Accounts officer

Accounts officers manage and monitor financial information for organisations.

Also known as

Bookkeeper, accounts receivable officer, accounts payable officer, billing administrator, finance officer

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours but may work extra hours
  • Usually work in offices, and may travel locally
  • Need to be accurate, logical and communicate well

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$50K-$107K 50000

Typical tasks

  • Manage financial information
  • Keep financial records up to date
  • Check financial information is correct
  • Verify payments and money transactions
  • Calculate financial figures and totals
  • Prepare money for banking
  • Organise documents and records
  • Use accounting software and databases
  • Use office equipment
  • Follow financial rules and laws

Outlook

Accounts officer roles continue to support the everyday financial operations of New Zealand businesses, schools, charities and government organisations. Many routine processes, such as invoicing, payroll and reconciliations, are becoming more automated through cloud-based systems. This means the work is gradually shifting towards checking information, resolving issues and supporting better reporting. Demand is generally steady, especially for people who are accurate, adaptable and comfortable with digital finance tools.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • High accuracy and attention to detail
  • Good organisation and ability to meet deadlines
  • Confidence with spreadsheets and accounting systems
  • Clear communication with suppliers, customers and staff
  • Reliability, honesty and respect for confidential information
  • Ability to spot errors and follow financial processes

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.