Accountant

What an accountant does

An accountant records all of a company's financial transactions: income, expenses, payments, and the movement of goods and materials. They process source documents, calculate payroll, prepare reports and make sure the records meet current requirements. In a small company one person may handle all bookkeeping; in a larger one the work is split by area.

Skills you need

• attention to detail and accuracy with numbers
• knowledge of accounting fundamentals
• confident use of Excel and accounting software
• responsibility and meeting deadlines
• confidentiality, since you handle a company's financial data
• the habit of following changes in regulations

How to start and learn

Beginners first learn the basics: the chart of accounts, double-entry bookkeeping and source documents. Next comes practice on real examples and learning accounting software. A course or internship where you solve cases all the time works better than theory alone. A first job is usually an assistant or junior accountant position next to an experienced colleague.

Over time it is worth widening the range of tasks: payroll, inventory accounting and report preparation. A good accountant follows changes in requirements and does not rely on old habits. Record everything accurately: mistakes cost far more later than a timely check. It also helps to get used to cross-checking data between documents and keeping your own notes on typical cases.

Where accountants work in Armenia

Accountants are needed in almost every industry. They work in small and large companies, banks, trading and manufacturing organizations, and outsourced accounting firms. Some work as freelancers serving several small businesses at once. Over time you can grow into a senior or chief accountant, or move toward finance.