• Prepare asset, liability, and capital account entries by compiling and analyzing account information.
• Document financial transactions by entering account information.
• Recommend financial actions by analyzing accounting options.
• Summarize current financial status by collecting information, preparing balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and other reports.
• Substantiate financial transactions by auditing documents.
• Maintain accounting controls by preparing and recommending policies and procedures.
• Guide accounting clerical staff by coordinating activities and answering questions.
• Reconcile financial discrepancies by collecting and analyzing account information.
• Secure financial information by completing database backups.
• Comply with federal, state, and local financial legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation, enforcing adherence to requirements, and advising management on needed actions.

• Proven experience as an accountant.
• Thorough knowledge of basic accounting procedures and principles.
• Experience with creating financial statements.
• Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end/year-end close process.
• Excellent accounting software user and administration skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Aptitude for numbers and quantitative skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or relevant degree.
• Additional certification (CPA or CMA) is a plus.
• Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

What Kind of Accountant Does Your Company Need?

An Accountant managing the books for a SaaS company has different responsibilities from someone supporting a professional services firm or a business with several legal entities.

The right hire depends on the complexity of your financial operations, the accounting systems you use, and how much responsibility the person will have for month-end close and reporting.

Some experienced Accountants can work across several of these areas, particularly when they've supported growing companies through changes in financial systems and reporting requirements.

However, experience with similar financial complexity matters more than familiarity with every accounting tool.

For example, a company using QuickBooks Online for relatively straightforward operations may need someone who can independently manage reconciliations and produce consistent monthly reports.

A SaaS business using NetSuite may benefit from someone familiar with deferred revenue, subscription billing integrations, accrual accounting, and more complex close procedures.

Before hiring, identify which accounts the professional will own, what financial statements they'll prepare, and who will review and approve their work.

How Should a Remote Accountant Fit Into Your Finance Team?

A remote Accountant can take responsibility for reconciliations, journal entries, financial reporting, and ongoing accounting activities while collaborating with your Controller, finance leadership, and operations teams.

The arrangement works best when your company defines which financial processes the Accountant owns, which decisions require approval, and how financial information moves between employees and systems.

Define Month-End Close and Reporting Ownership

Your Accountant may manage account reconciliations, prepare journal entries, review transaction coding, and assemble the schedules supporting your financial statements.

However, the company should establish who reviews those entries and approves the final financial reports.

For example, a growing professional services company might assign its Accountant responsibility for maintaining prepaid expense schedules, reconciling credit card balances, recording accruals, and preparing monthly financial statements.

The Controller or Finance Manager can then review material adjustments, investigate unusual balances, and approve the final reporting package.

Establish who prepares journal entries, reviews reconciliations, approves adjustments, and signs off on the close.

At a smaller company, an experienced Accountant may manage more of the close independently, with oversight from an external CPA or finance leader.

For larger organizations, the role may focus on a defined group of accounts within a structured accounting team.

Establish Internal Controls and Approval Procedures

Accountants often work with sensitive financial records, payment information, payroll data, and transactions that affect financial reporting.

Your company should establish appropriate controls before giving a new hire access to these systems.

These may include:

• Segregation of duties: Defining separate responsibilities for preparing, reviewing, and approving important transactions.
• Payment approvals: Establishing who can authorize vendor payments, reimbursements, and changes to bank details.
• Journal entry reviews: Identifying which adjustments require independent approval.
• Access controls: Restricting accounting software permissions according to the employee's responsibilities.
• Supporting documentation: Maintaining evidence for reconciliations, expenses, adjustments, and other transactions.
• Exception management: Establishing procedures for unusual balances, discrepancies, and missing records.
• Audit trails: Keeping appropriate records of changes and approvals.

For example, an Accountant may review vendor invoices, prepare payment information, and reconcile the accounts payable balance.

An authorized company representative can approve and release payments according to the organization's policies.

The controls should reflect the size of your business, the sensitivity of the transactions, and the level of financial risk involved.

For smaller businesses, compensating review controls may be necessary when there are too few employees to separate every responsibility.

Coordinate With Bookkeeping, AP, AR, and Payroll

An Accountant often depends on information prepared by other employees or connected software systems.

That might include bills entered by an Accounts Payable Specialist, customer payments recorded by an Accounts Receivable Specialist, or payroll information processed through Gusto or another provider.

Your company should establish how these records are reviewed and incorporated into the general ledger.

For example, if your business uses Stripe to receive payments, the Accountant may need to reconcile settlement amounts, processing fees, refunds, and outstanding balances against the accounting system.

If payroll is processed externally, the Accountant may be responsible for ensuring the corresponding journal entries and liabilities are recorded correctly.

Define who owns each source of financial information and when the Accountant should receive it.

A shared close calendar can help the team coordinate deadlines and avoid missing transactions at the end of the reporting period.

Establish Accounting Software and Data Security Responsibilities

Your Accountant should be comfortable using the platforms that support your company's financial operations.

