WHAT IS AN ACCOUNTANT?

Updated: Jun 18, 2025 - The Accountant collaborates with the Accounting Manager to guarantee the precision of fixed assets records, specifically focusing on ensuring that accounts accurately portray the company's economic transactions. They meticulously update the fixed assets accounts and their corresponding depreciation to accurately reflect their actual value. This role encompasses overseeing the asset accounting of the company, involving the recognition of gains or losses from asset sales, preparing account reconciliations, executing journal entries for month-end closing, conducting account analyses, and generating investment reports. The Accountant reports directly to the Accounting Manager, who, in turn, reports to the Finance Director.

Need-to-Know Overview of an Accountant

1. Accountant Functions and Responsibilities

  • Creation and maintenance of fixed assets in SAP and execute a movement, scraping or write off of fixed assets.
  • Perform SAP transaction to transfer new internal orders to Asset under Construction.
  • Monitor the system in calculating the Depreciation of Assets.
  • Analyze purchase orders and invoices to reflect accurate and precise values of assets, based on information gathered.
  • Maintain fixed asset records including additions, retirements, and book value for PR & USVI.
  • Provide the Network department with an updated list of fixed assets and its book value, as required.
  • Prepare Investment Report on a monthly basis, for PR & USVI.
  • Prepare monthly schedules for management reporting
  • Assists in the creation and modification of Internal Orders and Investment Programs, as required.
  • Reconcile and Analyze fixed asset ledger, along with prepaid and accrual accounts (as assigned).
  • Prepare and input Journal Entries for month end closing (e.g. Amortizations, Payroll)
  • Assist in the process of internal and external auditors, as required.
  • Perform Ad Hoc reporting and projects.
  • Revision and update of customer’s credit limit
  • Follow-up of customer accounts (aging, guarantees, legal cases etc.)
  • Coordination of monthly credit committees (credit charts, summary presentations of past dues, challenge to marketing Departments)
  • Follow-up of and participation in the dunning process
  • Bad debt calculation and follow-up, including validation according to internal powers and accrual request to Accounting

2. Accountant Qualifications and Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
  • Relevant accounting experience.
  • Must have solid understanding of journal entries and general accounting principles.
  • One-two years experience working with journal entries and balance sheet account reconciliations preferred.
  • Prior work with fixed assets a plus.
  • SAP Experience.
  • Excellent organizational, leadership and problem-solving skills
  • Highly developed objectivity and analytical skills
  • Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities
  • Strong desire to obtain new knowledge as well as acceptance of new job fields
  • Preference will be given to those who have worked in companies in the same industry.

Career Overview FAQs

What does a career overview explain?

A career overview explains what a profession involves, including the purpose of the role, the type of work professionals typically perform, and how the position contributes to organizations or industries. It helps readers understand the field before exploring more detailed resources such as job responsibilities, required skills, and career requirements.

What do professionals in this career typically do?

Professionals in this field usually manage projects or tasks, collaborate with teams, analyze information, and solve problems related to business or organizational objectives. Daily responsibilities may vary depending on experience level, specialization, and the organization where the role is performed.

What skills are commonly required for this career?

Most careers require a combination of technical skills related to the profession and professional skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, and analytical thinking. These abilities help professionals perform effectively in different work environments and across various organizational roles.

What is the typical career path in this field?

Many professionals begin in entry-level roles where they gain foundational knowledge and practical experience. Over time, they may progress to mid-level or senior positions that involve greater responsibility, specialization, or leadership within their organization or industry.

How can someone start a career in this field?

Starting a career in this field typically involves building relevant knowledge, gaining practical experience, and developing the key skills associated with the profession. Preparing strong application materials, such as a targeted resume and cover letter, can also help candidates pursue entry-level opportunities successfully.

Editorial Process

Lamwork content is developed through structured review of publicly available job postings and documented hiring trends.

Editorial operations are managed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor, with research direction and final oversight by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead. Content is periodically reviewed to reflect observable labor market changes.