What’s an accounting supervisor’s role?

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An accounting supervisor performs a variety of accounting functions while also supervising junior accounting personnel and general staff. Depending on the nature of the company’s business, the supervisor’s description may also include managing or directing the activities of other departments. Generally, a supervisor’s resume includes several years of accounting, accounting, or auditing experience. Experience as an accounting supervisor or manager is preferred, but generally not required if leadership skills have been clearly demonstrated.

Since the successful management of a company’s income and expenses is vital to its success, the role of the accounting supervisor is significant. She must communicate well with all departments that spend money and keep track of her expenses. If budgetary guidelines are not followed, the accounting supervisor must address the infractions and try to reach an amicable solution with the department head. The ideal resolution will keep the company’s spending on track, meeting contractual obligations and satisfying suppliers and customers.

To keep the company profitable, the accounting supervisor develops and incorporates operating procedures for each department so that cash flow can be efficiently tracked and verified. She simultaneously oversees accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgets, income statements, payroll and benefits, and capital investments. If problems arise in any of these areas, the accounting supervisor is responsible for recognizing them and proposing solutions or talking to others who may have suitable resolutions to offer.

This position requires the regular compilation of financial and statistical reports. Reports on each department’s financial activities are prepared on a recurring basis and presented to senior management for review. Other reports are required for external entities such as investors, auditors, CPAs and government agencies.

An accounting supervisor is involved in all areas of a business that involve money; in most cases, this is every department. This requires that she not only be a fast and accurate number cruncher, but also have knowledge or experience in related areas such as economics, investments and asset management. Knowledge of accounting software applications is also helpful.

As with most supervisory positions, excellent communication skills are vital to an accounting supervisor’s success. Discussing financial matters with department heads requires tact, diplomacy, and persuasion. Keeping everyone happy with budget constraints while maintaining a positive and productive environment is a challenge faced regularly by accounting supervisors. The ability to easily connect with a wide variety of personality types is a definite asset for a person in this position.

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