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Accountant Career Guide

Accountants ensure the financial health of organisations by managing records, analysing transactions, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They provide clear insights that support budgeting, planning, and strategic business decisions. As financial transparency becomes increasingly essential, the demand for skilled accountants continues to grow. Here’s what the role involves and how to prepare for it.

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The key points

  • Entry requirements Post-baccalaureate level training in Accounting, Finance or Management
  • Average salary Average annual starting salary (between 30,000 and 40,000 euros gross per year)
  • Miniature horloge Duties Accounting - Preparation of financial statements - Audit and verification
  • Miniature discussion Skills Rigor - Analytical spirit - Problem-solving skills - Teamwork ability
  • Miniature sacoche Career progression Partner in Accounting Firm - Financial Director - Management Consultant - International Accountant - Teacher/Trainer - Entrepreneur
  • Pictogramme campus ISC Paris courses Bachelor Banking and Finance - Master Expertise, Audit and Control - MSc Finance and risk management

What does an Accountant do?

A chartered accountant is a professional specialising in financial and accounting management for businesses. An expert in finance, taxation, business law and employment law, they oversee accounting operations to keep a company’s finances in order and compliant with current regulations.

Thanks to their technical knowledge of accounting and financial management, chartered accountants also advise managers on strategic decision-making. They may be required to manage a team or department, depending on the company’s needs.

compliance officer avec tablette numerique

What does the job of Accountant involve?

How to become an accountant?

After your A-levels

Once you have obtained your A-levels, you can pursue a Diploma in Accounting and Management (DCG) or choose a professional Bachelor’s degree. At ISC Paris, we offer a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance, a multidisciplinary programme that teaches skills that are in high demand in the job market.

Master’s degree and Master of Science 

After completing a Bachelor’s degree, you can continue your studies by pursuing a Higher Diploma in Accounting and Management (DSCG). You can also choose a Master Grande École or a Master of Science, which has the advantage of preparing you for an international career.

To further your education 

You can continue up to level 8 with the Diploma in Accounting (DEC). It is important to note that in order to register for the DEC exams, you must hold the DSCG and have completed a 3-year internship in an accounting firm.

Trainings to become an Accountant proposed by ISC Paris

STUDY AT ISC PARIS…
with a Bachelor in Banking and Finance
STUDY AT ISC PARIS…
with a MSc in Finance and Risk Management
STUDY AT ISC PARIS…
with a Master in Accounting and Auditing

The main tasks of an Accountant

1. Bookkeeping : The chartered accountant is responsible for keeping a company’s financial accounts. They record, organize and classify financial transactions such as sales, purchases, salaries, taxes, etc. They ensure that accounting records are complete, accurate and comply with current accounting standards.

2. Preparing financial statements : Chartered accountants prepare a company’s financial statements, such as its balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. These documents provide an overview of the company’s financial situation and economic performance. They enable company directors, investors and other stakeholders to make informed decisions.

3. Auditing and verification : The chartered accountant may perform financial audits to verify and certify the accuracy of a company’s financial information. They examine accounting records, transactions and internal processes to ensure their reliability and compliance with current accounting standards and regulations. Auditing can also help identify potential improvements and prevent fraud.

What skills do you need to be an Accountant?

  • Rigour: Rigour is an essential quality for a chartered accountant. They must be meticulous, precise and attentive to detail. Accounting requires accurate management of figures and financial data, and any error can have significant consequences. Rigour is therefore necessary to maintain high standards of quality and accuracy.
  • Analytical skills: Chartered accountants must be able to analyse financial information and detect trends, anomalies and potential problems. Strong analytical skills enable them to understand the financial challenges facing the company, identify opportunities for improvement and make informed decisions.
  • Problem-solving skills: Chartered accountants are often faced with complex problems related to accounting, taxation or financial management. They must be able to identify problems, seek effective solutions and make appropriate decisions. The ability to solve problems logically and creatively is therefore an essential quality.
  • Ability to work in a team: Chartered accountants often work closely with other professionals, such as auditors, solicitors or tax specialists. The ability to collaborate effectively, share information and work in a team is important to ensure the success of assignments and provide a comprehensive service to clients.
étudiant ISC sur le campus de Paris

What are the career opportunities for an accountant?

A chartered accountant can expect several career developments throughout their professional career. These developments depend on their skills, experience and status (self-employed or employed). Some developments also require additional certifications or specialisation in a specific field.

The main career development opportunities are as follows:The main career development opportunities are as follows:

HOW MUCH DOES AN ACCOUNTANT EARN?
What is the salary of a junior accountant?
The annual salary of a junior chartered accountant ranges from €30,000 to €40,000 gross, or a monthly salary of €2,500 to €3,300 gross. The upper range depends on their qualifications and experience, hence the importance of the environment and quality of their internship.
The salary of a junior chartered accountant may also depend on the certifications and qualifications obtained. It is therefore a good idea to continue training throughout your career in order to develop and progress in the field.
It should be noted that salaries also vary depending on the region and the company. In the Île-de-France region, chartered accountants are paid around 15% more than in other regions of France.
HOW MUCH DOES AN ACCOUNTANT EARN?
What is the salary of a senior accountant?
An experienced chartered accountant can earn between €40,000 and €70,000 gross per year. Their remuneration varies depending on their status. In a company, the salary can easily exceed €80,000 gross per year, depending on the size of the company and its sector of activity. Their remuneration may also include performance bonuses.
For a self-employed chartered accountant, remuneration depends mainly on their client portfolio, the assignments they carry out and their rates. Although the average hourly rate for an experienced chartered accountant is €100, this figure can increase considerably. It is therefore not uncommon for chartered accountants to earn salaries in excess of €100,000 per year.
It should be noted that in the Paris region, an experienced chartered accountant can earn up to 20% more than in other regions for similar services.