what is an accountant?

As an accountant, you monitor the financial health of individuals and businesses. You play several roles in maintaining records, analysing costs and presenting financial reports. You ensure effective management of a company’s finances by tracking transactions and preparing financial statements.

Aside from monitoring finances and preparing budgets, you contribute to the company's financial stability by providing valuable insights for decision-making. Accurately tracking income, expenses, and data is useful when making investment projections. Other duties involve the preparation of tax returns and assessing the books of accounts to ensure they meet the accounting regulations of the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation (IFRS).

You need strong maths skills and an affinity for numbers to excel in an accounting role. Your numerical prowess helps you analyse transactions. Problem-solving skills and analytical ability are also great assets for an accountant.

Would working as an accountant suit your numerical and analytical skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in the role of an accountant.

accountant jobs
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average accountant salary

As an accountant, you earn a median salary of €36,000 per year. Exact earnings may fluctuate depending on your experience, educational qualifications and skills. When starting out in the role, you earn a lower wage of approximately €25,000 per year. With years of expertise, you can take home over €44,000 yearly working as an accountant.

what factors affect the salary of accountants?

The size of the company you work for influences your earning potential due to the scope and complexity of your duties. In a small company, you likely handle all of the accounting tasks since the business has fewer transactions. In a large company, you handle complex transactions that require additional expertise. Large companies also have substantial resources and can afford to pay accountants a higher salary.

Having additional professional credentials like an Associate Chartered Accountant qualification improves your earnings. Becoming a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Greece (SOEL) also makes you more competitive in the job market. With chartered accountancy qualifications, you can often negotiate a higher salary.

download our salary guide
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types of accountants

Some of the different types of accountants include:

woman speaking on the phone, working at the office
woman speaking on the phone, working at the office
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working as an accountant

If you want to become an accountant, discover the duties, responsibilities, work environments and job prospects of accountants in Greece.

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accountant skills and education

To become an accountant in Greece, you require the following educational qualifications:

  • Education: you require a degree in accounting or finance to work as an accountant. If you have a bachelor's degree in a different field, consider obtaining a master's degree in a relevant field to qualify for accounting certifications.
  • Work experience and certifications: to work as an accountant in Greece, you require certified public accountant certification from SOEL. After completing five years of practical experience, you can take the certification examination to obtain a licence.

competencies and characteristics of accountants

Employers need their accounting staff to have the right skills and mindset. Some of the qualities of an accountant include:

  • Maths skills: to work as an accountant, you need a natural affinity for mathematics. You should be able to manipulate numbers quickly without a calculator. However, you do not need advanced mathematical knowledge to excel. You should also possess basic knowledge of statistics in order to create and interpret reports.
  • Attention to detail: as an accountant, paying attention to details is a strong asset. Part of your job is to look for ways to reduce costs and increase profits. Your attentiveness to details helps you save money and add a great deal to a company’s bottom line over the year.
  • Computer skills: as an accountant, you do most of your work on a computer. You rely on your computing skills to create spreadsheets and work with accounting software programs. You also require knowledge of online communication methods, including email and video conferencing tools.
  • Organisational skills: accountants require good organisational skills to keep accurate records. With your organisation skills, you maintain digital files so that outside auditors can quickly find necessary data. Your skills also help you simplify time-consuming tasks, like month-end closing and financial reports, and complete them on time.
  • Communication skills: as an accountant, you translate financial information in a meaningful way. Company managers depend on clear communication to make informed decisions. Your communication skills help you write clear reports for leaders, making it easy for them to understand the organisation's financial health.
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FAQs

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an accountant.

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