Senior Accountant Positions Description - Polson Higgs

Position Description
Job Title: Senior Accountant
Division: Business Services
Reports to: Manager / Partner Date: August 2007
1. Purpose of Position
• To assist the Managers/Partners with the management of client assignments by
effectively managing workflow to expected professional standards.
• To assist the Managers/Partners to lead a team that is performance orientated
and committed to achievement of strategic goals through effective performance
management and staff development.
• To prepare sets of accounts for client
• Provide outstanding client relationship management and team leadership
• Provide internal/external training at a intermediate and senior level
• To maintain business relationships that will enhance the ongoing growth and
stability of the firm.
2. Position in Organisation
Business Service Partners
Associates
Managers
Assistant Managers
Senior Accountant
3. Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities
Client Responsibilities
• Adopt a proactive stance to client service.
• Demonstrate sound business and technical knowledge that is valuable to the
client.
• Assist in management aspects of a client’s affairs, at time being the person with
responsibility for client contact.
• Undertake special assignments for clients which may include the preparation of
budgets, cashflows and management accounts.
• Undertake the review function for business services assignments as required.
Senior Accountant – Business Services
Position Description
Page 1

• Develop strategies for resolving client problems.
Professionalism
• Remain technically up to date and abreast of any changes in legislation through
active participation in training and self development.
Relationship Management and Marketing
• Able to socially interact at senior levels.
• Involvement with professional bodies and community activities.
• Participation in social activities.
• Ensure commitments made to clients are responded to promptly and efficiently.
Staff Management Responsibilities
• Assistance with supervision of other team members and assisting in their
professional development.
4. Authorities Levels
The position of Business Services Senior Accountant does not hold any authority to
commit the firm to expenditure.
5. Relationships
External
Polson Higgs clients
Internal
Partners and staff
Senior Accountant – Business Services
Position Description
Page 2

6. Personal Qualities, Qualifications and Experience
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications • An appropriate
tertiary qualification.
• Chartered
Accountant.
Work
Experience
• At least three to four years
chartered accounting /
commercial accounting
experience.
Personal
Qualities
• Ability to interact within a team
environment and the ability to
assist in the development of team
members.
• Be committed to demonstrating
high professional standards.
Professional /
Technical
Skills
• Ensures all quality standards are
met when completing individual
assignments.
• Demonstrates a breadth and
depth of technical knowledge and
the ability to apply this to
individual client situations.
• Ability to identify business and
taxation issues arising and their
implications research them and
consult with others before
referring to Partner/Manager with
proposed solution.
• Keeps up to date with latest
accounting and regulatory
developments and identifies how
they will affect own clients.
• The ability to prepare quality
correspondence and reports for
review by Partner / Manager.
Senior Accountant – Business Services
Position Description
Page 3

Essential
Desirable
• Understands and uses
appropriate technology to
enhance the quality and
effectiveness of assignments
completed.
• Competence in all software
applications used by the division.
Client Care
Skills
• Develops and maintains close,
positive relationships with our
clients.
• Demonstrate a high level of
competency in all aspects of
communication with clients.
Management
of Projects /
Assignments
• Responsible for allocation and
review of staff’s work.
• Ability to plan, manage and
complete client assignments in
consultation with a Partner clears
jobs directly with a Partner.
• Liaises with other divisions where
necessary.
• Ensures Managers/Partner is
kept informed of progress on
client assignments.
• Suggests ideas for the
improvement of processing of
assignments.
Relationship
Marketing
• Understands client’s needs and
takes the initiative to extend the
firm’s services, including those, of
other divisions with the client.
• Actively seeks to identify/develop
opportunities for assisting the
client.
• Understands and maintains an up
to date knowledge of the firm’s
range of services, builds
relationships with other divisions
and refers work where possible.
Senior Accountant – Business Services
Position Description
Page 4

Essential
Desirable
Business
Management
• Assists in monitoring overall
financial performance of the team
and takes action to ensure goals
are achieved.
• Deputises for Partner/Manager in
his/her absence.
• Assists in specific tasks such as
planning exercises, training
courses and on the job training.
Senior Accountant – Business Services
Position Description
Page 5