Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Accounting Software refers to the ability to record, organize, and retrieve financial transactions using digital accounting systems. It supports routine bookkeeping tasks such as posting entries, maintaining ledgers, and producing standard financial records.
Accountants & Auditors use accounting software to enter transactions, reconcile accounts, and prepare routine reports. They also use it to maintain accurate records, support audit trails, and keep financial information organized for review.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can enter basic transactions, locate records, and run standard reports in accounting software. They follow established procedures to update accounts and check that information is saved correctly.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can manage common accounting tasks in the software with limited supervision and handle routine adjustments. They use system features to reconcile accounts, review entries for consistency, and produce reports that support day-to-day accounting work.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can use accounting software confidently across routine accounting and audit activities, maintaining accurate records and resolving common system issues. They work efficiently with multiple functions in the system and ensure outputs are reliable for professional review.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Account Reconciliation refers to the process of comparing financial records from different sources to confirm that balances match and differences are identified. It helps ensure that accounts are accurate, complete, and ready for reporting.
Accountants & Auditors use account reconciliation to verify ledger balances, resolve discrepancies, and support reliable financial statements. They apply it regularly to maintain record integrity and detect errors or unusual transactions.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can match basic account balances against supporting records and flag obvious differences for review. They follow established procedures to document simple mismatches and pass unresolved items to others.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can reconcile multiple routine accounts, investigate common variances, and explain the source of most differences. They work with greater independence, organize supporting evidence, and correct straightforward posting errors.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can complete reconciliations for complex accounts with minimal supervision and resolve recurring discrepancies using established accounting rules. They maintain clear documentation, confirm final balances, and ensure the reconciliation process is dependable and timely.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Accounts Payable involves the process of tracking and managing the company's financial obligations to vendors and suppliers. This includes verifying and processing invoices, reconciling accounts, and ensuring timely payment of bills.
Accountants & Auditors use Accounts Payable to maintain accurate expense records and support reliable financial reporting. They review invoices, confirm approvals, and check that payments follow established procedures and internal controls.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can enter basic invoice information, file supporting documents, and follow routine payment steps. They handle straightforward cases with supervision and recognize obvious discrepancies before forwarding them for review.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can process a broader range of invoices, check them against purchase records, and resolve common mismatches. They work with less supervision, keep payment records organized, and apply standard controls consistently.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can manage Accounts Payable tasks reliably across normal business cycles and handle exceptions with sound judgment. They coordinate approvals, maintain accurate records, and ensure payments are completed in line with policy and deadlines.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Accounts Receivable refers to the ability to track money owed by customers, record incoming payments, and maintain accurate billing records. It supports timely collection, clear account balances, and orderly follow-up on unpaid invoices.
Accountants & Auditors use accounts receivable to record customer charges, monitor outstanding balances, and ensure receipts are posted correctly. They also review aging accounts and support accurate financial reporting and reconciliation.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can enter invoices, match basic payments to customer accounts, and identify simple overdue balances. They follow established procedures to keep records organized and flag discrepancies for review.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can manage routine receivables tasks with limited supervision, resolve common posting issues, and communicate with customers about payment status. They maintain accurate aging records and help ensure collections follow standard timelines.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can independently handle receivables processes, keep customer accounts current, and resolve recurring billing or payment exceptions reliably. They coordinate follow-up, maintain clean records, and support accurate month-end account preparation.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Accruals refers to the ability to recognize revenues and expenses in the period they are earned or incurred, rather than when cash changes hands. It supports accurate financial records by matching related transactions to the correct reporting period.
Accountants & Auditors use accruals to prepare period-end entries, adjust accounts, and ensure financial statements reflect obligations and earned income. This helps reports align with accounting standards and gives a clearer view of financial position.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can identify common accrual items such as unpaid expenses or earned revenue and record straightforward adjusting entries. They follow established procedures to place transactions in the proper period and support routine month-end closing tasks.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can apply accruals to a wider range of recurring transactions and explain why adjustments are needed. They review supporting documents, make consistent entries, and help resolve basic timing differences in financial records.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can apply accruals reliably across complex reporting cycles and handle unusual timing issues with minimal supervision. They ensure entries are complete, consistent, and properly documented so financial statements remain accurate and ready for review.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Analytical Skills involve the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data in order to understand complex issues, identify patterns, and make informed decisions.
