what is an accountant?
As an accountant, you play a key role in every company, whether big or small. In this profession, you're completely independent of the industry. Whether you work in communications, fashion, technology, or auditing, it’s up to your preference. You record and pay invoices, manage cash flow and accounts, and provide analyses. In some companies, you also handle payroll and VAT declarations. In short, you keep an overview of how much money is coming in and going out. You also prepare financial reports and support controls. Every business needs to keep proper books. As a result, you’re in high demand as an expert. Both the private and public sectors are always looking for well trained accountants.
accountant jobsworking as an accountant.
What is specifically expected of you as an accountant depends on the company you work for. Your tasks can be quite diverse, but they always involve working with numbers. Can't wait to get started as an accountant? Then keep reading to find out what this profession has in store for you.
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your area of responsibility
Your responsibilities as an accountant are quite diverse. However, it’s always about keeping the finances in order and managing accounts accurately. Thanks to your careful work, money comes in, invoices are paid, and the company knows its financial position. What you can expect as an accountant:
- Debtors and creditors management: You review and pay invoices from suppliers and business partners. At the same time, you monitor whether customers pay on time. If they are overdue, you send reminder notices. You always keep an overview of the company's liquidity. In larger companies, you're also responsible for internal cost allocations. As an accountant, you maintain the general ledgers and sub ledgers.
- Tax declaration: As an accountant, you are familiar with the cantonal regulations regarding capital and profit taxes for legal entities, sole proprietorships, and partnerships. Additionally, you know when companies are subject to VAT. Thanks to your expertise and impeccable bookkeeping, you optimize the tax burden. This helps you avoid potential penalties or late payment interest. In other words, you are a real asset to your company.
- Preparation of financial reports: Companies are legally obliged to produce monthly and annual financial statements. As an accountant, you support this process. You ensure an accurate overview of the finances by neatly compiling all costs and income. Through analyses and reports, management always keeps an eye on the company's figures.
- Financial consulting: With your expertise, you advise the management on administrative, business management, and financial technical matters. This way, the leadership team knows, for example, how to optimize taxes. You prepare complex accounting processes in a way that allows the management to draw the right conclusions. If you make mistakes, it can have far reaching consequences. As an accountant, you have a responsible role.
- Payroll accounting: In some companies, as an accountant, you're also responsible for payroll. You ensure that your colleagues receive their monthly salary accurately and on time. Employees who are out in the field can rely on you to process their expense reports promptly. That’s how you become popular among your teammates.
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who are your colleagues?
As an accountant, you're busy with numbers all day long. First and foremost, you need a computer. Whether it's in an office building, at a campsite, or working from home is of secondary importance. Typically, you work in a large company within the finance department. Together with your colleagues, you monitor the cash flow. In your role, you also assist controllers with budget planning and financial advice. If colleagues come to your door with questions about their salary, you're happy to provide information.
types of accountants.
As an accountant, you can specialise within larger companies. Take a look at the different types and choose based on your preference:
- Financial accounting: It is the heart of the company. As a financial accountant, you record all transactions, prepare the balance sheet, and generate profit and loss statements.
- Accounts receivable: In this area, you handle all the outstanding invoices from customers. This way, you keep track of open items and ensure liquidity for the company.
- Accounts payable: Supplier invoices need to be paid on time. As an accounts payable clerk, you work closely with your colleagues in purchasing. After all, it’s important to verify that the invoices are correctly issued and that the services have been provided.
- Fixed asset accounting: As a fixed asset accountant, you manage the company's fixed assets properly. You record all changes such as acquisitions, disposals, and revaluations. Additionally, you determine and record the depreciation.
- Payroll accounting: As a payroll accountant, you handle the employees' payroll processing. At the same time, you ensure that expense reimbursements are paid out promptly.
- Warehouse accounting: Logistics companies often employ specialised warehouse accountants. They record the incoming and outgoing quantities of all raw materials, auxiliary materials, and operating supplies.
salary as an accountant.
Accountants are in demand in Switzerland. Financial management is not only profitable for companies but also for employees. As an accountant, your gross salary depends on several factors. The key influences on your earnings are your level of education and your professional experience. However, your area of responsibility, the region, and the size of the company also impact your salary. Even as a beginner, you can expect a competitive level. Keep reading to find out what you can earn as an accountant.
