Job Analysis of Senior Accountant - Coursework Example

Job Analysis Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Job Analysis Job description One of my family members is an accountant with one of the fastest technological growing organizations in the country. As an accountant, he is entitled to a lot of duties since the progress of the organization relies upon him. However, the main duty of an accountant is to examine and prepare financial reports (Monster, 2014). They make sure that all recorded reports do not display any error and the taxes have been paid properly and timely. Accountants have been employed in organizations to work closely with auditors in performing general overviews of the financial operations for the organization in order to assist it to run efficiently (Monster, 2014). The other duties that he is entitled as an accountant are recommending financial actions through analysing financial challenges, reconciling financial discrepancies, securing financial information and inspecting of accounting books (All Business Schools, 2014). In this organization he has worked for four years now rising from junior accountant and now he holds a rank of a senior accountant. Being an accountant for those years has provided a career path to grow. Job analysis Job analysis has been defined by the authors as the systematic process for investigation of tasks, responsibilities, duties, outcomes; necessary skills and knowledge that will enable an individual to undertake their role in the job (Sackett, Walmsley, & Laczo, 2012). Job analysis is important to HR managers in the organization as it provides a way out in designing and implementation of training programs. Job analysis process will determine the level of standards in regards to one’s occupation and let the HR department come up with specific programs to facilitate job performance (Sackett, Walmsley, & Laczo, 2012). HR managers’ will be able to obtain information in order to manage the design and implementation of development and training programmes (Gomez-Mejia, Balkin, & Cardy, 2010). Job analysis will assist in determining the subject matter of training courses. It will also assist in weighing and checking information to facilitate the designs and implementation of training programs to improve job performance. Job analysis enables the HR managers to create a healthy and safe work environment in an organization so as to improve job performance to attain organizational objectives (Gomez-Mejia, Balkin, & Cardy, 2010). This process therefore provides a prospect that helps to identify dangerous and unhealthy situations so that the HR department can analyse it and come up with corrective outcome measures to be undertaken in order to completely eradicate any chance of sickness and accidents (Gomez-Mejia, Balkin, & Cardy, 2010). Job analysis plays a crucial role to ensure the working environment is healthy and safe to work from. To ensure there is legal compliance in the organization, there is a need to conduct a job analysis. Job analysis will study ones occupation and reveal as to whether the job identified was award protected or award free (Gomez-Mejia, Balkin, & Cardy, 2010). This will help in concluding as to what extend the organization has complied with the legal prospects in ensuring the position in the organization are occupied by the right and qualified individual. There should be no racial, ethnic and gender imbalance or discrimination in awarding of the job (Gomez-Mejia, Balkin, & Cardy, 2010). Therefore, job analysis assists the HR managers in solving matters that are in relation to legal compliance within the organization. Lastly, job analysis assists HR manger in obtaining information as to whether they are to classify a person as an employee or as an independent contractor (Gomez-Mejia, Balkin, & Cardy, 2010). This predicament can only be solved by the HR department, though a clear study using job analysis in the organization. This process will identify the specific job requirements of each person so as to obtain more information for classification. Knowing one’s attributes and position they hold in the organization will enable efficient running and management of activities in the organization, hence the classification as an employee or an individual contractor will stipulate the roes each has to play in the organization (Gomez-Mejia, Balkin, & Cardy, 2010). Data Collection A number of methods have been used in job analysis to collect information and none of them has been declared appropriate. It is therefore the duty of a researcher to choose the appropriate methods for them to collect job information (Aswathappa, 2002). In an actual practice, one should combine several job data collection methods and use them to obtain job analysis information (Aswathappa, 2002). Some of the data collection methods are personal observation, interview, questionnaire, checklists and technical conference. In my job analysis process I have used interview and personal observation as methods to collect data (Aswathappa, 2002). Pros of using interview method Interview method is the best data collection method since it involves talking to the exact accountant whom you are conducting the job analysis from. The job holder will have to enumerate and reveal all the information to you accurately (Sree, 2010). The use of interview is the best way to collect data from since the job holder in this situation the accountant will describe to you what they do as well as the qualifications