Summary
What is the role of the accountant?
In small businesses
In small structures, the job of accountant is characterized by its versatility:
- daily management ;
- implementation of financial management tools: dashboards, reporting…
- other administrative tasks: payroll, personnel management…
In medium and large companies
In large companies, the function of accountant specializes in:
- customer accountant;
- Accounting suppliers ;
- payroll accountant;
- cost accounting;
- …
The various accountants work under the direction of the chief accountant.
In expert offices
Accounting firms keep the accounts of people who are not salaried: craftsmen, traders, liberal professions, farmers…
The accountant working in this type of structure takes charge of:
- customer accounting;
- their payment: VAT, Urssaf, taxes…
- the preparation of their annual balance sheet under the supervision of the chartered accountant.
What are the working conditions of the accountant?
In a company
In business, the accountant has a sedentary job. However, he is required to meet other accounting departments, customers and suppliers.
In a cabinet
The profession of accountant in an accounting firm is more varied than in a company. The accountant travels regularly to visit clients and work on site.
How much does an accountant earn?
A beginning accountant earns around $1,500.
The remuneration of a non-executive accountant is around €1,600 net monthly. A section head can expect a salary of €2,400.
What training to become an accountant?
Bac + 2 minimum
The various accounting courses are mainly done in 2 years after the baccalaureate.
The BTS Accounting-management is prepared in high schools and private establishments. It can also be done on a work-study basis within the company.
A DUT in Business and Administration Management, with finance and accounting option, can be followed in IUT.
There are 2 DEUSTs: in Montpellier (Finance, administration, accounting) and in Toulouse (Accounting and management).
Tray 3
The DCG (accounting and management diploma) is prepared in 3 years in high schools and private schools.
After a BTS, a DUT or a DEUST, it is also possible to do a year of license in order to specialize.
There are different professional licenses (management assistant and financial control option, SME-SMI management assistant option, key account manager option, etc.).
Higher Diploma in Accounting and Management
The higher diploma in accounting and management gives access to the title of chartered accountant.
The DSCG is prepared in 5 years: 3 years in DCG + 2 years of specialization. It is issued by universities, private schools or at the end of work-study training.
What qualities are needed?
A great rigor
All files must be perfectly filed and no payment must be overdue. In the field of accounting, a small oversight can have serious consequences.
Always in the know
The accountant must follow the legal and financial news. He must know the legislation, the accounting standards and train regularly to follow the evolution of accounting software. The practice of English is a significant plus.
of diplomacy
Whether in a firm or in a company, the accountant must have good contact and be diplomatic. These qualities are essential for maintaining good relations with the various stakeholders (customers, suppliers, etc.).
Content updated on 07/10/2012
Our tips:
The profession of accountant is very popular in the interim to call on a specialized accountant as well as to compensate for a lack of personnel during the annual balance sheets.