Museum Fish Blog

A chief accounting officer usually reports to the chief financial officer. In a chief accounting officer job, the incumbent is completely responsible for integrating the accounting functions of the organization. Partnering with senior business leaders and ensuring that priorities are carried out is one of the basic functions of the chief accounting officer. Handling corporate objectives, while at the same time handling the finances of the organization, is also one of the important duties in a chief accounting officer job. Often the chief accounting officer handles accounting policies and procedures, research and analysis, financial matters, account services, acquisition accounts, public reports, and transaction processes. A chief accounting officer coordinates annual company audits and prepares and submits compliance reports for federal, state, and local governments. The handling of lead external audits and regulatory reports is also often taken on by the chief accounting officer. To become chief accounting officer, one needs first to qualify for the position with a CPA or CA degree. A four-year degree in finance from an accredited university is considered a big plus for the position of chief accounting officer. An advanced degree in finance or business administration is also preferable. A person with 12 to 15 years of experience in public or corporate accounting is often considered a perfect fit for the position of chief accounting officer. Chief accounting officers with five years of experience as senior managers or directors are also common.