Exploring Opportunities in Accounting: Career, Workspace, and Growth 

Looking to become an aspiring accountant? Ready to launch into your career in the world of accounting and finance? Let’s peer into these exciting opportunities in accounting, their different workspaces, and career growth.

Careers 

There is a significant increase in accounting jobs in the Canadian market, with countless job opportunities opening. Various industries and sectors within Canada are constantly seeking accountants, not only in banks, but in technology, health, and business. The need for accountants is growing as companies require personnel to manage and process records and accounts. Get a head start and discover jobs you think your skillsets would fit. Here are some of our recommended accounting-related jobs and their duties.

Bookkeeper

The duty of bookkeepers is to oversee a company’s financial data by keeping records of accounts. They maintain and balance accounts payable and receivable using computerized bookkeeping systems. Bookkeepers also have the responsibility of calculating and preparing cheques for payrolls and for utility, tax, and other bills, as well as tax returns and other personal services. The reports that bookkeepers prepare help business owners and managers make financial decisions.

Accounting Specialist

Accounting specialists maintain all forms of financial accounts such as ledgers, journals, invoices, and receipts within an organization. They help manage portfolios of the company’s products or services, and clients, ensuring invoices are correctly paid and clients do not overpay for goods or services. In addition to recording financial data, they must interpret the data for the company. Accounting specialists must be detail-oriented, computer-literate, and have strong analytical skills.

Finance Clerk

Along with basic bookkeeping procedures, finance clerks keep and update financial records. Finance clerks assist in verifying financial data to maintain accurate records through supporting monetary transactions. Calculating, preparing, and issuing documents related to bills, invoices, account statements, and inventories are some of their daily activities. Outside of financial accounts, they respond to customer inquiries and solve problems to maintain good customer relations.

Collections Clerk

Collections clerks have the duty of ensuring that payments from customers are collected with accurate records of all transactions. With strong communication skills and excellent attention to detail, they must ensure that all payment discrepancies such as overdue funds or inaccurate accounts are resolved. In addition, collection clerks analyze and assess a client’s worthiness to maintain credit with the company using external risk management reports. With computer skills, they facilitate the collection of delinquent accounts.

Workspace

The space you work in affects your behaviour while completing daily activities. Some examples include traditional in-office, remote, and hybrid. There are differences in spaces, from the layout to amenities within the workspace to the tools and communication you have. These are the three main workspaces. See which space fits you.

In-office 

The traditional in-office workspace invites coworkers to collaborate and network with each other. In office work provides an environment that fosters collaboration while coworkers are in the same physical space. In addition, when you spend time with your coworkers, you develop a sense of social connection, fostering company culture. This space also provides access to resources that may not be available at home. Offices have desk set ups, printers, meeting rooms, and occasionally gymnasiums.

Remote 

Remote work hosts advantages for workers who may be global or enjoy flexible schedules. Employers can hire global talents from across the world that fit their culture or distinct skillsets that they need. Remote work also allows for greater flexibility of time for better work-life balance. Having flexibility from needing to commute may be what workers need to increase productivity and reduce stress.

Hybrid 

Combining in-office and remote work redefines collaboration and engagement. Inclusive with work-life balance, workers can create and connect with their coworkers in an in-person workspace environment.  Workers no longer need to be in the same room to work together, but they can continue to communicate through online technology. The availability of an office workspace also allows them to opt for in-person collaboration.

Career Growth 

For those seeking professional recognition, graduates can expect to apply for certifications and memberships. As Ashton College hosts the Certificate in Accounting as an accredited program, graduates can continue advancing their education and networking opportunities. Graduates can apply for a membership with the Canadian Bookkeepers Association (CBA). This certificate also has the Certified Professional Bookkeepers of Canada (CPB) accreditation. These options open the gates to new opportunities.

Alternatively, accountants can reach for the Chartered Professional Accountants certification. This allows professional accountants to take on specific activities within accountancy such as auditing financial statements, filing tax returns, and providing financial advising.

Conclusion

The accounting and finance world offers a variety of occupations you may be interested in. With a stable and growing job market, this occupation is great for those who wish to express their mathematical and analytical skills. Jobs such as accountants, bookkeepers, and finance clerks are all