An accounting supervisor supervises junior accounting personnel and general staff clerks while performing a variety of accounting functions. The supervisor’s job description may also include managing or directing the activities of other departments, depending on the nature of the company’s business. The supervisor’s resume typically includes several years of experience in bookkeeping, accounting, or auditing. Although experience as an accounting supervisor or manager is preferred, it is not always required if leadership abilities have been demonstrated.
The accounting supervisor’s role is critical because successful management of a company’s income and expenditures is critical to its success. She must maintain good communication with all departments that spend money and keep track of their spending. If budget guidelines are not followed, the accounting supervisor is responsible for addressing the infractions and working with the department head to find a solution. The ideal solution will keep the company’s spending on track while also satisfying vendors and customers.
To keep the business profitable, the accounting supervisor creates and implements operating procedures for each department, allowing cash flow to be tracked and checked efficiently. She manages accounts payable, receivables, budgets, profit and loss statements, payroll and benefits, and capital investments all at the same time. If any of these areas develop problems, the accounting supervisor is responsible for recognizing them and either proposing solutions or conferring with others who may have appropriate solutions to offer.
This position necessitates the compilation of financial and statistical reports on a regular basis. Each department’s financial activities are reported on a regular basis and presented to upper management for review. Outside entities, such as investors, auditors, CPAs, and government agencies, require additional reports.
An accounting supervisor is responsible for all financial aspects of a company; in most cases, this means every department. This necessitates her having knowledge or experience in related fields such as economics, investments, and asset management, in addition to being a quick and accurate number cruncher. It’s also beneficial to have some experience with accounting software.
Excellent communication skills, as in most supervisory positions, are critical to an accounting supervisor’s success. When dealing with department heads about money, tact, diplomacy, and persuasion skills are required. Accounting supervisors frequently face the challenge of keeping everyone happy within budget constraints while maintaining a positive and productive environment. For someone in this position, the ability to easily connect with a wide range of personality types is a huge plus.