Accounting & Finance Job Descriptions

Creative Financial Staffing’s
Guide to Accounting and Finance Job Descriptions

Welcome to Creative Financial Staffing’s Guide to Accounting and
Finance Job Descriptions. This resource covers a variety of positions
in accounting and finance and was created by our Executive Search Positions Covered
& Temporary Staffing Recruiters who have dedicated their time to Accounts Payable Clerk
research to identify roles that are consistently in high demand for Accounts Payable Manager
both permanent and interim placement. Accounts Receivable Clerk
Accounts Receivable
At CFS, we do more than simply match a resume to a job opening. We Manager
are a comprehensive staffing solution offering our clients the finest Accounting Manager
industry talent ranging from entry-level accountants to senior level Assistant Controller
managers, Controllers and CFOs. We conduct at length discussions Bookkeeper
to determine the skills knowledge and abilities required for the
Chief Financial Officer
position, provide assistance with defining a compensation plan,
Controller
perform rigorous screening, employment and degree verification
and assistance with making the final offer. These services, among Cost Accountant
others, ensure that we match the best possible candidate to meet Internal Auditor
your needs. Payroll Clerk
Payroll Manager
This Guide was developed for both our clients and candidates and is Senior Accountant
the cumulative result of analyzing the market and determining the Senior Financial Analyst
staffing needs and challenges our clients face. Staff Accountant

Please contact your local CFS recruiter for a free consultation on what
services would best suit your needs. For more information about CFS
or to order a copy of your free Salary Guide, please visit our website
at www.cfstaffing.com.

Creative Financial Staffing
Managed by professional accounting firms

Accounts Payable Clerk
General Summary:
The Accounts Payable Clerk is responsible for the processing and payment of invoices and contract payments, generating
reports and other accounting functions as needed to ensure accurate, timely payments and financial reporting.

Essential Job Functions:
» Review invoices, make copies of invoices and send to appropriate departments for
approval.
Accounts Payable Clerk

» Review all check requests and date-stamp.
» Match invoices and determine account coding.
» Input all vendor invoices in system.
» Balance edits and approve batch; after approval, post to AP system.
» Review aging and determine invoices to be paid.
» Select invoices for payment.
» Print reports.
» Generate checks in accordance with issuing guidelines.
» Record manual checks on a Daily basis.
» Prepare check voucher and submit for approvals.
» Address employee and vendor inquiries regarding payments.
» Reconcile vendor accounts.
» Prepare and calculate 1099.

Education Requirement:
» High school diploma or GED required;
» Also, two (2) years professional work experience in accounts payable/receivables and/or
payroll or combination of education and training that provides the required experience.

Knowledge: (at entry)
» Ability to organize files and effectively retrieve data.
» Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts.
» Ability to apply reconciliation techniques using standard accounting methods and
principles.
» Ability to perform accurate data entry.
» Ability to prepare worksheets and reports on spreadsheets.
» Considerable knowledge of computer software applications including word processing
and spreadsheets.
» Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
» Knowledge of basic accounting terminology and concepts.

Managed by professional accounting firms Copyright 2008 by Creative Financial Staffing. All rights reserved.
2

Accounts Payable Manager
General Summary:
Under general supervision, manages the accounts payable activity for the company. Ensures timely and accurate
processing of non-payroll disbursements to individuals, partnerships, operations and other entities. Oversees
maintenance of supporting records, ensuring compliance with state and federal policies and regulations.

Accounts Payable Manager

» Manages the day-to-day operations of the accounts payable department which
processes non-payroll disbursements to individuals, partnerships, corporations, and
other entities.
» Oversees the supervision of personnel, which includes work allocation, training, and
problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel
actions.
» Ensures timely and accurate processing of purchasing/payment documents such as
purchase orders, travel reimbursements, stipends, ensuring compliance with state and
federal policies and regulations.
» Oversees the maintenance of departmental records and the generation and balancing of
transaction reports.
» Interacts with vendors, purchasing, and departments for information, training, and
problem resolution.
» Interacts with internal and external auditors and participates in occasional auditing
projects or provides information and access to accounting records as required.
» Participates in development, implementation and maintenance of policies, objectives,
short-and long-range planning; develops and implements projects and programs to
assist in accomplishment of established goals.

» Minimum of High School Degree or Associates Degree required.
» Bachelors Degree in Accounting or related field preferred.
» At least 3 years of experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities
specified.

» Knowledge of accounts payable principles, procedures, and standards.
» Knowledge of budgeting, cost estimating, and fiscal management principles and
procedures.
» Records maintenance skills.
» Knowledge of tax reporting procedures, regulations, and standards.
» Knowledge of computer and/or network security systems, applications, procedures, and
techniques.

