What is a CIAT?

Description

Accounting Technicians provide accounting, financial and management services to a range of businesses, organizations and accounting firms.

Alternative Titles

• Systems Accountant
• Cost Accountant
• Assistant Accountant
• Accountant
• Business Analyst
• Business Planner
  

Tasks and Duties

Accounting Technicians may do some or all of the following:

• establish, manage and monitor financial reporting systems;
• give advice to clients and/or management on financial reporting systems and processes;
• maintain records of transactions made by the organization or company they work for prepare accounts, statements, invoices and tax returns;
• provide information on their organization or company's management and financial systems forfinancial reporting purposes;
• prepare budgets, plans and cash-flow forecasts;
• prepare and write financial and management reports;
• assist chartered accountants with audits;
• work in management positions.
  

Skills

Accounting Technicians need to have:

• good numeracy skills
• communication skills, including report-writing and people skills
• planning skills
• skill in analyzing information

Knowledge

• Accounting technicians need to know about financial systems and how businesses operate.
• They should have knowledge of information technology and information systems, including financial reporting software. Knowledge of accounting, budgeting, forecasting and tax is also important.

Personal Qualities

Accounting Technicians need to be:

• accurate and methodical, with an eye for detail
• well organized and self motivated
• able to work well under the pressure of deadlines
• adaptable and willing to take on a variety of tasks
• able to work with a variety of people
• Accounting Technicians also need to have a high standard of professional ethics.

Like many professions, accountancy is changing. Rapid technology development, tax reform and organizational restructures require broader and more flexible skills. Today's Accounting Technicians play an integral role in the overall business management function and need to be equipped not only with core technical accountancy skills, but also vital complementary skills in areas such as IT, communication, leadership and time management.