. Interact with HR, facilitate and provide oversight of this process with property managers.
  • Prepare bank reconciliations in a timely manner.
  • Process A/P among multiple entities. Analyze accounts to maintain A/P system for accuracy and completeness.
  • Prepare bank deposits using remote scanner and record journal entries.
  • Support monthly reconciliation and analysis of the property sub-legers to the associated General Ledger balances and provide analysis in variances in accounts.
  • Other accounting and administrative duties will be assigned to provide professional support the daily operation and day to day needs. The Accounting Specialist will contribute analytical, managerial, and strategical support in addition to everyday tasks.
  • Field Audit responsibilities and site visits
  • Support the property teams in their development and performance through training team members on policies, procedures and on-site bookkeeping responsibilities.
  • Contribute to maintenance and updating of policies and procedures.

    Required Skills/Qualifications

  • 3+ years of working experience as a full-charge bookkeeper with training and supervisory experience
  • Bachelor s degree in accounting preferred or relevant experience
  • Solid knowledge of accounting principles, including GAAP accounting principles
  • Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, ability to follow-up on multiple issues and be deadline driven
  • Strong communication skills (verbal, written), incl. presentation skills
  • Effective problem-solving skills
  • Ability to influence, lead and use relationship-building skills
  • Must be proficient in Excel. Strong knowledge of other Microsoft Office products required
  • Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism
  • Previous Property Management experience with RealPage Financial Suite and OneSite a plus

    If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, and have the required skills/qualifications, please apply! Make sure to include your resume and a cover letter.

    We are looking forward to you joining our team!

    EOE/EHO

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $25.00 - $34.62 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Vision insurance
    Physical setting:
  • Office
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday



    Education:
  • Bachelor's (Preferred)

    Experience:
  • full-charge bookkeeper: 3 years (Required)
  • GAAP accounting principals: 3 years (Required)
  • Microsoft Excel: 3 years (Required)
  • Training & development: 3 years (Preferred)
  • Property management: 3 years Location: In person

    • Example 4

    Full job description

    To succeed as an accounting specialist, you should be committed to providing efficient, reliable support to accounting department members, other departments, and external parties. Must have QuickBooks knowledge

    In addition, you should be trustworthy, detail-oriented, a good communicator, and courteous with excellent time management skills.

    Responsibilities:

  • Use documents to verify, record, and process transactions.
  • Maintain accurate and complete records, including ledgers, journals, invoices, receipts, and information related to supplies and inventory.
  • Assist the accounting department in daily, monthly, and annual activities, including generating financial reports, developing budgets, preparing taxes, and assisting with audits and resolving discrepancies.
  • Speak with vendors and suppliers to ensure charges are accurate and that payments are received promptly.
  • Communicate with clients to discuss account statuses, charges, or discrepancies.
  • Participate in ongoing education opportunities to learn about industry trends and developments, current financial legislation, and company policies and procedures.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $48,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

    Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

    Schedule:Monday to Friday

    Experience:

  • Microsoft Excel: 2 years (Preferred)
  • Accounting: 5 years (Required)

    Work In person

    Job Type: Full-time

    Salary: $48,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Physical setting:
  • Office
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday



    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Milwaukee, WI 53204: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Experience:
  • QuickBooks: 1 year (Required)


    Work In person
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    What does an Accounting Specialist do?

    An Accounting Specialist contributes to the financial success of a company by maintaining accurate records of accounts. Their work allows the company to know how much money is coming in and going out and serves as the basis for financial statements, including the balance sheet and income statement, which are necessary for producing budgets, securing financing and other key business functions. By successfully performing Accounting Specialist job duties, they ensure their employer pays bills and payroll in a timely manner and complies with federal, state and local tax and reporting laws.

    Accounting Specialist skills and qualifications

    Success in Accounting Specialist careers requires a specific skill set. Some qualifications that signal quality candidates include:

    • Data entry skills to record transactions quickly without making errors

    • Ability to use accounting software programs such as QuickBooks, XERO and Fresh Books

    • Knowledge of tax and financial reporting laws

    • Arithmetic skills to double-check calculations

    • Strong analytical skills to locate and correct errors

    • Demonstrated organizational skills to keep information from various accounts separate

    • Multitasking ability to work on multiple tasks throughout the day

    • Time management skills to ensure that reports are completed and payments are received on time

    Accounting Specialist experience requirements

    How much experience candidates need to perform well in Accounting Specialist careers depends on the type of team they’re joining at your company. If the new hire will join a large accounting team and work alongside other Specialists and Accountants, little to no experience may be necessary. Small businesses that rely on the Accounting Specialist to perform all their accounting duties may wish to focus on candidates that have five or more years of experience. Senior Account Specialists who train or supervise other specialists will also likely need several years of experience.

    Accounting Specialist education and training requirements

    A high school diploma plus some postsecondary coursework in accounting is generally the minimum education required for Account Specialist jobs. However, some employers may prefer to hire candidates who hold an associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance or who hold Certified Bookkeeper (CB) status. The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) grants this certification to Account Specialists who have at least two years of full-time work experience in the field. Prospective CBs must also take a four-part exam and pledge to adhere to a code of ethics.

    Accounting Specialist salary expectations

    According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Accounting Specialist is $79,609 per year. Geographic location, experience, education and certification help to determine specific pay rates for Accounting Specialist jobs.

    Job description samples for similar positions

    If the above description for Accounting Specialist careers doesn’t fully reflect the details of your open position, check out these related jobs:

    Accounting Specialist job description FAQs

    What is the difference between a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and an Accounting Specialist?

    Accounting Specialist jobs typically involve clerical work, including data entry, invoice generation and bill payment. CPAs provide financial advice to companies to help them create budgets, lower their tax liabilities and manage cash flow. To perform their work, CPAs rely on financial statements produced using information entered by Accounting Specialists.

    Who does an Accounting Specialist report to?

    Who an Accounting Specialist reports to depends on the size and organizational structure of the company. The owner or General Manager may serve as the direct supervisor for a specialist at a small business. At larger companies, a Senior Accounting Specialist, CPA or Accounting Manager may supervise one or more Accounting Specialists.

    Is it better for an Accounting Specialist to be an employee or an independent contractor?

    Small businesses may prefer to outsource accounting functions to an independent contractor if they don’t have enough work to keep someone busy. Adding an Accounting Specialist for part-time or full-time employment may be a better option for companies who want their new hire to focus solely on their companies. If you do choose to contract an Accounting Specialist rather than hire one, consult a labor attorney to ensure your arrangement complies with federal, state and local laws regarding independent contractors.

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    Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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