3

Accounts Receivable Clerk
General Summary:
Performs complex data entry and related operations in posting accounts receivable payments. Maintains appropriate
ledgers. Resolves credit balances and account problems; posts claim denials, refunds, adjustments, and other account
actions.

» Receives and receipts cash items and third party payments; posts and reconciles
payments to ledgers.
» Reviews credit balances, refunds, adjustments, and claim denials; reconciles, corrects,
Accounts Receivable

and applies adjustments to billing records.
» Balances daily batches and reports; prepares income reports and statistics; distributes
reports.
» Performs a variety of general clerical duties, including telephone reception, mail
distribution, and other routine functions.
» Ensures strict confidentiality of financial records.
» May assist in preparing documentation and responses for legal inquiries, litigation, and
court appearances.
» Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

» High school diploma or GED.
Clerk

» At least 6 months of experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities
specified.

» Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
» Ability to calculate numbers, correct entries, and post to records.
» Ability to secure and handle cash.
» Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential
information.

4

Accounts Receivable Manager
General Summary:
Under limited supervision, manages and coordinates the reimbursement and collection programs for the company.
Performs and oversees accounts receivable follow up, to include research and follow up with third party payers.

» Oversees all facets of the daily operations of the organizational unit, ensuring
compliance with state and federal laws, policies, and regulations.
» Oversees the supervision of personnel, which includes work allocation, training, and
problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel
Accounts Receivable

actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
» Establishes policies and procedures for payment posting, adjustments and refunds;
monitors and controls all anomalies and non-payment or delayed payment from payers;
develops and/or assists in the development of general operating goals, objectives,
policies and procedures.
» Performs periodic reviews of professional billing and reimbursements; monitors reports
to ensure maximum reimbursement, and analyzes denials from third party payers.
» Coordinates and prepares periodic reports on departmental activities, to include
productivity, reduction in accounts receivable balances by payer, and related activities.
Manager

» Works with third party payers in the resolution of claim submission problems and
unresolved payments on accounts and invoices.
» Coordinates accounts receivable activities between the claims and the credit and
collections units.

» High School Degree or Associates Degree.
» BA in Accounting or related field preferred.
» At least 3 years of experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities
specified.

» Knowledge of software to quantify and illustrate complex financial reports, comparisons,
impacts, and/or projections.
» Knowledge of operational characteristics and procedural requirements of third party
payers.
» Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations, guidelines, and standards in area of
expertise.
» Knowledge of accounts receivable principles, procedures, standards, and
documentation.
» Ability to plan, establish, manage, and modify reimbursement and collection policies,
procedures, and standards.

5

Accounting Manager
General Summary:
Under limited supervision of the Finance Director, performs various accounting functions and supervises and directs
accounting and payroll clerical positions. Supervises accounts receivable and payable processing, accurate financial
transaction posting, and financial report and statement preparation. Projects cash flow requirements and manages cash
investments and bank balances to meet organizational needs. Performs all work within established guidelines of GAAP.

» Monitors receipt of all income, analyzes organizational financial commitments and
manages cash flow, investments and bank balances to meet the financial obligations and
needs of the company.
» Ensures accurate and timely preparation of payrolls, maintenance of payroll accounts
Accounting Manager

and payment of payroll taxes and related liabilities.
» Coordinates processing of accounts payable and receivable including implementing
effective monitoring, verification and coding procedures to ensure accuracy.
» Supervises and directs accounting and payroll clerical positions including monitoring
and evaluating work performance, assisting with more complex or unusual problems,
delegating work task responsibilities, providing training and direction and interviewing
and suggesting applicants for departmental hire.
» Performs various general accounting functions such as journal entries, account
reconciliations, special reports, pension fund contributions, etc.

» Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
» Four to six years of accounting experience including areas of accounts receivable and
payable, payroll/benefits and accounting supervision.

» Strong mathematical and analytical skills for monitoring accounting records and
resolving accounting problems.
» Thorough knowledge of accounting theory, concepts and practices applicable to
accounting requirements of government agencies.
» Good supervisory skills for directing and coordinating accounting clerical staff.
» Ability to monitor and evaluate worker performance, establish work priorities and
delegate tasks, and train staff in proper accounting procedures.

6

Bookkeeper
General Summary:
Bookkeepers are financial record keepers, much like accountants, but they are not required to be accredited by
any organization or institution. Bookkeepers must be detail-oriented and tenacious; they have a large amount of
responsibility to the company, particularly at the end of the year and around tax-preparation time.

