Investment Accountant Responsibilities

If you have the aptitude for accounts and have a great business acumen, then you can definitely handle the investment accountant responsibilities and help the organization in maintaining and updating the financial records and providing advice regarding various investment options and strategies. The investment accountant develops various methods and practices to manage the investment related accounts and helps in predicting the future revenue opportunities. Thus, he/she plays a a vital role in the corporate organization.

Key Responsibilities of an Investment Accountant

The investment accountant performs a variety of professional accounting duties like investment accounting and its administration, financial reporting, month end reconciliation work, analyzing the financial information, organizing the accounts, managing the checking of accounts and maintaining the relevant legal documents, etc. Thus, he/she plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial controls are in proper place and making sure that all the relevant reports are accurate and compliant with the required standards, rules, and regulations. He/she is accountable for developing as well as maintaining the financial controls in various emerging areas of investment. Outlined below are some points on the various responsibilities that need to be carried out by an investment accountant in any corporate organization:

1. To manage the company's portfolio of investment, to record the investment activities, to analyze the possible variances and to make the necessary entries in the journals by interacting with the portfolio managers
2. To perform a detailed review of the yearly audited financial statements, make plans for alternative investment options, and after properly reviewing it, document it in an appropriate manner to be reviewed by the internal and external resources
3. To provide assistance in the preparation of valuation materials and to assist in monitoring of valuation procedures
4. To import and upload the data related to monthly investment in a proper software so that it can be analyzed and reviewed by the senior manager personnel. Further, it will help in identifying the errors and working towards solving the discrepancies involved in it.
5. To take an active part in preparing the yearly budget for investment fee and assist in the timely and accurate reporting of all the transactions related to investment
6. To coordinate and manage all the aspects related to the general ledger accounting for all the investments and to interact with the investment accounting system as well as the portfolio manager

The investment accountant assists in accurately preparing the monthly investment reconciliations and makes sure that it is appropriately scheduled to ensure the timely distribution of these results and present it to the management people. He/she analyzes the investment activities and makes proper recommendations to the management personnel. He/she thus provides a valuable support to the finance department and takes active participation in ad hoc projects. While carrying out these duties, he/she must ensure compliance with various regulations and should constantly keep himself/herself updated and should reflect as the key person providing his/her expert knowledge in ever changing situations.

Essential Skills

The individual aspiring to stabilize in this field should have good math skills and must pay attention to each and every small detail while compiling and reviewing the related documents. Good analyzing ability combined with strong organizational skills would prove to be a plus. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office and strong communication skills will be an advantage.

Educational Background

The minimum basic educational background required is a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in accounting, finance, business, taxation, and auditing. A masters or a doctorate degree or a CPA qualification with in depth knowledge of investment accounting would prove to be an edge while applying for this position.

Work Schedule

Like any other job, the duty hours normally comprise working for at least forty hours a week with occasional overtime generally occurring towards the month end.

Salary Details

The remuneration varies greatly in between $39,000 to $73,000. The educational qualification, experience, and skills of an individual are the key deciding factors in deciding the final package of the potential candidate.

Career Prospects

The job outlook for the professional in this field looks promising and those with advanced educational qualification and those who are abreast with the latest trends happening in this field have got bright chances for getting promoted to the senior managerial positions.

Thus, if you want to take your career to greater heights and prosper in this field, then the investment accountant responsibilities must be carried out in a professional and efficient manner to have the desired impact.