General Accountant vs. Staff Accountant: What Are the Differences?

A career in accounting can be both challenging and rewarding. Two common positions in this field are that of a general accountant and a staff accountant. Though both roles share some similarities, there are several key differences between them.

In this article, we discuss the differences between a general accountant and a staff accountant, and we provide additional accounting professions you may be interested in pursuing.

What is a General Accountant?

A General Accountant is responsible for the financial records of a company. They maintain and update the ledgers, reconcile accounts and prepare financial reports. General Accountants also work with auditors to ensure that financial statements are accurate. They may also be responsible for managing the budget and forecasting future expenses. General Accountants typically have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Some companies may require certification, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

What is a Staff Accountant?

A Staff Accountant is responsible for a variety of tasks related to the financial operations of a company. They may prepare journal entries, reconcile bank statements, and maintain the general ledger. Staff Accountants may also be responsible for preparing financial statements, assisting with audits, and tax compliance. In larger companies, Staff Accountants may be responsible for specific areas of the accounting function, such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, or payroll. In smaller companies, they may be responsible for all aspects of the accounting function.

General Accountant vs. Staff Accountant

Here are the main differences between a general accountant and a staff accountant.

Job Duties

General accountants perform a wide variety of tasks, like analyzing financial data and creating reports that help companies make business decisions. They also advise managers on financial matters that affect the company and create long-term financial plans. Staff accountants typically handle more administrative responsibilities, like processing payroll and filing tax returns for the company and its employees. They may also provide general accountants with information they need to complete their reports.

Job Requirements

To become a staff or general accountant, you need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. You might also pursue a master’s degree in accounting or business administration if you want to move into more advanced positions. Some employers prefer candidates who have earned their Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, which requires passing an exam and completing continuing education credits.

Work Environment

General accountants work in a variety of environments, including private companies, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. They may also work for accounting firms or consulting companies. Staff accountants typically work in an office environment with other staff members. General accountants often travel to meet with clients and attend meetings.

Staff accountants usually work full time during regular business hours. However, general accountants may work overtime when necessary and travel frequently.

Skills

Both general accountants and staff accountants use accounting skills to perform their jobs. This includes bookkeeping, auditing, tax preparation and financial analysis. They both need to have a strong understanding of debits and credits, as well as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

However, general accountants typically have more responsibilities than staff accountants. They may oversee a team of accountants and be responsible for ensuring that all work is completed accurately and in a timely manner. They may also be involved in developing new accounting procedures and policies. As such, they benefit from having leadership and management skills.

Staff accountants usually have more specialized roles within an accounting department. For example, they may focus on preparing tax returns, auditing financial statements or managing payroll. They may also provide support to general accountants and other members of the accounting team. Because of the nature of their work, they need to be detail-oriented and have strong analytical skills.

Salary

The average salary for a general accountant is $61,951 per year, while the average salary for a staff accountant is $62,583 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the accountant has.