Accountants & Auditors use analytical skills to review records, spot inconsistencies, and evaluate whether financial information is accurate and complete. They also apply this skill when interpreting reports, tracing errors, and explaining findings in a clear, organized way.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can review routine financial documents, notice obvious discrepancies, and follow standard checks to confirm basic accuracy. They can organize information logically and flag unusual items for further review without needing to resolve complex issues independently.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can compare related records, identify likely causes of errors, and assess whether information aligns with established procedures. They can work through moderate discrepancies, connect findings across documents, and explain their reasoning clearly to support routine decisions.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can evaluate complex financial information, distinguish subtle inconsistencies, and determine the most credible explanation from multiple possibilities. They can apply sound judgment consistently, synthesize findings from different sources, and produce reliable conclusions that support audits and accounting decisions.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Budgeting involves creating detailed financial plans for a defined period, taking into account income and expenses, in order to allocate resources effectively.
Accountants & Auditors use budgeting to prepare financial plans, track departmental spending, and support compliance with internal controls. They also review variances, explain differences between planned and actual results, and help management make informed spending decisions.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can follow established budget templates, enter routine figures, and check that basic totals are accurate. They can also compare simple budget lines with actual amounts and flag obvious discrepancies for review.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can prepare budget sections for assigned accounts, monitor spending patterns, and explain routine variances using standard organizational procedures. They can coordinate with others to update forecasts and adjust budget records when approved changes occur.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can independently manage budgeting tasks for complex assignments, ensure budget records are complete, and maintain consistent alignment with accounting requirements. They can also resolve unusual budget issues, communicate implications clearly, and support reliable financial planning across the role.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Communication is the ability to convey information clearly and effectively to others, both verbally and in writing. It involves listening, speaking, and empathizing with others to ensure messages are accurately transmitted and understood.
Accountants & Auditors use communication to explain financial findings, request supporting documents, and clarify accounting issues with colleagues, clients, and managers. They also communicate audit results, policy requirements, and deadlines in a way that supports compliance and informed decision-making.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can share routine information clearly, ask straightforward questions, and follow basic instructions in conversations or written messages. They can confirm details, respond to common requests, and communicate simple accounting or audit updates without needing extensive guidance.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can explain standard accounting or audit matters to others, adapt their message to the audience, and handle common questions with confidence. They can summarize findings, coordinate follow-up actions, and communicate issues that require clarification while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can communicate complex accounting or audit information clearly, anticipate audience concerns, and adjust tone and detail to support understanding. They can lead discussions, resolve misunderstandings, and deliver reliable updates that help others act on financial information and compliance requirements.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Cost Accounting refers to the ability to track, classify, and assign business costs to products, services, departments, or activities. It supports understanding where money is spent and helps organizations monitor spending against budgets and internal targets.
Accountants & Auditors use cost accounting to record expenses accurately, prepare internal cost reports, and support budget monitoring. They also rely on it to explain cost patterns, check allocations, and help management understand financial performance.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can identify basic cost categories and enter cost information into standard records with accuracy. They follow established procedures to support routine reporting and ensure costs are filed in the correct place.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can apply cost accounting methods to organize costs by department, project, or product and prepare routine summaries. They recognize common discrepancies, verify allocations, and support supervisors with clearer cost information for internal review.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can consistently apply cost accounting practices to maintain reliable cost records and produce well-structured internal reports. They handle varied cost assignments, resolve routine allocation issues, and support management with dependable information for controlling spending.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
External Auditing refers to the ability to examine an organization’s financial records, controls, and supporting evidence from an independent perspective. It focuses on verifying that reported information is accurate, compliant, and fairly presented for outside stakeholders.