that is needed in performing their duties in an expert approach (Sree, 2010). Cons of using interview method Like any other method of collecting data, accountants are busy with their role in the organization, hence setting an interview with them will consume a lot of time thus inapplicable to them (Gill, Stewart, & Chadwick, 2008). The time proportional of obtaining an interview with an accountant is minimal since they are obligated to undertake their duties in the organization effectively. Interview method to collect job analysis data will not be appropriate for an accountant. Interview method has provided an argument since the method in collecting data is bias. The biasness while collecting data can be obtained from both sides that is the interviewer and the interviewee (Gill, Stewart, & Chadwick, 2008). The biasness could render the objectivity and the accuracy of data to be obtained is prone to errors. For a busy accountant the process requires a longer time, thus the interview may provide irrelevant and bias information so as to continue with their mandates in the organization (Gill, Stewart, & Chadwick, 2008). Pros of using personal observation This method of data collection is simple; it does not have to bother the accountant though asking him questions. Accountants are busy most of their time, hence using personal observation as a job analysis data collection method will be effective (Barbara, 2005). No one will ever know that you are observing them, thus they will continue with their duties as I collect data simple by observing them. Also personal observation method provides accurate data collection that is achieved through direct observation (Barbara, 2005). Since it is the field of accounting, personal observation works it up well as the accountants move on with their duties. It is easy to reflect what they are doing in regard to their duties (Barbara, 2005). Using this method you will be purely satisfied with your own observation and the data you have collected if accurate; free from errors. Cons of using personal observation Personal observation has received major arguments in collecting data in any field. In the field of accounting, collecting data through personal observation is not enough. Personal data have been revealed to be time consuming (Barbara, 2005). One will take a lot of time just observing what the account is doing and put all the information acquired by their own recommendations. Collecting information through personal observation for accountants creates bias since you will put all the information according to your feelings and not according to the accountants themselves (Barbara, 2005). Also personal observation method is inapplicable to certain occupations including the accounting field since it involves high proportions of unobservable mental activities the accountants are up to in their daily duties (Barbara, 2005). Therefore this method will not be appropriate to collect data in the field of accounting since it does not have easy and complete observable occupational cycles. Job Analysis Job title: Senior accountant Classification: full time employee Department: Finance and accounting Location: Australia Pay Grade: Level III (basic salary + other allowances) Job requirements A. Summary of the position The accountant has specialised in different areas that includes insurance and assurance services where the quality of information regarding the improvement of decision making is considered and also in risk management (Monster, 2014). In regard to the organization which is a technological industry, being an accountant has ensured smooth progression among the available departmental objectives. The interest in accounting can be grown in any manager to meet the corporate responsibilities in solving scandals and offering decision making in financial crisis (Monster, 2014). As an accountant it entails a lot of responsibilities in the financial sector of an organization. B. Job duties and responsibilities Examining financial statements to ensure accuracy of data Ensuring that report records and statements are complying with the laws and regulations Preparing tax returns, computing taxes owed and ensuring prompt payment process in the organization Inspecting accounting systems and accounting books to keep them up to date Organizing and maintaining financial records for the organization Improving business efficiency in matters where money is concerned Making the best practices through recommending projects to be carried on in the organization for management processes Suggesting possible ways to reduce costs, enhancing revenues and improving profits Providing auditing services for individuals and businesses (Monster, 2014). C. Computer software used and computer skills As a technological organization, computer services is highly adopted in offering services. Some of the computer software that the job holder uses to pursue accounting duties in the organization includes enterprise software which plays an integral part, windows operating system, Microsoft office suite that includes excel, PowerPoint, access and word, and also the customer relationship management software (Bemis, Belenky, & Soder, 2009). Though these software the accountant meets the daily duties in the organization. D. Reporting structure Being the senior accountant in the organization, he reports directly to the chief accountant (Bemis, Belenky, & Soder, 2009). And in the event that chief accountant is not available he reports to the branch