Accounting

Junior Accountant job description

A Junior Accountant processes transactions, maintains general ledger entries, and prepares financial reports using QuickBooks and Excel.

Published May 16, 2024Updated May 9, 20262378 likes

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Job brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Junior Accountant to join our finance team and take ownership of core accounting processes that ensure our financial integrity. In this role, you will manage the full accounts payable cycle, maintain accurate general ledger records, and support our monthly financial close process using QuickBooks Enterprise and Excel. You will work closely with our Senior Accountant and Controller to prepare financial reports, assist with audit requests, and help implement process improvements that streamline our accounting operations. If you are passionate about accuracy, enjoy working with numbers, and want to build a strong foundation in corporate accounting, this is an excellent opportunity for career growth.

Key highlights

Process vendor invoices through three-way matching verification, ensuring proper coding to chart of accounts and obtaining necessary approvals before payment
Maintain accurate general ledger by posting daily journal entries, accruals, and adjusting entries while adhering to GAAP principles
Perform monthly bank reconciliations across multiple accounts, investigating and resolving discrepancies with supporting documentation
Support month-end close activities by preparing account reconciliations, accrual schedules, and variance analysis reports for management review

What is a Junior Accountant?

A Junior Accountant is an entry-level accounting professional who maintains accurate financial records, processes daily transactions, and supports month-end close activities under senior supervision. Working primarily with accounting software like QuickBooks, NetSuite, or SAP, Junior Accountants handle accounts payable and receivable processing, bank reconciliations, and journal entry preparation while ensuring compliance with GAAP standards. Their work provides the foundational data integrity that enables accurate financial reporting, audit readiness, and informed business decision-making across the organization.

What does a Junior Accountant do?

On a typical day, a Junior Accountant processes vendor invoices through three-way matching, posts journal entries to correct general ledger accounts, and performs daily bank reconciliations to identify discrepancies. They prepare supporting schedules for accounts receivable aging reports, assist with payroll journal entries, and maintain fixed asset registers with depreciation calculations. They also respond to vendor inquiries, prepare check runs for approval, and compile documentation packets for monthly closes while collaborating with senior accountants and external CPA firms during audit seasons.

Key responsibilities

Process vendor invoices through three-way matching verification, ensuring proper coding to chart of accounts and obtaining necessary approvals before payment
Maintain accurate general ledger by posting daily journal entries, accruals, and adjusting entries while adhering to GAAP principles
Perform monthly bank reconciliations across multiple accounts, investigating and resolving discrepancies with supporting documentation
Prepare accounts receivable aging reports and follow up on past-due balances through customer outreach and collection activities
Support month-end close activities by preparing account reconciliations, accrual schedules, and variance analysis reports for management review
Maintain fixed asset register with monthly depreciation calculations and coordinate with operations team on asset additions and disposals
Assist with quarterly sales tax filings and annual 1099 preparation by compiling vendor payment data and ensuring compliance deadlines
Compile audit work papers and supporting documentation for external CPA firm during annual financial statement audits

Requirements and skills

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field with coursework in intermediate accounting and taxation
Proficiency in QuickBooks Pro or Enterprise, Excel with VLOOKUP and pivot table functions, and familiarity with SAP or NetSuite preferred
Strong understanding of GAAP principles, double-entry bookkeeping, and financial statement preparation fundamentals
1-2 years of experience in accounts payable, bookkeeping, or related accounting functions in corporate or public accounting environment
Excellent attention to detail with ability to maintain accuracy while processing high-volume transactions under tight deadlines
Knowledge of sales tax regulations, payroll tax compliance, and basic understanding of corporate tax preparation processes
Strong analytical skills with ability to investigate discrepancies and prepare clear supporting documentation for audit trails
Effective communication skills for interacting with vendors, internal departments, and external auditors regarding financial matters

FAQs

What does a Junior Accountant do on a daily basis?

A Junior Accountant handles core accounting transactions including processing vendor invoices, posting journal entries to the general ledger, and performing bank reconciliations to ensure financial accuracy. They spend significant time in accounting software like QuickBooks or SAP entering transactions, preparing supporting documentation, and maintaining organized records for audit purposes. Junior Accountants also respond to vendor inquiries, assist with payroll processing, and help prepare monthly financial reports while working under the guidance of senior accounting staff to ensure compliance with GAAP standards.

What qualifications do you need to become a Junior Accountant?

Most Junior Accountant positions require a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related business field with coursework in intermediate accounting and taxation principles. Essential technical skills include proficiency in QuickBooks or similar accounting software, advanced Excel functions like VLOOKUP and pivot tables, and understanding of GAAP accounting standards. Many employers prefer candidates with 1-2 years of experience in bookkeeping, accounts payable, or internship experience in public accounting, along with strong attention to detail and analytical problem-solving abilities.

Who does a Junior Accountant work with in an organization?

Junior Accountants collaborate closely with senior accounting staff, controllers, and CFOs while also interfacing with various operational departments throughout the organization. They work regularly with accounts payable clerks, payroll administrators, and procurement teams to process transactions and resolve discrepancies. Junior Accountants also interact with external vendors for invoice resolution, coordinate with HR on employee expense reports, and assist external CPA firms during audit seasons by providing requested documentation and explanations of accounting processes.

What is the typical Junior Accountant salary and career progression?

Junior Accountants typically earn between $40,000-$55,000 annually depending on location, company size, and experience level, with higher salaries in major metropolitan areas and public companies. This entry-level position provides excellent career advancement opportunities, with most Junior Accountants progressing to Staff Accountant roles within 2-3 years, then advancing to Senior Accountant positions with increased responsibilities for financial reporting and analysis. Many professionals use Junior Accountant experience as a stepping stone toward CPA certification, which opens doors to roles in public accounting, financial analysis, or controller positions.