Becoming an accounting assistant: duties, skills and career prospects

Updated on 2026-10-31

What does the job involve?

The accounting assistant handles a company's day-to-day accounting: recording invoices and bank transactions, VAT returns and preparing payslips. They also help prepare the year-end accounts.

It is a practical job, essential to the life of every business. It suits people who are comfortable with figures, methodical and like accounts to be accurate and well presented.

Day-to-day duties

In practice, the main duties are:

  • Recording sales and bank documents in the accounts
  • Preparing and recording VAT returns
  • Checking and correcting accounts
  • Calculating payslip items and the main social security declarations
  • Taking part in year-end closing work
  • Preparing annual tax returns
  • Calculating costs, margins and ratios and providing management indicators

Skills and qualities sought

  • Rigour and attention to detail
  • Comfort with figures and logical reasoning
  • Knowledge of the basics of commercial, tax and employment law
  • Command of spreadsheets and accounting and payroll software
  • Discretion and respect for confidentiality

Where can you work?

Every organisation keeps accounts. Accounting assistants can therefore work:

  • in the accounts department of an SME or a large group
  • in a chartered accountancy firm
  • in an association, a government department or a local authority
  • in an approved management centre or a firm specialising in payroll

Career progression and further studies

The Accounting Assistant professional qualification is at level 4, equivalent to the French baccalauréat. It is a first step towards careers in accounting and management:

  • Progression to accounting associate, payroll administrator or audit/engagement manager in an accounting firm
  • With the DCG / DSCG (French higher accounting diplomas): chartered accountant or finance and administration director
  • Further training from bachelor's level (Bac+3) to master's level (Bac+5)

Salary

There is no single salary for this job: pay depends on your experience, the size of the company, the region and the applicable collective agreement. For reliable, up-to-date benchmarks, check the France Travail job sheet (ROME M1203).

Train with Assistant Academy

Assistant Academy prepares you for the Accounting Assistant professional qualification (level 4, equivalent to the French baccalauréat), a certification recognised by the French State. The programme lasts 400 hours and can be followed remotely, in enhanced remote mode or on site at our premises in Gennevilliers. The course is eligible for CPF funding (France's personal training account).

Still hesitating, or want to check that this job is right for you? We are here to support you in your plans.

  • Discover the Accounting Assistant programme
  • Take the career guidance quiz
  • Book an appointment with an adviser