manager directly. This position offers a chance for junior accountants to report back to him. Employee requirements A. Education and Training This position requires one to hold a Bachelor Degree in business, accounting option with 5 Years experience and a High School Diploma. Anyone with a Master’s degree qualification will have an added advantage. B. Skills and Aptitudes As an accountant one needs to be fearless and able to work under pressure. Also an ability to adapt to changing financial conditions and meet customer expectations will enhance your career path in the organization. C. Environment and Physical The work requires high volume of concentration where one needs to take a lot of time in office and to be able to sit for prolonged periods of time. This work does not need travelling to client; they come to you. Success Factors In order to achieve goals in accounting, one need to dedicate their entire time studying what they are poor in. Treating clients should be the priority since they are the one who have ensured that they continue to be employed as an accountant in the technological organization (Bemis, Belenky, & Soder, 2009). Also, studying hard and keeping yourself with the technological trends in the world will ensure success is achieved in the long run of the business activities. One should always study ahead to equip themselves with the knowledge that will facilitate their growth in career, hence they will become successful (Bemis, Belenky, & Soder, 2009). Interview The use of interview to collect job analysis data has ensured that there is an in-depth investigative of issues to be displayed. I adapted to use interview method since I wanted to know how exactly the accountant feels and think towards a certain topic and how they can come up with certain opinions regarding the topics asked (The Business Communication, 2014). To ensure my interview was successful I set an earlier date when the accountant was on holiday. This was the time I could obtain enough time that will ensure I obtain the relevant information I needed. Through the interview method, I obtained relevant information I needed since interview methods facilitates addition of the human dimension to impersonal information for job analysis (The Business Communication, 2014). Advantages Interview method is useful in obtaining detailed and relevant information about personal perceptions, feelings and opinions (The Business Communication, 2014). The job holder will be free from answering the questions the interviewer is asking. He has a lot of time to think and answer the question the way they want, hence it’s easy to reveal feelings and opinions. Interviews method also allows detailed questions to be asked and it gives a room for the interviewee to answer (The Business Communication, 2014). Also, there is room for clarification of questions when the interviewee did not understand the question. Other advantages of using the interview methods are, the interviewee will not be influenced by others, clarification of ambiguous and there is an achievement of the high response rate (The Business Communication, 2014). Disadvantages The interview method of job analysis data collection is time consuming. The interviewer and the interviewee will have to agree on a specific date and time to schedule the interview (The Business Communication, 2014). Also the whole process starting from setting up the interview schedule, the interview itself, transcribing, analysing, feedback and final reporting is a long process hence time consuming. Interview method can be costly; in that it involves travelling expenses and to some extend accommodation fees where the schedule place for the interview is far away (The Business Communication, 2014). Also, interview process proved that different interviewers might comprehend and write down ideas in different habits. References All Business Schools. (2014). Accounting is About More than Crunching Numbers: Learn What Other Duties an Accountant Holds. Retrieved from http://www.allbusinessschools.com/business-careers/accounting/job-description/ Aswathappa, K. (2002). Human resource and personnel management: Text and cases. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill Pub. Barbara, B. K. (2005). Participant Observation as a Data Collection Method. Qualitative Social Research, Vol. 6(2), 43. Bemis, S. E., Belenky, H. A., & Soder, D. A (2009). Job Analysis: An Effective Management Tool. Washington, D.C., Bureau of National Affairs. Gill, P. Stewart, K. & Chadwick, B. (2008). Methods of data collection in qualitative research: interviews and focus groups. British Dental Journal, 204, 291 - 295 Gomez-Mejia, L. R., Balkin, D. B., & Cardy, R. L. (2010). Managing human resources. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson/Prentice Hall. Monster. (2014). Recruiting and Hiring Advice: Accountant Job Description Sample. Retrieved from http://hiring.monster.com/hr/hr-best-practices/recruiting-hiring-advice/job-descriptions/accountant-job-description-sample.aspx Sackett, P. R., Walmsley, P. T. &Laczo, R. M. (2012). Job and Work Analysis. Handbook of Psychology, Second Edition. 12:II:4. Sree Rama Rao (2010). Methods of Collecting Job Analyses Data. Retrieved from http://www.citeman.com/12637-methods-of-collecting-job-analyses-data.html#ixzz3Vmg7e5Vx The Business Communication. (2014). Advantages and Disadvantages of interview, Retrieved from http://thebusinesscommunication.com/advantage-and-disadvantage-of-interview/ Read More