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. Financial systems analyst or financial systems implementation consultant are two names given to financial information systems experts.
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
EDUCATION AND SKILLS
- 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
Consult Accounting – finance salaries section or use the salary calculator
2016 Perspectives (source Robert Half and Statistics Canada 2013)
As firms continue to upgrade their technology infrastructures, demand is accelerating for professionals who are familiar with company-specific ERP systems and possess finance and technology expertise.
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