» Prepare, control, balance and check various accounts.
» Enter daily financial transactions in a journal either manually or by computer.
» Maintain general ledgers recording the status of various accounts and make sure that all
the accounts balance.
» Prepare statistical, financial, accounting or auditing reports.
» Ability to analyze and create sales and other financial reports; spreadsheets on excel.
» Integrate with company Accountant, organize all files and reporting systems for clean
and organized tax preparation process.
» Communicate with customer/vendor accounting counterparts as well as insurance and
other business agencies.
» Preparation of quarterly and annual payroll tax and sales tax reports.
Bookkeeper

» Either a high school diploma or equivalent and high school courses in accounting or
bookkeeping or a college program in accounting or a related business field.
» Up to 2 years experience in a similar role.
» Associates/Bachelors degree a plus.

» Knowledge of the principles and practices of bookkeeping.
» Knowledge of the terminology and standard abbreviations used in bookkeeping.
» Knowledge of the standard procedures and methods followed in handling and recording
cash receipts and disbursements.
» Ability to maintain accurate records.
» Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of bookkeeping data.
» Ability to interpret charts, graphs and tables.

7

Chief Financial Officers
General Summary:
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) must have strong analytical, strategic planning and communication skills, including an
ability to work well with the chief executive officer, board members and other senior managers. Public companies require
experience with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reporting. Previous experience in public accounting is
also highly valued.

» Providing strategic management of the accounting and finance functions.
» Directing accounting policies, procedures and internal controls.
» Recommending improvements to ensure the integrity of a company’s financial
Chief Financial Officers

information.
» Collaborating with chief information officers on technology decisions.
» Overseeing financial systems implementations and upgrades.
» Managing relationships with investors and investment institutions.
» Identifying and managing business risks and insurance requirements.
» Leading and supervising accounting and finance staff.

» Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) preferred.
» Professional accreditation such as certified public accountant (CPA) or certified
management accountant (CMA) preferred.
» Minimum of 10 years experience in accounting or finance.
» Five years minimum in management role.

» Experience in strategic planning and execution.
» Knowledge of contracting, negotiating, and change management.
» Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles including
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
» Knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems.
» Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations.
» Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and
projections.
» Work requires professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
» Ability to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight time frames and
simultaneously manage several projects.
» Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings.

8

Controller
General Summary:
Provide leadership and coordination of company financial planning, debt financing, and budget management functions.
Ensure company accounting procedures conform to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Additionally, to assist in
the development, management and growth of the core business functions of the company.

» Direct and coordinate company financial planning and budget management functions.
» Recommend benchmarks for measuring the financial and operating performance of
divisions and departments.
» Monitor and analyze monthly operating results against budget.
» Oversee daily operations of the finance department.
» Manage the preparation of the official annual report of actual revenues, transfers, and
expenses.
» Prepare financial analysis for contract negotiations and product investment decisions.
» Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal budgetary reporting requirements.
» Work with department managers and staff to develop five year and ten year business
plans for the company.
» Establish and implement short and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies,
Controller

and operating procedures.
» Direct financial audits and provide recommendations for procedural improvements.
» Provide financial statement reporting and analysis, cash flow analysis, budgeting and
forecasting.
» Manage account payable, receivable, budgeting, planning financial reporting, general
ledger and fixed assets.
» Direct month end closings, financial reporting and coordination of audits (work with
outside auditors).

» Masters Degree in Finance or Accounting preferred.
» Five to ten years of experience in a senior-level finance or accounting position.

» Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles including
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
» Knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems.
» Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations.
» Working knowledge of short and long term budgeting and forecasting, rolling budgets,
and product-line profitability analysis.
» Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively/work with senior management
» Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements and
projections.

9

Cost Accountant
General Summary:
Cost Accountant reports directly to the Controller. Goal is to design and implement strategies, best practices and process
improvements in order to ensure efficient control and reporting of variances within the company.

» Guides cost analysis process by implementing, refining, and reporting cost account
processes that highlight operational opportunities and initiate projects that provide
effective solutions.
» Coordinates and conducts cycle counts.
» Builds and controls the annual budget.

Cost Accountant

» Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
» 3 or more years of experience in costing accounting

» Demonstrated knowledge of standard and actual cost accounting methods.
» Demonstrated expertise of research methods and report preparation.
» Demonstrated leadership skills and ability in guiding direct reports to effectively
accomplish performance goals.
» Ability to offer advanced solutions based on collected, summarized, and analyzed data.
» Demonstrated advanced skills with the standard features of various personal computer
word processing and spreadsheet software (Microsoft Word and Excel, PowerPoint,
Outlook, Internet, and other proprietary software).
» Demonstrated experience with ERP systems software (SAP preferred).

