Industry Specialisations > Finance and Banking

Job Categories:

• Accounting Clerk
• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• Billing
• Bookkeeper
• Credit & Collections
• Financial Analyst
• Payroll

Accounting clerk positions are usually entry-level. Candidates should have solid interpersonal skills, as well as proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Typical duties include:

• Matching invoices to purchase orders or vouchers.
• Performing data entry.
• Assisting with the processing of accounts payable and accounts receivable.

Accounts Payable

Accounts Payable Manager
Accounts payable managers should have solid communication, organizational and interpersonal skills. Candidates for these positions generally have at least five years of experience and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications; Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems knowledge is also valuable. Companies prefer a college degree in accounting or a related area, but it is usually not required. Typical duties include:

• Supervising the accounts payable department.
• Preparing accruals and reconciling to the general ledger.
• Maintaining cash requirements schedules and accounts payable aging analysis.
• Performing general ledger posting and monthly/year-end reconciliations.

Accounts Payable Clerk
Accounts payable clerk positions often are entry-level, although many firms prefer at least some previous experience. Candidates for these roles should have strong communication, customer service and organizational skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is expected; familiarity with additional software programs is valued. Companies expect a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical duties vary by specialty but may include:

• Matching, batching, coding and entering invoices.
• Entering, posting and reconciling batches.
• Researching and resolving accounts payable or accounts receivable issues with customers or vendors.
• Updating and reconciling sub-ledger to the general ledger.
• Maintaining cash applications, account reconciliations, chargebacks.

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Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable Manager
Individuals pursuing accounts receivable manager roles should have solid communication, organizational and interpersonal skills. Companies expect proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and usually look for at least five years' experience in accounts receivable. A college degree in accounting or a related area is preferred, but it is not usually a requirement. Typical duties include:

• Supervising the accounts receivable, collections and billing departments.
• Preparing accruals and reconciling to the general ledger.
• Performing general ledger posting and monthly/year-end reconciliations.
• Preparing aging reports.

Accounts Receivable Clerk
Accounts receivable clerk positions often are entry-level, although many firms prefer at least some previous experience. Candidates for these roles should have strong communication, customer service and organizational skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is expected; familiarity with additional software programs is valued. Companies expect a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical duties vary by specialty but may include:

• atching, batching, coding and entering invoices.
• Entering, posting and reconciling batches.
• Researching and resolving accounts payable or accounts receivable issues with customers or vendors.
• Updating and reconciling sub-ledger to the general ledger.
• Maintaining cash applications, account reconciliations, chargebacks.

Billing

Billing Manager/Supervisor
Billing managers or supervisors should have strong communication and customer service skills. Candidates for these positions generally need at least five years of billing experience. A degree in accounting or a related area is preferred. Knowledge of Microsoft Office and electronic payment and remittance systems is essential. Typical duties include:

• Supervising the billing department.
• Reconciling billing accounts to the general ledger.
• Interfacing with the accounts receivable and purchasing departments.
• Ensuring the accuracy of invoicing.

Billing Clerk
Candidates for these positions should have knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and excellent communication, customer service and organizational skills. Billing clerk positions often are entry-level, although many firms prefer at least some previous experience. A tertiary diploma or equivalent is required. Typical duties include:

• Processing bills.
• Preparing journal entries of adjustments to billings.
• Communicating with customers regarding billing adjustments.

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Bookkeeper

Candidates for bookkeeper positions should have solid communication, organizational and customer service skills. Technology expertise demands vary by company but may include proficiency with such applications as Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks or MYOB. A tertiary diploma or equivalent is expected. Businesses often seek at least three years' experience, although requirements differ significantly by firm. Typical duties include:

• Processing accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Managing bank reconciliations and payroll processing.
• Posting journal entries.

Banking - Back Office Processing

Credit and Collections

Credit Manager/Supervisor
Individuals pursuing these positions need strong analytical, communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills. Credit manager or supervisor positions generally require at least five years' credit or collections experience. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is essential. Many companies prefer candidates who possess a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or business administration. Typical duties include:

• Reviewing and implementing credit policies and procedures.
• Supervising credit and collections staff.
• Preparing cash flow projections.
• Reviewing daily cash balances.
• Selecting collection agencies to pursue problem accounts.
• Reviewing accounts receivable aging reports and outstanding loans.

Assistant Credit Manager
Candidates for assistant credit manager positions need strong analytical, communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills. Companies generally look for at least four years' experience in credit or collections. Many employers seek applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related area. Typical duties include:

• Evaluating consumer and/or commercial credit.
• Preparing weekly and monthly reports including the Hold report, New Application Process report, accounts receivable Summary and Cash Applications report.
• Working closely with the accounts receivable department manager on chargeback issues.
• Supervising credit and collections staff.

Credit or Collections Clerk
Credit or collections clerk positions are often entry-level, although many firms seek up to several years of experience. Candidates should have excellent customer service, negotiation and communication skills. An associate's or bachelor's degree in accounting or a related area is preferred but generally is not required. Typical duties include:

• Creating and maintaining credit history files.
• Responding to credit inquiries.
• Making collection calls/follow-ups.

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Financial Analyst

Candidates for financial analyst positions need strong technology abilities, including experience with Microsoft Excel and database applications. They should possess a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. Proficiency with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is also useful, in addition to good organizational and communication skills. Typical duties include:

• Assisting with budget, cost and variance analyses.
• Ensuring proper allocation of overhead charges.
• Helping with financial planning and modelling.
• Assisting with the preparation of operating budgets.

Payroll

Payroll Manager/Supervisor
Individuals pursuing these positions should have strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. Payroll managers or supervisors generally need at least five years' payroll experience, in addition to a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. A certified payroll professional (CPP) designation is valuable. Firms also seek proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and automated payroll processing services. Typical duties include:

• Supervising payroll staff.
• Ensuring compliance with current government regulations.
• Establishing and implementing policies on such matters as garnishments and payroll advancements to employees.
• Preparing government reporting.
• Preparing accruals and reconciling to the general ledger.

Payroll Administrator
Candidates for payroll administrator positions must have strong technical skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and automated payroll processing services. Payroll administrators usually need at least two years of payroll experience and a tertiary diploma or equivalent. Payroll administrators also should possess excellent communication and problem-solving abilities. Typical duties include:

• Processing payroll.
• Reconciling payroll sub-ledger to the general ledger.
• Remitting taxes and governmental reporting.
• Preparing monthly, quarterly and year-end payroll statements.
• Administering benefits and superannuation payments.

Payroll Clerk
Payroll clerk positions often are entry-level, although many companies prefer at least some previous payroll experience. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is a basic requirement; however, firms hiring experienced staff also seek automated payroll processing systems knowledge. Payroll clerks should have a tertiary diploma or equivalent and solid communication, customer service and organizational skills. Typical duties include:

• Performing data entry and reconciling timecards.
• Distributing paychecks and statements to department managers.
• Answering inquiries from employees and vendors.

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