Depending on your business, those may include QuickBooks Online, Xero, NetSuite, Sage Intacct, SAP, Excel, Ramp, Bill.com, or connected payment platforms.

However, the important capability is understanding how transactions move through those systems and affect the financial statements.

For example, an integration between a payment processor and accounting software may generate entries that need to be reconciled or corrected.

A strong Accountant should understand the underlying accounting treatment and investigate discrepancies before adjusting records.

Give your Accountant appropriate system access, documented procedures, and clear escalation routes for technical or accounting issues.

IT or designated system administrators should remain responsible for infrastructure security, backups, and permissions that fall outside the accounting role.

Related Roles to Consider

Depending on your finance team's needs, another accounting professional may be a better fit or a useful addition.

• Bookkeeper: Best for companies needing consistent transaction recording, bank reconciliations, invoice tracking, and organized financial records.
• Staff Accountant: A strong fit for defined general ledger responsibilities, journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and month-end close support within an established accounting team.
• Accounting Manager: Appropriate when your company needs someone to supervise accounting employees, manage the close calendar, review work, and improve accounting processes.
• Financial Controller: Best for organizations requiring broader responsibility for financial reporting, accounting policies, internal controls, audits, and oversight of the accounting function.
• Revenue Accountant: Focuses on revenue recognition, deferred revenue, contract accounting, billing reconciliations, and related reporting requirements.
• Tax Accountant: Supports tax-focused accounting activities, tax return preparation, documentation, and compliance work within the scope of the professional's qualifications and applicable rules.

An Accountant is generally the strongest choice when your company needs someone who can maintain accurate general ledger records, prepare close adjustments, reconcile accounts, and produce dependable financial information.

If the biggest challenge is recording daily transactions, a Bookkeeper may provide more targeted support.

If you already have several accounting employees and need someone to oversee the whole function, an Accounting Manager or Controller may be more appropriate.

For a deeper comparison, see South's Accountant vs. Bookkeeper guide.

How to Evaluate Accountant Candidates

A candidate may have several years of accounting experience and list QuickBooks, NetSuite, Excel, or SAP on their résumé.

Those qualifications provide useful context, but the strongest evidence is how they reconcile financial information, evaluate accounting treatments, recognize control weaknesses, and communicate issues before reports are finalized.

A practical accounting assessment can help reveal those abilities.

Consider giving shortlisted candidates this fictional scenario:

Your company is preparing its month-end financial statements. During the close, the accounting team discovers an $18,000 bank reconciliation difference, a $12,000 annual insurance payment recorded entirely as an expense, and customer prepayments that may have been recognized as revenue too early. Several vendor invoices are also awaiting approval.

How would you investigate the issues, prepare the necessary adjustments, and organize the remaining close activities?

Provide a simplified trial balance, transaction listing, bank reconciliation, and supporting documents.

Ask candidates to explain their investigation process, identify information they need, and describe the accounting entries and approval steps they would recommend.

Use the following evaluation scorecard:

Pay particular attention to how candidates approach discrepancies before recording an adjustment.

For example, an $18,000 reconciliation difference could result from outstanding transactions, duplicate entries, a missing bank fee, or a transaction recorded in the wrong period.

A strong Accountant should investigate the underlying cause before proposing a correction.

Similarly, recognizing customer prepayments as revenue depends on the contract terms and when the relevant performance obligations are satisfied.

The candidate should be able to identify what information is needed and apply the appropriate accounting treatment.

For senior candidates, ask them to describe a difficult month-end close they personally managed.

Have them explain the reporting deadline, the main problems, how they coordinated with colleagues, and the improvements they made afterward.

You can also ask for a redacted reconciliation or close schedule from previous work, if sharing it is permitted, or use a fictional exercise to protect confidential information.

The goal is to evaluate whether the candidate can produce reliable financial records and exercise sound judgment when the information doesn't immediately reconcile.

What Should an Accountant Accomplish in the First 90 Days?

The first three months should demonstrate whether your new Accountant understands your accounting environment, can complete assigned financial processes accurately, and contributes to more consistent reporting.

First 30 Days: Understand the Accounting Systems and Close Process

Your new hire should become familiar with the chart of accounts, general ledger, reporting structure, accounting policies, and financial software.

They should also review the existing close calendar, recurring journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and approval procedures.

A useful first milestone is completing a defined group of reconciliations or preparing assigned schedules under the company's review process.

The priority is understanding how your financial records are maintained and demonstrating accurate, well-documented work.

Days 31–60: Take Ownership of Assigned Accounting Activities

By the second month, the Accountant should begin handling assigned processes more independently.

That might include preparing recurring journal entries, managing prepaid expense schedules, reconciling balance sheet accounts, reviewing AP/AR balances, or supporting monthly financial reporting.

They should also identify recurring issues that delay the close or create unnecessary rework.

For example, if missing expense documentation repeatedly causes late adjustments, the Accountant may propose an earlier submission deadline and clearer documentation requirements.

The objective is consistent accounting execution, supported by appropriate controls and timely communication.

