• Financial systems analyst
• Financial systems implementation consultant

 
Description

Financial information systems are software packages that manage, record, process and distribute financial information within an organization. Analysts and financial systems consultants implement, maintain, develop and control them.

 
Typical tasks

• Implement, optimize and make financial information systems operational
• Train users during implementation, then while setting up new functionalities
• Ensure the integrity of data and the accuracy of information
• Make sure financial policies are observed and see to their application in the systems
• Make recommendations to improve the functionalities and financial processes

• University education in accounting, finance, or information technology
• Practical experience in a finance department
• Excellent knowledge of financial systems (e.g. Accpac, Dynamics, Great Plains, SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards)
• Good knowledge of theories and generally accepted accounting principles
• Project management skills

 
Qualities

• Analytical skills
• Organizational skills, thoroughness and eye for detail
• Communication skills
• Team worker
• Diplomacy

 
Typical career path

Financial systems analyst => Financial systems manager

Financial systems experts generally specialize in their field, with passage to general accounting more rare.

 
Salary

• Analysts – Large companies
  
  
  • Manager = $70,500 – $92,750
  • Senior analyst = $54,750 – $75,750
  • 1 to 3 years of experience = $42,750 – $54,000
  • Up to 1 year of experience = $34,750 – $42,000
    
    
• Analysts – Small and medium-sized companies
  
  
  • Manager = $60,000 – $82,750
  • Senior analyst = $49,000 – $64,500
  • 1 to 3 years of experience = $39,750 – $50,250
  • Up to 1 year of experience = $34,000 – $40,000
    

(Source: 2006 Salary Guide / Robert Half International)

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