Do you enjoy interacting with others at work? Do you have strong mathematical skills? If so, then accounts administration may be the right career for you. Although it is a challenging profession that requires strong organisational skills and attention to detail, it’s also rewarding. But if you’re interested in becoming an account administrator, it’s better to be prepared. Are you ready to find out all you need to know about this profession? Read on as we dive into the details.
What is Accounts Administration?
Accounts administration involves various activities related to accounts and money transactions, such as accounts receivable and accounts payable, data entry, reconciliation, payroll processing, accounts analysis, budgeting, financial reporting, taxation compliance and more.
What Does an Accounts Administrator Do?
An accounts administrator is responsible for the day-to-day accounts functions of a business. They ensure that accounts are accurately maintained and reconciled, process accounts payable and accounts receivable, maintain records, budget, prepare financial reports and help with compliance requirements.
What Skills Does an Accounts Administrator Need?
Accounts administrators need to have various natural or soft skills and technical or hard skills to perform effectively.
Communication Skills: Accounts administrators need to be able to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients. They should have excellent writing and oral communication skills and the ability to give presentations.
Leadership Skills: Accounts administrators should possess good leadership skills since they are often required to manage accounts projects and delegate tasks. They need to be able to work with a team of accountants, as well as coordinate the accounts processes with other departments.
Attention to Detail: An accounts administrator should be able to pay attention to details since they will be responsible for accounts reconciliations, management, and keeping accurate records.
Time Management and Organisational Skills: Time management is vital in accounts administration, as accounts administrators need to ensure that all accounts processes are completed on time. They also need excellent organisational skills since accounts administration involves a lot of paperwork and data entry.
Problem-Solving Skills: Accounts administrators must be able to solve accounts problems quickly and effectively. They must be able to analyse financial data and accounts information, identify discrepancies, and develop solutions accordingly.
Mathematical Skills: Accounts administrators must have strong mathematical skills in order to understand accounts data and accounts processes. They must also have a good understanding of accounting principles.
Technological Skills: This role requires the use of management software to record and manage financial data. That’s why accounts administrators should have solid computer skills and be able to use accounts software and other accounts-related technologies.
How Do You Become an Accounts Administrator?
There are no formal qualifications, experience or certification requirements to become an account administrator. However, completing a certificate can greatly improve your chances of landing a job in this role. Moreover, completing a qualification in business or accounting may help you advance your career in the financial industry.
Here are some steps you can follow to start your career in the field of accounts administration:
Complete a Certificate III in Accounts Administration
This qualification is designed to provide you with the accounts and administrative skills needed for accounts administration roles. It covers accounts data entry, reconciliation, analysis and management. It also includes practical and theoretical studies. Many institutions offer online accounting administration courses so that you can earn this qualification conveniently. So start learning today!
This certificate typically takes five to six months to complete. And with your completion, you can expect to gain the foundational skills needed to become an account administrator. Moreover, this certificate can prove your dedication to your future employer. Complete a Certificate III in Accounts Administration online at the Australian Institute of Finance Training today and learn the skills you need for a successful career.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
This is optional, but it can help you gain more knowledge and skills in accounts administration and increase your chances of getting a job. Moreover, degrees related to accounts administration often include various skills that may provide you with a more advanced career. For instance, a business management degree teaches administration principles and helps you provide more effective management systems.
These degrees usually take three years to complete. But they include practical and theoretical studies that provide you with advanced skills in accounting, bookkeeping and administration. This is an excellent option if you want to expand your job opportunities further.
Gain Experience
For accounts administrators who have yet to gain prior experience, gaining some accounts-related work experience is crucial. That’s because careers in administration involve performing various responsibilities. Ensure you’re up to the task by volunteering or getting an administrative department internship. Doing this will help you build a portfolio of accounts skills you can demonstrate to employers.
Find a Job
Once you’ve completed the qualifications you want, you can start looking for job opportunities. You can look for accounts administrator roles advertised in newspapers, job websites or recruitment agencies. Make sure your resume and cover letter showcase the accounts administration skills you have acquired.
Administration Careers in Accounting
Accounts Receivable Clerk: Accounts receivable clerks are responsible for accounts receivable, which includes organising and recording payment receipts. Their role is to ensure the accurate and efficient recordings of incoming payment receipts, such as bank deposits, invoices and bills receivable.
Bookkeeper: Bookkeepers record the financial transactions of a business, such as anything that involves credit, sales, cash, and purchase transactions. At times, they may share responsibilities with an accountant. These include financial reports and tax returns.
Accounts Payable Clerk: Accounts payable clerks are responsible for accounts payable. That includes accounts receivable, invoices and bills payable. Their role is to ensure the accurate recording of outgoing payments and vendors who receive payments from a company.
Accounts Administrator: Accounts administrators manage accounts administration tasks that involve accounts data entry, reconciliation, analysis and management tasks. They are responsible for accounts receivable and accounts payable. They ensure the accuracy of accounts, data entry and payments.
Complete a Certificate III in Accounts Administration at AIFT
Are you looking for a reputable institution that offers an accredited accounts administrator course? Choose the Australian Institute of Finance Training. We offer certified and nationally recognised, accredited courses for business, bookkeeping and accounting. Complete the Certificate III in Accounts Administration course and gain added qualification for a more successful career in accounts administration. Enrol today!