Accountants & Auditors use external auditing to review statements, test records, and assess whether reporting follows required standards. They also document findings, communicate exceptions, and support confidence in the organization’s financial disclosures.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can follow audit instructions, gather basic supporting documents, and compare records against simple criteria. They identify obvious discrepancies and pass findings to senior staff for review and next steps.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can perform routine audit procedures, trace transactions to source documents, and note control weaknesses with limited supervision. They organize evidence clearly and explain standard findings in a way that supports the audit file.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can independently carry out external audit tasks, evaluate records against audit requirements, and resolve common issues with confidence. They produce reliable documentation, communicate conclusions clearly, and maintain consistent quality across assignments.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Finance refers to the ability to manage money, funding, and financial records so organizations can track resources, meet obligations, and support informed decisions. It includes understanding how transactions, budgets, and reporting connect to business performance and accountability.
Accountants & Auditors use finance to record transactions, prepare statements, and verify that financial information is accurate and complete. They also apply finance to monitor compliance, explain results, and support reliable reporting for managers and external stakeholders.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can follow established finance procedures to enter data, organize records, and check basic documents for completeness. They handle routine tasks accurately and escalate unusual items or errors to more experienced staff.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can apply finance knowledge to reconcile accounts, review supporting documents, and prepare standard reports with limited supervision. They recognize common discrepancies, resolve routine issues, and maintain consistent records that support day-to-day accounting and audit work.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can independently apply finance practices to manage complex accounting tasks, evaluate financial records, and ensure reporting is accurate and compliant. They handle exceptions confidently, coordinate with others on financial issues, and produce dependable work that supports audits and decision-making.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Financial Data involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of numerical information related to the financial performance of individuals, companies, or markets. This data can include financial statements, market trends, economic indicators, and other relevant information.
Accountants & Auditors use financial data to prepare statements, verify entries, and check whether records align with source documents. They also rely on it to identify discrepancies, support compliance, and present clear information for internal review or external audit.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can locate basic financial records, enter routine data, and match simple transactions to supporting documents. They follow established procedures to keep records organized and flag obvious errors or missing information for review.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can handle recurring financial data tasks with less supervision, reconcile common discrepancies, and assemble information from multiple records. They apply standard accounting rules consistently and recognize patterns that indicate incomplete, inconsistent, or unusual entries.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can manage financial data reliably across routine accounting and audit activities, ensuring records are accurate, complete, and traceable. They can resolve complex documentation issues, maintain consistency across reports, and support dependable financial review within the role.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Financial Statements include documents such as the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement that provide a snapshot of a company's financial health and performance over a specific period.
Accountants & Auditors use financial statements to prepare records, review reporting accuracy, and verify that transactions are properly reflected. They rely on these reports to support compliance, communicate results, and identify inconsistencies that require follow-up.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can locate key figures in standard financial statements and recognize basic report sections. They can follow established procedures to check whether entries appear complete and consistent with supporting records.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can compare financial statement components across periods and explain routine changes in reported results. They can apply standard review steps to spot common errors, confirm classifications, and prepare clear summaries for others.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can independently interpret financial statements across multiple reporting periods and use them to support dependable accounting and audit work. They can resolve routine reporting issues, validate presentation quality, and communicate findings clearly within established requirements.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Fixed Asset refers to the ability to record, track, and maintain long-term assets such as equipment, buildings, and vehicles across their useful life. It includes understanding capitalization, depreciation, disposals, and supporting documentation so asset values remain accurate in financial records.
Accountants & Auditors use fixed asset knowledge to keep asset registers current, verify additions and retirements, and ensure depreciation is posted correctly. They also review supporting records during audits to confirm assets are properly authorized, documented, and reported.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can enter basic asset details into records, match invoices to asset listings, and check that supporting documents are attached. They can also follow established procedures to update simple changes such as location, status, or disposal dates.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can maintain asset schedules, apply routine depreciation entries, and reconcile fixed asset records with the general ledger. They can also investigate common discrepancies, prepare standard supporting reports, and handle asset additions or retirements with limited supervision.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can independently manage fixed asset records through the full asset life cycle, ensuring capitalization, depreciation, transfers, and disposals are consistently documented. They can also resolve complex record issues, support audit requests, and maintain reliable asset information for reporting.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Forecasting involves using historical data and trends to make informed predictions or estimates about future events or outcomes.