10

Internal Auditor
General Summary:
Internal auditors verify the accuracy of their organization’s internal records and check for mismanagement, waste, or
fraud. Examine and evaluate their firms’ financial and information systems, management procedures, and internal
controls to ensure that records are accurate and controls are adequate to protect against fraud and waste. Review
company operations, evaluating their efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with corporate policies and procedures,
laws, and government regulations.

» Execute a wide range of audits and reviews.
» Provide an independent, objective assurance and consulting service to management,
with the principal aims of evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk
management, control and governance processes;
» Make recommendations on increasing operational efficiency, having regard to value for
money auditing;
» Develop and obtain proper approval for goals, audit work schedules, staffing plans, and
financial budgets for the Department.
Internal Auditor

» Perform individual audits according to the Standards for the Professional Practice of
Internal Auditing issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
» Maintain personal proficiency and that of staff auditors by obtaining an adequate
amount of continuing education.
» Supervise staff auditors by assigning them to jobs which match their abilities, reviewing
their work, and appraising their performance.
» Keep current on trends in accounting and auditing.

» A four year degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in
accounting, finance, business administration or closely related field or three years of
increasingly responsible professional accounting.
» Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
» Valid Certified Internal Auditor or Certified Public Accountant License.

» Governmental generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
» Principles of internal auditing and internal audit techniques.
» Ability to detect deviation from established procedures and requirements.
» Prepare clear and concise reports and records.
» Operate a computer, accounting-related software and a calculator.
» Take the initiative and work without close supervision.
» Interpret laws and regulations.

11

Payroll Clerk
General Summary:
Under general supervision, perform clerical tasks involved in the preparation of the payroll and specialized clerical work
in processing information and record keeping.

» Perform complex and specialized work related to the preparation, processing, and
maintenance of the payroll.
» Compute payroll adjustments and reconcile insurance and benefit accounts
» Prepare payroll deductions.

» Any combination of education, training, and/or experience which demonstrates ability
to perform the required duties.
» Graduation from high school or equivalent supplemented by courses in office
practices, bookkeeping, accounting or payroll procedures and/or at least three years of
Payroll Clerk

increasingly responsible experience in financial record keeping systems and calculations.

» Principles, practices, and methods of office procedures and practices including records
management and document processing.
» Computer operations including the development and use of spreadsheets.
» Bookkeeping procedures and practices.
» Principles of payroll and benefits.
» Ability to apply and explain actions, rules, and regulations pertaining to payroll, benefits,
and leave issues.
» Ability to perform arithmetic calculations accurately and rapidly.

12

Senior Accountant
General Summary:
Work is performed under the immediate supervision of the Comptroller. This is senior-level professional financial and
accounting work.

» Prepares journal entries and reconciles general ledger and subsidiary accounts.
» Analyzes and designs new accounting and financial management systems.
» Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for assigned accounts.
» Reviews financial documents and materials and assists in preparing the municipal fiscal
budget.
» Advises departments concerning allocation of funds, assignment of accounting codes,
Senior Accountant

and various other related financial activities.
» Closes books monthly for assigned accounts, corrects, edits, and prepares summaries
and reports as needed.
» Maintains assigned payroll records and compiles monthly or quarterly reports.
» Approves and verifies municipal account numbers and requisition forms.
» Coordinates activities with public and/or private auditors and releases the appropriate
records and information.
» Balances monthly reports on assigned accounts for the general ledger on expenditure
appropriations, revenue allocations, receivables, payables, and inventory.

» Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
» Two years of successful, increasingly responsible experience as an Accountant; or any
equivalent combination of education and experience which would

» Considerable knowledge of accounting practices and procedures in addition to current
federal, state, and local regulations.
» Skill in operating a personal computer and its related software.
» Ability to develop accounting procedures and to monitor compliance with existing ones.
» Ability to successfully lead subordinate personnel and establish effective working
relationships with others.

13

Senior Financial Analyst
General Summary:
Plans and conducts complex studies to improve the operational and financial effectiveness of the unit. Performs
complex statistical, cost and financial analysis of financial reports and data, and prepares subsequent narrative analysis
for management. Utilizes knowledge of the company’s financial accounting systems.

» Plans and conducts complex studies to determine cost of business activities.
» Recommends budget adjustments, and other cost improvement measures.
Senior Financial Analyst

» Analyzes complex financial data and extracts and defines relevant information;
interprets data for the purpose of determining past financial performance and/or to
project a financial probability.
» Reviews costs and performs cost benefit analysis related to projects and/or programs.
» Performs complex statistical, cost, and financial analysis of data reported in the various
accounting systems.
» Develops financial reports for forecasting, trending, and results analysis.
» Uses various software applications, such as spreadsheets, relational databases, statistical
packages, and graphics packages to assemble, manipulate and/or format data and/or
reports.