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how much do I earn as an accountant in a permanent position?
On average, your gross annual salary ranges between 78,000 and 103,000 CHF with a weekly working time of 40 hours. That translates to roughly 6,500 to 8,500 CHF per month. In some companies, you may also receive a 13th salary and additional benefits. As a median salary, a bookkeeper can expect around 90,000 CHF per year, which is about 7,500 CHF per month. Education, age, and professional experience can increase the annual income. There are also regional differences: the highest salaries are typically found in Bern and Geneva, while in St. Gallen and Schaffhausen, the pay tends to be somewhat lower.
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in which industry do I earn the most as an accountant?
Since you're working as an accountant, there aren't significant differences in gross salaries. The highest payers are the service sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the public sector, and industry. In these fields, you can expect an average gross annual salary of around 90,000 CHF or roughly 7,500 CHF per month. Slightly behind are retail, fiduciaries, and the pharmaceutical industry, with annual salaries of approximately 88,000 CHF and 85,000 CHF respectively. That amounts to about 7,300 CHF or 7,000 CHF per month.
training and further education as an accountant.
Accountants are in high demand, no question. If you're interested in an attractive position with a good salary, you bring solid training to the table. The ideal qualification for this is the Swiss Federal Certificate of Competence as a financial and accounting specialist. To earn this certification, you need several years of professional experience in general accounting or cost accounting. With the Swiss Federal Certificate of Competence, career opportunities in finance are already within reach. If you aim to advance to finance director roles within large corporations, a university degree is recommended. Holding a diploma in accounting or a Master’s in Business Administration provides excellent prerequisites. As you gain more experience as an accountant, further training can help you qualify for higher positions. For example, you might consider moving into controlling. Seminars and study programmes offered by the Controller Academy are well-suited for this. Global corporations often have their own trainee programmes to develop their staff.
positions as accountant.
As a well-trained accountant, you take on responsible tasks in companies across various industries. With several years of professional experience, you’re already recommended for a leadership role in small and medium-sized enterprises. Large corporations require not only a degree but also work experience and further professional development. But as a fiduciary, you’ll also find exciting opportunities. Are you looking for a versatile role with prospects? Open positions for accountants can be found on this page.
job openings for career changers as accountants.
The profession of accountant demands high standards of accuracy and requires solid business knowledge. It also offers opportunities for numbers enthusiasts to switch careers and qualify for the profession. A good starting point is, for example, as an administrative clerk in accounting. If you've worked a few years in bookkeeping, you can obtain the Swiss federal diploma as a specialist in finance and accounting. Once you have several years of professional experience in finance and accounting, a variety of study programs become accessible to you. As you can see, as a career changer, you have many opportunities for advancement in the financial sector.
career opportunities as an accountant.
You handle your administrative tasks as an accountant effortlessly and are looking for more responsibility? Your experience already provides a solid foundation to grow into additional roles. These include:
- Team leader accounting: As a team leader, you're responsible for a specific area. This could be fixed asset accounting or payroll accounting. You are the designated expert in this field and guide your colleagues accordingly. You ensure a harmonious working environment and that the tasks are carried out properly.
- Head of accounting: As head of accounting, you are responsible for the entire financial accounting. You ensure timely closures and analyses, and oversee all processes in financial accounting. Additionally, you keep all team members motivated. In this role, you report directly to the management.
- Controller: As a controller, you are an essential part of a company's finance team. You’re responsible for budgets, advising management, and ensuring the finances are in order. Doing a good job as a controller is also a great stepping stone towards a career as a CFO.
skills as an accountant.
As an accountant, you spend your whole day working with numbers. A solid professional education is the foundation of your success. But that alone doesn't qualify you for a fast-paced career. With the following qualities, you'll get started as an accountant:
- Good with numbers: As an accountant, you can't afford to be at odds with figures. Therefore, it's an advantage if mathematics isn't a foreign language to you. Plus, you learn quickly and can immediately apply your knowledge to calculations.
- Work precisely: A good accountant works very accurately. After all, the company's management makes decisions based on figures and reports. This can have far-reaching consequences, such as hiring additional staff, making significant investments, or implementing cost savings. Therefore, it's important that you, as an accountant, work carefully. Double check calculations and analyses to be on the safe side.
