07 - Accounting Analyst

General Overview

Functional Area:  FIN - Finance
Career Stream:  FPE - Financial Process Execution
Role:  Analyst
SAP Short Name:  ANA
Job Title:  Accounting Analyst
Job Code:  ANA-FIN-ACCT
Job Level:  Band 07
Direct/Indirect Indicator:  Indirect

Summary

To ensure the integrity of balance sheet accounts by performing monthly account reconciliations, variance analysis and accounting entries. Highlighting discrepancies and correcting where appropriate or identifying actions for others to complete.Incumbents are fully qualified to execute job/role accountabilities working independently on most aspects of the job. Work is performed within established professional standards and practices. Tasks are moderately complex in nature where judgment is required to complete recurring assignments independently and to determine the best methods to follow to complete assignments. Sound decisions are required to achieve the divisions/departments operations, schedules, and/or performance goals. Works under general supervision. Situations not covered by standard processes, procedures and methods are referred to manager or expert resource. May demonstrate work methods to new employees. Builds internal and external relationships as appropriate, with emphasis on those that facilitate the achievement of job/role accountabilities, such as relationships with key suppliers, customers and internal service.

Detailed Description

Performs tasks such as, but not limited to, the following:

• Prepare manual accounting entries and monitor system generated entries to ensure that financial statements are accurate and stated in accordance with GAAP.
• Monitor and maintain subsidiary records and resolve discrepancies as required.
• Prepare monthly account reconcilations for a series of balance sheet accounts.
• Ensure all reconciling items are cleared in a timely manner, making the adjustment or communicating recommended action to the appropriate individual for correction.
• Thorough understanding of the balance sheet accounts in their scope of responsibility so that errors and anomalies can be recognized and explained or corrected immediately.
• Interface with external auditors on area of responsibility.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly information for internal and external reporting.
• Create monthly reports to analyze variances between actual, forecast and plan.
• Provide an explanation of variances to management.
• Provide leadership on special projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Takes independent action to gather ideas and gain consensus with cross-functional teams on process improvement recommendations.
• Present complex information integrating several scenarios.
• Ability to assist clients/user on vastly different issues.
• Ability to run a successful meeting (i.e. agenda, timetable, demonstrate good time management, conclusion, follow-up and minutes).
• Meets group needs, ensures appropriate resources are available and works to achieve team goals over individual goals.
• Evaluates alternatives based on pros/cons.
• Provides input on how to manage required changes.
• Leads by example and is accountable for own actions.

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

• Knowledge of computer applications such as WORD, Excel, PowerPoint and multiple business applications.
• Ability to design/create queries and understands what creates the output.
• Creates basic spreadsheet macros.
• Ability to design custom queries in job-related software and understanding the relationships between the various tools.
• General understanding of internal/external customer needs is required to make effective/informed decisions
• Analytical and statistical skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy and working under tight time deadlines.
• Ability to evaluate, prioritize and problem solve a variety of tasks to ensure their timely and accurate completion.
• Understands and can apply corporate accounting policies
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a wide variety of internal and external customers.
• Ability to recommend accounting process changes based on intimate knowledge of accounting processes, policies and procedures.
• Ability to direct others on accounting practices.
• Ability to research accounting rules in both U.S. GAAP and GAAPof the relevant country.
• Ability to prepare a forecast for one element of the business (cost center, profit center, pricing forecast or key balance sheet component)
• Ability to bridge between actual, plan, forecast and bids, analyzing mix impacts and summarizing in management reports and provide interpretation of results ~to users.
• Understands the inter-relationships between departments and actively participate in cross-functional teams.

Physical Demands

• Duties of this position are performed in a normal office environment
• Duties may require extended periods of sitting and sustained visual concentration on a computer monitor or on numbers and other detailed data
• Repetitive manual movements are frequently required (e.g. data entry, using a computer mouse, using a calculator, etc)
• Occasional overnight travel may be required

Typical Experience

• Two to Four years relevant experience

Typical Education

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, or consideration of an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Enrollment at an intermediate level of an accounting designation may be required
• Education experience may vary by geography.

Notes

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.