What Does a Plant Accountant Do?

A plant accountant works inside a manufacturing plant, summarizing, recording, and paying business transactions to ensure that the company runs smoothly. This person’s responsibilities are similar to those of a general accountant. Plant accountants are in charge of all aspects of a manufacturing plant’s finances, including taxes, real estate documents, profit and loss statements, and employee payroll. This person must obtain an accounting degree and participate in continuing education programs to improve their knowledge of financial practices and laws. This position requires individuals to have a highly developed analytical skill set in order to perform their job function accurately and effectively.

A plant accountant’s primary responsibility is to balance the plant’s accounts, which involves several aspects of finance and investing. To ensure the company’s profitability, the accountant creates budgets and keeps track of revenues and expenses. This person is in charge of preparing, reporting, and paying the manufacturing plant’s tax obligations to the appropriate governmental agencies. The accountant keeps track of inventory, pays invoices for services rendered, and sends invoices to other companies for the plant’s services. This person is in charge of keeping track of and maintaining information about company-owned properties.

A plant accountant must possess a specific skill set in order to effectively perform the functions of this position. Accountants must have excellent verbal and written communication skills in order to work with other vendors, bankers, agencies, and employees. In addition, a person in this position typically possesses above-average analytical skills, which are required for processing a variety of data. An accountant for a plant is well-organized and capable of coordinating work schedules, appointments, and general information. In order to effectively track business finances and transactions, an accountant must have knowledge of computer programs associated with the field of accounting.

People who want to work as plant accountants need to have a certain level of education. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a license as a Certified Public or Management Accountant, according to employers. Many businesses prefer to hire someone with a master’s degree in accounting or a related field. A person hired for this position typically has prior experience in another accounting-related position as well as supervisory experience. The plant accountant is required to attend continuing education classes on accounting practices and tax laws once hired.