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Administration, Accounting Manager

Administration/accounting managers monitor, plan and direct the financial policies and daily running of an organisation, and carry out the policies of the board of directors.

Tasks & duties

Administration/accounting managers may do some or all of the following:

manage the cash flow in and out of the organisation
be involved in deciding on the financial and business viability of new and existing projects and programmes
analyse financial records such as payroll and income trends
plan and prepare budgets and documents, such as the annual report, according to organisational goals
analyse and monitor the effect of budget or policy changes on the organisation's productivity
plan and manage computer systems that record and store information
ensure staff have suitable workloads and materials, and that they produce appropriate information
advise on the use of staff and resources
evaluate the efficiency of work practices and administration
ensure statutory requirements are met; for example, making sure IRD payments are paid on time
ensure financial accounts are completed
be responsible for insuring company assets
ensure money owed to the organisation is collected
advise on legal matters

Skills & knowledge

Administration/accounting managers need to have:

knowledge of budgeting, finance, and accounting theory
an understanding of company, contract and industrial law, and the ability to read legal documents
the ability to write and present budgets and reports
knowledge of staff and business management
knowledge of business and accounting computer packages, and their value in the workplace
maths skills
administrative and organisational skills
decision-making skills
analytical skills and the ability to evaluate financial information
good problem-solving and dispute-resolution skills
good communication skills, including the ability to establish and build on business relationships

Entry requirements

Although a Bachelor's degree is not essential for becoming an administration/accounting manager, a tertiary qualification in accounting, economics or business studies is helpful.

Secondary education

Useful subjects for administration/accounting managers include accounting, economics, English, computing and maths.

Training on the job

Many skills, such as familiarity with Australian tax law and various computer systems, can be learned on the job. Administration/accounting managers are often required to take part in formal and informal training to update their knowledge and techniques.