- Keep an overview: No matter how many invoices pile up on your desk, you stay calm and collected. You're tidy and always know where to find your documents. That’s why colleagues who are less well organized look up to you.
- Technically skilled: As an accountant, you know how to handle the computer. Special software supports you in your daily routine. You really appreciate how it makes your work easier. That's why you're happy to familiarize yourself with new programs.
- Integrity: Every day, you as an accountant handle confidential company figures. Absolute discretion and loyalty are therefore a matter of course. You are honest and have no entries in the central criminal register.
benefits of working as an accountant at randstad.
There are many good reasons to work as an accountant at Randstad:
✓ exciting jobs with well-known companies
✓ a reliable contact person whenever you need one, personal advice really matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ continuing education courses and personal development opportunities
✓ clear information in the myRandstad app
✓ do you have a fixed term contract? Often, there’s a chance to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many popular companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad.
your further education budget as an accountant at randstad.
If you work as an accountant for Randstad, you have access to further training courses. As part of the TempTraining program from swissstaffing, you can attend training sessions. You will get the course fees reimbursed later, provided you pass the course exam. Your Randstad advisor is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can acquire additional language skills or job-specific knowledge, all during your working hours as an accountant.
application tips for accountants at randstad.
Have you found your dream job as an accountant? It’s not just qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your applications. Carefully prepared, error-free, and personalized documents will definitely support you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to improve your chances:
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1. find a position as an accountant
Search through the Randstad job offers. If you don’t find a position that’s exactly right for you, you’re still welcome to get in touch with us personally without any obligation or to create a Randstad profile.
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2. applying as an accountant
The job ad continues right away: apply online, give us a call, or send us an email.
Make sure your documents are complete:✓ CV with photo
✓ work references & diplomasYou don't have a CV yet or only an outdated version? Create a new layout using a free online template.
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3. preparing for a job interview as an accountant
A good preparation will help you stay calm during the interview as an accountant. Here are some tips for your job interview.
frequently asked questions.
Here you will find frequently asked questions about the profession of the bookkeeper.
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what does an accountant do?
Your average gross salary as an accountant ranges between 78,000 and 103,000 CHF per year, which amounts to roughly 7,750 to 12,900 CHF per month. Your salary increases with a solid education, work experience, and age. Also, your choice of employer influences your gross income. Want to know the details? Find out more about your gross salary as an accountant here.
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is accounting a good profession?
As someone who loves numbers and is looking for a secure and profitable career, you'll enjoy working as an accountant. Every company, big or small, needs you to keep track of the figures. Plus, there are good career opportunities if you manage your daily routine well. Are you interested in becoming an accountant? You can find out more about the profession on this page.
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is bookkeeping difficult?
Accounting is a demanding but not a difficult profession. All the expertise you need can be learned during your training. With work experience, you'll gain the necessary confidence. If you're naturally a precise and tidy person, you'll find the role of accountant quite straightforward. Read here to find out exactly what to expect as an accountant.
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do you need experience to become an accountant?
During your apprenticeship or studies, you acquire the necessary professional knowledge. You gain practical experience through internships and your first job. However, companies generally expect career changers to have several years of experience in accounting. Work experience is not a prerequisite to start as an accountant, but it does support your career progression. The longer you work as an accountant, the higher your earning potential. Find suitable positions as an accountant on this page.
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what requirements do I need to meet to become an accountant?
Optimal conditions as an accountant are provided by training as a specialist in financial and management accounting with a Swiss Federal Diploma. If you aim for a leadership position, a university degree such as a certified public accountant or a master in business administration can help you advance your career. Career changers from related fields like accounting clerks have good prospects. However, they must demonstrate several years of experience in accounting or relevant further training. If you also bring accuracy, integrity, and a cool head to your professional skills, you'll find interesting job opportunities. Explore our job listings for accountants on this page.
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how do I apply for a vacant position as an accountant?
Applying for a job as an accountant is straightforward. First, you create a profile on Randstad. In our job portal, you'll find plenty of attractive opportunities. It's best to choose the positions that are close to you. Once you've found a suitable offer, send us your cover letter along with your CV and certificates. Need help crafting a compelling application? Take a look at our application tips.
