The Ideal Personality Traits and Skills of an Accounting Assistant

Every profession demands specific skills and qualities for success. This article delves into the essential personality traits and skills required for an accounting assistant. Additionally, it outlines the duties of accounting assistants, reasons to pursue this profession, potential career opportunities, and how Ashton College can aid in becoming a skilled accounting assistant.

What Does an Accounting Assistant Do?

As per Accounting.com, an accounting assistant primarily offers administrative support to the accounting department, working in various industries such as finance, insurance, healthcare, and retail. Duties include managing financial reports, data entry, payroll processing, customer service, and diverse office tasks.

Personality Traits for Accounting Assistants:

• Calm and Organized: Vital for handling high-pressure situations during critical periods.
• Ethical and Trustworthy: Given access to sensitive financial information, trustworthiness is paramount.
• Adaptable: Essential for coping with technological advancements and industry changes.
• Continuous Learner: Effective accounting assistants strive to enhance their skills to stay relevant.
• Team Player with Independence: Balancing teamwork and independence is crucial in the role.
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Precision is key, as even minor errors can lead to significant issues.
• Aptitude for Numbers and Analytical Thinking: Essential for processing financial data objectively.

Skills Required:

Soft Skills:

• Organization: Crucial for efficiently managing tasks and enhancing communication.
• Communication: Both verbal and written skills are essential for effective collaboration.

Hard Skills:

• Accounting and Finance Knowledge: Understanding bookkeeping, financial risk, and industry-specific principles.
• Mathematics: Proficiency in mathematical concepts for accurate calculations.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in standard office applications (Microsoft Office, Google Suite) and accounting software (Sage 50, QuickBooks).

Why Choose a Career in Accounting?

Accounting offers job security, with demand across various industries. The Canadian job market anticipates a substantial increase in accounting roles, making accounting skills indispensable in maintaining fiscal health amid economic changes.

How to Become an Accounting Assistant:

Completing Ashton College's Certificate in Accounting equips graduates with essential skills for entry-level bookkeeping and accounting roles. The program focuses on hands-on learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, and introduces widely used accounting software.

Upon completion, students can:

• Apply basic and advanced accounting equations.
• Perform accounting duties effectively.
• Evaluate and solve accounting-related problems.
• Set up and manage accounting functions using QuickBooks and Sage 50.
• Utilize double-entry accounting principles.

For more information on Ashton College’s Certificate in Accounting, visit: https://www.ashtoncollege.ca/programs/certificate-in-accounting/

Career Opportunities:

Upon completing the program, graduates can pursue various roles, including:

• Bookkeeper
• Accounting Assistant
• Accounting Clerk
• Accounting Specialist
• Accounting Officer
• Real Estate Clerk
• Customer Service Representative (Banking)
• Finance Clerk
• Tax Preparer

Gaining experience in these roles opens doors to advancement as an accountant, auditor, or into management positions, such as a financial manager.