» Required: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or related field.
» Preferred: MBA.
» Five years progressively responsible related financial experience required.
» Advanced knowledge in the use of financial software applications, databases,
spreadsheets, and/or word processing required.

» Ability to compile, analyze, interpret and present complex annual financial reports,
statements, and/or projections.
» Knowledge of a range of automated financial systems and applications software.
» Knowledge of Federal and State financial regulations.
» Knowledge of the principles, processes, and standards for integrated financial analysis
and reporting
» Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and
developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
» Experience projecting and analyzing actual versus budget (AVB) analysis.

14

Staff Accountant
General Summary:
Under direction of Accounting Manager, performs professional accounting work including processing journal entries and
reconciling general ledger accounts; assists in preparing the company’s annual and mid-year budgets; prepares year-end
audit schedules.

» Prepares journal entries and reconciles general ledger and subsidiary accounts
» Analyzes and reconciles expenditure and revenue accounts.
» Calculates and prepares reimbursement billings and tracks receivables; reconciles
monthly accounts receivable.
» Assists with the preparation of the annual and mid-year budgets.
» Assists with the fiscal year-end and fixed asset accounting.
Staff Accountant

» Bachelors degree in accounting or finance
» One—three years of general accounting experience, or an equivalent combination of
education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the
job as listed above.

» Generally accepted accounting practices and principles.
» Computer applications related to the work.
» Applicable laws, codes and regulations.
» Reconciling accounts, records, reports and journals.
» Reviewing and verifying accuracy of data.
» Maintaining accounting records for special accounts and projects.

15

About CFS

Creative Financial Staffing (CFS) is the nation’s largest privately-held accounting and finance specialty placement
firm. Since our founding in 1994, CFS has established numerous offices in the United States, Mexico and the
Caribbean. We provide qualified accounting and finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis across
a broad range of industries. A unique affiliation with leading accounting firms gives CFS a distinct advantage: We
are connected. This strong positioning within the industry enables us to keep abreast of the skills and capabilities
necessary to confront the challenges our clients meet every day. Through finance and accounting networking,
CFS has built an exceptional pool of candidates to help solve your staffing needs fast. Simply stated, we have
more to offer.

Accounting General Ledger
Account Analysis Government Contracts
Accounts Payable Government Reports
Accounts Receivable Income Statements
Accruals Information Systems
Adjustments International Accounting
CFS has experienced Annual Reports Inventory
professionals at all levels Audit Investment Analysis
Audit Schedules Journal Entries
to assist you in your Balance Sheet Leases
accounting and finance Bank Reconciliations Mergers & Acquisitions
Billing Mortgage/Loan
departments. Bookkeeping Mutual Fund Accounting
Budgeting Operations Research
Closings P & L Statements
Computer Conversions Payroll
Computer Operations Payroll Taxes
Consolidations Probate
Cost Accounting Sarbanes-Oxley
Credit & Collections SEC Reporting
Data Entry Spreadsheets
Depreciation Statistics
FASB Reporting Systems Accounting
Financial Analysis Systems Analysis
Financial Reporting Taxes
Financial Statements Trial Balance
Forecasting Trust Accounting
Fund Accounting

CFS Office Locations

UNITED STATES

CALIFORNIA MASSACHUSETTS TENNESSEE
Bakersfield Boston - Corp. Headquarters Nashville
Los Angeles
San Francisco MICHIGAN VIRGINIA
Detroit Tysons Corner
COLORADO Grand Rapids
Denver WASHINGTON
MINNESOTA Seattle
CONNECTICUT Minneapolis
Hartford WISCONSIN
Southport NEW JERSEY Madison
New Brunswick Milwaukee
FLORIDA
Orlando NEW MEXICO
Tampa Albuquerque
Fort Lauderdale
GEORGIA NEW YORK ISLANDS & CARIBBEAN
Atlanta New York
DOMINICAN
ILLINOIS OHIO REPUBLIC
Chicago Akron Santo Domingo
Oak Brook Canton
Northbrook Cleveland PUERTO RICO
Columbus San Juan
INDIANA
Indianapolis OREGON
Fort Wayne Portland
South Bend
PENNSYLVANIA
KENTUCKY Pittsburgh
Louisville Wyomissing

MARYLAND TEXAS
Baltimore Dallas
Bethesda Houston
Tysons Corner San Antonio

Accounting & Finance Job Descriptions

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