It can be notoriously difficult for companies to find and retain good junior accounts staff, which can cause problems because often, employees who fulfil this role are like duck’s feet; paddling away furiously below the surface so the corporate body can move serenely along.
The difficulty for many companies with high volume trade is that the role requires a certain type of person – someone who is capable of organising incoming and outgoing transactions in an orderly and structured way without getting flustered, but also understands the urgency of processing quickly. Failure to fulfil these requirements can either create a hideous mess that is difficult to sort out, or lead to the department falling hopelessly behind as ongoing transactions start to back up. A quick and organised mind is the key for a member of staff in this kind of role. The ability to focus on details to ensure accuracy is particularly important.
Obviously companies are looking for reliability in all of their employees, but it is particularly important with junior accounts staff. While accountants are universally the butt of jokes around boring and unconventional personalities, the stereotype is not something that stands up to examination in the real world. Nevertheless, during work hours, accountancy staff who are dependable and consistent are highly prized, and this is something that candidates for junior accountancy jobs should always bear in mind when preparing their CVs.