Accountants & Auditors use forecasting to estimate budgets, expected expenses, and reporting impacts across accounting periods. They also rely on it to flag unusual trends, prepare for deadlines, and communicate likely financial results to stakeholders.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can use basic forecasting information to compare simple expected amounts with actual figures and notice obvious differences. They can follow established procedures to update routine projections and report clear changes to supervisors.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can apply forecasting to adjust routine financial estimates when new information affects expected costs, revenues, or timing. They can explain the main drivers behind changes and use those projections to support day-to-day accounting and audit tasks.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can consistently apply forecasting to produce dependable expectations for financial activity and reporting needs across multiple periods. They can integrate changing business conditions into projections, validate assumptions, and use the results to guide accounting and audit planning.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
General Ledger refers to the ability to record, organize, and maintain a complete set of financial accounts that summarize business transactions. It supports accurate posting, account reconciliation, and the preparation of reliable financial statements.
Accountants & Auditors use the general ledger to ensure transactions are properly classified, posted, and balanced across accounts. They rely on it as the central record to review entries, verify completeness, and support financial reporting and audit work.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can enter routine transactions into the general ledger and check that basic account codes are used correctly. They can follow established procedures to update records and identify obvious posting errors or missing entries.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can manage recurring ledger entries, reconcile account balances, and resolve common discrepancies with limited supervision. They can review supporting documents, confirm posting accuracy, and maintain consistent records across standard accounting periods.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can independently maintain the general ledger across multiple accounts and ensure entries are complete, accurate, and timely. They can investigate complex posting issues, coordinate corrections, and keep the ledger reliable for reporting and audit review.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles refers to the standardized accounting rules and conventions used to prepare, present, and interpret financial information consistently. It provides a common framework that supports comparability, transparency, and reliable reporting across organizations.
Accountants & Auditors apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles to record transactions, prepare financial statements, and evaluate whether reports follow required accounting standards. They use it to support accurate reporting, internal reviews, and audit conclusions.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can apply basic Generally Accepted Accounting Principles to routine accounting entries and simple financial reports. They recognize standard reporting requirements and follow established procedures to keep records consistent and compliant.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles to handle common accounting tasks with limited supervision and resolve straightforward reporting questions. They check entries, adjust records, and prepare statements that align with standard practice.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles independently across varied accounting and audit situations with consistent accuracy. They interpret requirements confidently, ensure reports are properly prepared, and identify when records need correction to maintain compliance.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Internal Auditing refers to the ability to examine an organization’s controls, records, and procedures to confirm they are working as intended and to identify weaknesses that could affect accuracy, compliance, or efficiency. It supports dependable operations by testing processes, documenting findings, and recommending corrective actions.
Accountants & Auditors use internal auditing to review financial records, evaluate control procedures, and verify that transactions are properly authorized and recorded. They also communicate findings clearly so management can address gaps, strengthen oversight, and improve the reliability of reporting.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can follow established audit steps, gather basic supporting documents, and check records against simple control requirements. They can note obvious discrepancies and report them accurately to a supervisor without independently resolving complex issues.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can carry out routine internal audits with moderate independence, compare procedures against expected controls, and identify recurring exceptions. They can organize findings into clear summaries and suggest practical follow-up actions that help correct process weaknesses.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can plan and execute internal audits reliably across multiple areas, assess control effectiveness, and handle more complex findings with sound judgment. They can explain risks, prioritize issues, and recommend corrective actions that fit the organization’s procedures and reporting needs.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Internal Controls refers to the ability to design and follow procedures that safeguard assets, support accurate records, and promote compliance with established policies. It includes separating duties, authorizing transactions, and maintaining documentation so errors and irregularities are prevented or detected promptly.
