Accounting analyst
Also known as: accounts analyst, accounting specialist, accounting systems analyst, accounting methods analyst
About this occupation
Accounting analysts evaluate the financial statements of clients, usually companies, which include the income sheet, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and additional notes to other financial statements. They interpret and implement new accounting systems and accounting procedures and will analyse and determine if the proposed systems conform to accounting regulations and meet user information requirements.
A specialisation of accountant.
Essential skills and knowledge
- analyse financial risk
- supervise accounting operations
- analyse business processes
- draft accounting procedures
- national generally accepted accounting principles
- accounting department processes
- analyse financial performance of a company
- monitor financial accounts
- accounting entries
- accounting techniques
- financial statements
- create a financial report
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks (O*NET 43-3031.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information.
- Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes.
- Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.
- Receive, record, and bank cash, checks, and vouchers.
- Code documents according to company procedures.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Enterprising, Investigative
Top skills: Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Writing, Speaking
US median pay: US$50,670 a year (2025), 1,373,680 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.8)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.4)
- Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingImportant (3.4)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Billing and Posting Clerks
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
- Brokerage Clerks
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks
- Office Clerks, General
- Tellers
- File Clerks
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
- New Accounts Clerks
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.