Key Responsibilities
Financial Statement Preparation: Creating the Big Three reports: Balance Sheets, Income Statements (P&L), and Cash Flow Statements.
Month-End & Year-End Closing: Overseeing the process of closing the books, which involves verifying all transactions for the period are recorded and accurate.
Budgeting & Forecasting: Working with management to plan future spending and predict revenue trends based on historical data.
Tax Planning & Filing: Calculating corporate tax liabilities and ensuring all filings (like GST/HST in Canada or GST/Income Tax in India) are submitted without penalties.
Audit Management: Acting as the primary point of contact for external auditors, providing them with the necessary documentation and explanations.
Variance Analysis: Comparing actual financial results against the budget to identify where the company is overspending or underperforming.
2. Essential Skills for 2026
Data Analytics: The ability to use tools like Power BI or Tableau to turn raw numbers into visual stories for leadership.
Advanced Excel: Expertise in complex formulas, Power Query, and Macros remains a foundational requirement.
Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) or IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards).
Critical Thinking: Moving beyond what the numbers are to explaining why they are moving in a certain direction.