Accounting

Accounting Analyst job description

An Accounting Analyst analyzes financial data, prepares GAAP-compliant reports, and performs monthly reconciliations — ensuring accurate financial records.

Published June 18, 2024Updated May 9, 20261680 likes

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Job brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Accounting Analyst to join our finance team and drive accuracy across our financial reporting processes. In this role, you will perform complex variance analysis, prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports, and support our month-end close procedures while ensuring full GAAP compliance. You will work closely with our Controller and CFO to analyze financial trends, investigate discrepancies, and provide analytical insights that inform strategic business decisions. If you excel at working with large datasets, have strong Excel modeling skills, and are passionate about financial accuracy and process improvement, we would love to hear from you.

Key highlights

Perform detailed variance analysis comparing actual financial results to budgets, forecasts, and prior periods to identify trends and explain deviations
Prepare monthly account reconciliations for balance sheet accounts including cash, inventory, fixed assets, and accrued liabilities using advanced Excel techniques
Generate comprehensive financial reports and dashboards for management using Power BI, Tableau, or Excel pivot tables with automated data refresh
Support month-end and quarter-end closing processes by preparing journal entries, accruals, and supporting documentation for financial statement preparation

What is a Accounting Analyst?

An Accounting Analyst is a financial professional who examines complex financial data, prepares detailed reports, and maintains accounting records to ensure GAAP compliance and financial accuracy. Working with advanced Excel functions, ERP systems like SAP or Oracle NetSuite, and specialized accounting software, Accounting Analysts perform variance analysis, budget-to-actual comparisons, and comprehensive account reconciliations. Their analytical expertise supports management decision-making by providing accurate financial insights, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring regulatory compliance across all accounting operations.

What does a Accounting Analyst do?

On a daily basis, an Accounting Analyst performs detailed variance analysis comparing actual results to budgets and forecasts, investigates discrepancies in general ledger accounts, and prepares journal entries to correct accounting errors or record accruals. They create comprehensive financial reports for department managers and senior leadership, reconcile bank statements and intercompany accounts, and collaborate with accounts payable and receivable teams to resolve outstanding items. During month-end close processes, Accounting Analysts prepare supporting schedules for financial statements, assist external auditors with documentation requests, and analyze trends in key financial metrics to identify areas requiring management attention.

Key responsibilities

Perform detailed variance analysis comparing actual financial results to budgets, forecasts, and prior periods to identify trends and explain deviations
Prepare monthly account reconciliations for balance sheet accounts including cash, inventory, fixed assets, and accrued liabilities using advanced Excel techniques
Analyze cost center performance and departmental spending patterns to support budget planning and cost control initiatives across the organization
Generate comprehensive financial reports and dashboards for management using Power BI, Tableau, or Excel pivot tables with automated data refresh
Support month-end and quarter-end closing processes by preparing journal entries, accruals, and supporting documentation for financial statement preparation
Collaborate with accounts payable and receivable teams to research and resolve discrepancies in vendor statements, customer accounts, and intercompany transactions
Assist external auditors during annual and quarterly reviews by preparing requested schedules, supporting documentation, and explaining account balances and transactions
Maintain and improve financial processes by documenting procedures, identifying automation opportunities, and implementing controls to ensure data accuracy

Requirements and skills

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field with coursework in intermediate accounting, cost accounting, and financial analysis
2-4 years of experience in accounting or financial analysis roles with exposure to month-end close processes and financial statement preparation
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel including VLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, pivot tables, and financial modeling with complex formulas and data validation
Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, or QuickBooks Enterprise for general ledger analysis and reporting
Strong knowledge of GAAP accounting principles, financial statement preparation, and regulatory compliance requirements for public or private companies
CPA certification or progress toward CPA licensure preferred, with demonstrated commitment to continuing professional education in accounting standards
Proficiency in financial reporting tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms for creating automated dashboards and management reports
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to investigate complex financial discrepancies and communicate findings clearly to management and auditors

FAQs

What does an Accounting Analyst do on a daily basis?

An Accounting Analyst performs detailed financial analysis by examining general ledger accounts, preparing variance reports, and investigating discrepancies between actual and budgeted amounts. Daily tasks include creating Excel-based reconciliations, preparing journal entries, analyzing cost center performance, and generating reports for management review. They spend significant time in ERP systems like SAP or NetSuite pulling financial data, creating pivot tables for trend analysis, and collaborating with accounts payable, receivable, and operational teams to resolve account discrepancies and ensure accurate financial reporting.

What skills and qualifications are required for an Accounting Analyst role?

Accounting Analyst positions typically require a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance plus 2-4 years of relevant experience in financial analysis or accounting roles. Essential technical skills include advanced Excel proficiency with complex formulas and pivot tables, experience with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle NetSuite, and strong knowledge of GAAP accounting principles. Many employers prefer candidates working toward CPA certification, and proficiency in reporting tools like Power BI or Tableau is increasingly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and ability to communicate financial findings to non-financial stakeholders are critical soft skills.

Who does an Accounting Analyst work with and report to?

An Accounting Analyst typically reports to a Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager, or Controller within the finance department organizational structure. They collaborate daily with accounts payable and receivable staff, financial planning analysts, and operational managers to gather information and resolve account discrepancies. During audit periods, Accounting Analysts work closely with external CPA firms providing requested documentation and explanations. They also interface with department managers across the organization to analyze spending patterns, explain budget variances, and provide financial insights that support business decision-making.

What is the career path and salary range for an Accounting Analyst?

Accounting Analysts typically earn between $50,000-$70,000 annually depending on location, company size, and experience level, with higher compensation in major metropolitan areas and public companies. The career progression often leads to Senior Accountant positions ($65,000-$85,000), then Accounting Manager roles ($80,000-$110,000), and potentially Controller positions ($100,000-$150,000+). Many Accounting Analysts pursue CPA certification to accelerate career advancement, with some transitioning to specialized roles like Financial Planning & Analysis, Internal Audit, or moving into industry-specific accounting roles in healthcare, manufacturing, or technology sectors.