Accountants & Auditors use internal controls to verify that financial transactions are recorded properly and that reports reflect reliable information. They also evaluate control weaknesses, test whether procedures are being followed, and recommend improvements that reduce risk and support accountability.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can follow basic control procedures, such as using approved forms, checking for required signatures, and filing supporting documents correctly. They recognize obvious exceptions and report them to a supervisor without independently deciding on broader control changes.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can apply internal controls consistently across routine accounting tasks and identify common control gaps in transaction processing. They can document findings clearly, compare procedures against established requirements, and suggest practical fixes that improve reliability without extensive oversight.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can independently apply internal controls across multiple accounting and audit activities, ensuring procedures are followed and exceptions are addressed promptly. They can evaluate control effectiveness, coordinate corrective actions with others, and maintain dependable safeguards that support accurate reporting and compliance.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Invoicing involves the creation and processing of invoices for goods or services provided, detailing the quantities, prices, and terms of the transaction.
Accountants & Auditors use invoicing to document transactions, support revenue records, and verify that billing aligns with contracts or completed work. They also review invoice details for accuracy, resolve discrepancies, and maintain clear records for audit trails and payment follow-up.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can prepare straightforward invoices using established formats and enter basic customer, service, and payment information correctly. They can check for obvious errors, file completed invoices, and follow routine instructions for sending them to the appropriate recipient.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can handle recurring invoicing tasks with limited supervision, matching invoice details to supporting documents and applying standard billing terms consistently. They can identify common discrepancies, correct routine issues, and coordinate basic follow-up when payments or approvals are delayed.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can manage invoicing reliably across varied transactions, ensuring invoices are complete, timely, and aligned with accounting records and audit requirements. They can resolve nonroutine billing issues, maintain organized documentation, and support smooth communication with internal teams and external clients.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Management is the ability to organize, direct, and control resources (including personnel) to achieve specific goals efficiently and effectively.
Accountants & Auditors use management to coordinate audit tasks, organize accounting workflows, and keep reporting activities on schedule. They also direct priorities across deadlines, communicate expectations, and help ensure records and reviews are completed accurately.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can follow established instructions, keep their own tasks organized, and report progress to a supervisor. They manage routine assignments, meet basic deadlines, and maintain orderly records without needing to coordinate complex work across others.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can organize several related accounting or audit tasks, adjust priorities when schedules change, and coordinate with coworkers to keep work moving. They handle routine supervision of small tasks and resolve common workflow issues with limited guidance.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can independently manage accounting or audit activities, coordinate multiple responsibilities, and keep teams aligned with deadlines and procedures. They make reliable decisions about priorities, oversee work quality, and maintain steady control of ongoing tasks and reporting requirements.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet program developed by Microsoft, commonly used for organizing, analyzing, and visualizing data. It offers a wide range of functions and features to manipulate numerical data efficiently.
Accountants & Auditors use Microsoft Excel to maintain ledgers, prepare schedules, and organize supporting documentation for financial statements and audits. They also use it to compare figures, track adjustments, and produce clear working papers that support accurate reporting and review.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can enter data into spreadsheets, use simple formulas, and format cells so financial information is readable and organized. They can sort basic lists, save files correctly, and make straightforward updates to routine accounting worksheets.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can build and maintain spreadsheets with more complex formulas, linked sheets, and consistent formatting for recurring accounting tasks. They can manage larger workbooks, check calculations for errors, and adapt templates to support reconciliations, schedules, and audit support files.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can confidently design and maintain Excel workbooks that support reliable accounting and audit processes across multiple files and reporting cycles. They can troubleshoot formula issues, preserve data integrity, and produce well-structured spreadsheets that others can use for review and decision-making.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Month-End Closing refers to the organized process of recording, reviewing, and finalizing financial transactions at the end of each accounting period. It ensures ledgers, reconciliations, and reports are complete and ready for accurate financial statements.
Accountants & Auditors use month-end closing to verify account balances, post necessary entries, and confirm that records match supporting documentation. This supports timely reporting, internal control, and dependable audit trails.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can complete routine closing tasks such as gathering documents, entering standard journal entries, and checking that basic reports are prepared. They follow established procedures and flag obvious discrepancies for review.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can carry out the closing process with moderate independence, reconciling common accounts and resolving straightforward differences before deadlines. They coordinate with others to ensure entries, schedules, and reports are aligned.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can manage month-end closing reliably across multiple accounts, ensuring procedures are followed consistently and exceptions are addressed promptly. They coordinate closing activities, confirm final records are complete, and support accurate reporting for the role.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Operations involve managing and overseeing the day-to-day activities of a business to ensure efficiency, productivity, and compliance with set standards and procedures.
Accountants & Auditors use operations to organize recurring accounting tasks, maintain workflow discipline, and ensure reports and records are prepared on schedule. It supports dependable handling of transactions, documentation, and review activities across the accounting cycle.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can follow standard operating steps for routine accounting tasks and keep basic records organized. They complete assigned work on time and recognize when information or documents need to be routed to the right person.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can manage several routine accounting activities at once and adjust their workflow to meet normal deadlines. They apply established procedures with confidence, coordinate with others to resolve common issues, and keep records consistent.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can reliably run routine accounting operations with minimal supervision and maintain steady control over deadlines and documentation. They anticipate workflow needs, coordinate tasks smoothly across the team, and apply procedures accurately in changing day-to-day conditions.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Problem Solving is the ability to identify, analyze, and solve complex issues or obstacles using logical reasoning and critical thinking skills.
Accountants & Auditors use problem solving to address discrepancies, reconcile records, and resolve issues in financial documentation or reporting. They also apply it when investigating unusual entries, clarifying missing information, and determining appropriate corrective steps.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can recognize straightforward accounting or audit issues and follow established procedures to correct them. They can gather relevant records, compare basic details, and escalate problems when the cause is not immediately clear.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can handle recurring but less obvious issues by reviewing multiple sources of information and identifying likely causes. They can choose among standard remedies, coordinate with others to obtain missing details, and confirm that corrections are applied properly.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can resolve complex accounting or audit problems that involve conflicting records, unusual transactions, or incomplete information. They can independently determine the best course of action, adapt established methods to the situation, and ensure issues are fully addressed.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
QuickBooks (Accounting Software) refers to the ability to record, organize, and monitor financial transactions in a digital accounting system. It supports invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and basic reporting for day-to-day bookkeeping tasks.
Accountants & Auditors use QuickBooks to maintain accurate ledgers, process routine entries, and prepare records for review. They also use it to reconcile accounts, support financial statements, and keep documentation organized for audits and compliance work.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can enter routine transactions, create basic invoices, and review standard account balances in QuickBooks. They follow established procedures to keep records current and can locate common reports or transaction histories when asked.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can manage recurring bookkeeping tasks, reconcile bank and credit card accounts, and correct straightforward posting errors in QuickBooks. They use the software confidently to prepare organized records and generate routine reports for accountants or auditors.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can independently maintain complete QuickBooks records, resolve complex transaction issues, and ensure entries are consistently categorized and reconciled. They use the system reliably to support accurate financial documentation and timely audit preparation.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Research involves systematically investigating a subject or phenomenon to discover new insights, validate existing knowledge, or solve specific problems. It includes gathering and analyzing information from various sources to draw meaningful conclusions.
Accountants & Auditors use research to confirm accounting rules, investigate unusual transactions, and gather background for audits or financial reviews. They also consult records, policies, and external references to support accurate reporting and explain findings to others.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can find basic information in records, policies, and standard references to answer routine questions. They can follow simple instructions to collect relevant documents and identify obvious discrepancies that need further review.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can search multiple sources, compare information for consistency, and summarize findings for a supervisor or team. They can use research to support common accounting tasks, clarify exceptions, and gather evidence for straightforward audit issues.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can independently investigate complex questions, trace information across records, and judge which sources are most credible for the task. They can organize findings into clear support for accounting judgments, audit conclusions, and follow-up actions.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) Compliance refers to the ability to follow internal control, documentation, and reporting requirements that support accurate financial statements and accountability. It involves understanding control procedures, evidence retention, and the responsibilities needed to meet regulatory expectations.
Accountants & Auditors apply Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) compliance to test controls, review records, and confirm that financial reporting processes are properly documented. They use it to identify control gaps, support audit evidence, and help ensure reports are prepared in line with required standards.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can follow established SOX procedures, gather basic supporting documents, and check that required approvals or records are present. They can recognize obvious control steps and report missing evidence to a supervisor or auditor.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can perform routine SOX control testing, trace transactions to supporting documentation, and document findings clearly for review. They can identify common control weaknesses, explain exceptions, and help maintain compliance records with limited supervision.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can independently apply SOX requirements across accounting and audit tasks, evaluate control design and operating evidence, and resolve compliance issues within established procedures. They can coordinate documentation, communicate findings confidently, and ensure work remains reliable and audit-ready.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Tax Preparation refers to the ability to gather financial records, apply tax rules, and complete required returns accurately and on time. It includes organizing supporting documents, identifying allowable deductions or credits, and ensuring filings comply with applicable reporting requirements.
Accountants & Auditors use tax preparation to assemble client or organizational information, prepare returns, and check that entries align with records. They also review supporting documentation and help ensure filings are complete, accurate, and submitted within deadlines.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can collect basic tax documents, enter routine information into standard forms, and follow clear instructions to complete simple returns. They can spot obvious missing items and route questions or unusual cases to a more experienced accountant or auditor.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can prepare more varied returns using established procedures, reconcile common discrepancies in source records, and apply routine tax rules with limited supervision. They can organize supporting schedules, verify calculations, and resolve straightforward filing issues before submission.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can independently prepare complex returns, interpret tax requirements for different situations, and ensure filings are accurate, complete, and compliant. They can review work for errors, handle exceptions confidently, and coordinate tax preparation tasks with minimal oversight.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Variance analysis is the process of comparing actual financial results to budgeted or expected figures in order to understand discrepancies or variances and their underlying causes.
Accountants & Auditors use variance analysis to review account balances, expense patterns, and revenue movements for consistency and accuracy. They document explanations, investigate exceptions, and help management understand whether differences reflect timing, error, or operational change.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can compare reported figures against expected amounts and note obvious differences in simple schedules. They can flag unusual variances for review and provide basic explanations based on available records and standard accounting references.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can examine recurring variances across accounts, trace them to specific transactions, and summarize likely causes with reasonable confidence. They can discuss findings with supervisors or clients and help refine explanations using supporting documentation and prior-period patterns.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can consistently perform variance analysis across multiple accounts, identify meaningful exceptions, and connect them to underlying business activity. They can present clear conclusions, support audit or reporting decisions, and resolve discrepancies with minimal guidance.
Skill trends based on publicly-available nationwide job advertisement data.
Writing is the ability to effectively convey information, ideas, and thoughts through written communication. It involves organizing thoughts cohesively, using appropriate language and tone, and structuring content for clarity and impact.
Accountants & Auditors use writing to prepare financial reports, audit findings, internal notes, and client communications. Clear writing helps them explain issues, document procedures, and support accurate records that others can review and act on.
At Level 1 Proficiency, workers can write short, routine messages and basic documentation using standard templates and established wording. They can record straightforward information clearly enough for coworkers or clients to follow without needing extensive revision.
At Level 2 Proficiency, workers can draft organized reports, explain routine accounting or audit matters, and adjust wording for different readers. They can combine several pieces of information into clear written updates that are accurate, concise, and easy to review.
At Level 3 Proficiency, workers can produce polished financial and audit writing that is clear, precise, and tailored to the audience and purpose. They can document complex issues, present conclusions logically, and maintain consistency across reports, correspondence, and formal records.