Days 61–90: Demonstrate Measurable Accounting Value

By the third month, your Accountant should be contributing regularly to the close process and taking responsibility for agreed accounting deliverables.

Useful performance indicators include:

• Completion of assigned reconciliations within the agreed close schedule
• Number and age of unresolved reconciling items
• Accuracy and completeness of journal entries
• Timeliness of assigned close tasks
• Number of material corrections identified during review
• Quality of supporting schedules and documentation
• Successful investigation of unusual account balances
• Consistency of financial reporting inputs
• Adherence to approval and internal control procedures
• Communication with finance leadership and operational teams

Evaluate these outcomes based on the complexity of your business and the responsibilities assigned.

For example, an Accountant working with a single QuickBooks entity may have different close requirements from someone supporting multiple subsidiaries in NetSuite.

A successful first 90 days should establish dependable accounting ownership, fewer recurring reporting issues, and greater confidence in the financial information your company uses.

How South Has Helped Companies Hire Accountants

South has helped U.S. businesses recruit Accountants with experience in general ledger management, reconciliations, month-end close, financial systems, and accounting operations.

These placements demonstrate how matching candidates to a company's accounting environment can help strengthen finance teams.

A Financial Services Company Hired an Accountant for $2,000 per Month

A U.S. financial planning and wealth management company needed an Accountant to help maintain accurate financial records and support its accounting processes.

The position required experience with U.S. GAAP, reconciliations, journal entries, financial reporting, and accounting software.

South helped the company hire Noah, an Accountant from Colombia, for $2,000 per month.

Noah brought a background in accounting and finance, including experience with accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, and insurance company financial records.

His responsibilities included:

• Keeping accounting records and financial trackers up to date
• Managing transactions through Bill.com and QuickBooks Online
• Reconciling accounts each month
• Preparing journal adjustments for prepayments and depreciation
• Supporting AP and AR activities
• Maintaining accurate general ledger records
• Contributing to month-end close improvements

He also brought professional English communication skills and experience working with financial information.

Why this matters: The company needed someone capable of handling recurring accounting work accurately while collaborating with its existing financial services team.

South matched the search to those requirements and identified a candidate with relevant accounting systems experience.

A Finance Firm Hired an Accountant for $2,300 per Month

A U.S. finance firm providing bookkeeping, payroll, bill payment, outsourced CFO services, and other financial solutions needed an experienced Accountant.

The company was looking for someone with several years of accounting experience who could work with modern cloud-based financial systems and manage multiple recurring responsibilities.

South helped the company hire Daniel, an Accountant from Mexico, for $2,300 per month.

The published case study describes a recruitment process involving approximately two weeks of interviews.

Daniel brought experience working with a U.S.-based finance firm and handling AP, AR, reconciliations, month-end and quarter-end close activities, and payroll.

The position required:

• Processing invoices, reimbursements, and vendor payments
• Managing customer invoicing and collections
• Reconciling bank accounts, credit cards, and general ledger balances
• Preparing accruals and month-end journal entries
• Supporting payroll through Gusto
• Working with Xero, QuickBooks Online, Ramp, and Bill.com
• Helping improve accounting workflows and reporting accuracy

Why this matters: The client needed someone comfortable working across multiple accounting processes and cloud platforms.

South identified a candidate whose previous experience matched the company's systems and operational requirements.

These two placements show South's experience recruiting professionals for actual Accountant positions, including finance companies that depend on accurate records, consistent reporting, and reliable accounting software workflows.

Hire an Accountant in Latin America With South

Reliable financial reporting starts with people who understand the details behind the numbers.

As your business grows, a dedicated Accountant can help maintain accurate records, support month-end close, and give your finance team more dependable information for its decisions.

South helps U.S. companies hire full-time, pre-vetted Accountants from Latin America, matched to their accounting software, financial processes, reporting requirements, and expected level of experience.

Whether you need someone managing general ledger reconciliations, preparing financial statements, supporting a multi-entity close, or maintaining accounting operations in QuickBooks or NetSuite, we can help you find professionals with relevant experience.

You'll benefit from overlapping U.S. working hours, English-screened candidates, one consolidated monthly invoice, no minimum commitments, and a free replacement if the hire doesn't work out.

Schedule a call with South to find an Accountant who fits your finance team's requirements and hiring budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I Hire an Accountant or a Staff Accountant?

An Accountant is a broad title that can cover several levels of accounting responsibility, from general ledger work to complete monthly reporting.

A Staff Accountant typically works within an established finance structure, preparing journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules under the supervision of a Controller or Accounting Manager.

Focus on the responsibilities and level of independence required rather than the job title alone.

Can a Remote Accountant Manage Month-End Close?

Yes. An experienced remote Accountant can prepare journal entries, reconcile accounts, maintain supporting schedules, and coordinate close activities through cloud accounting software.

Your company should establish deadlines, documentation standards, review responsibilities, and appropriate access to financial systems.

For more complex environments, a Controller or Accounting Manager may remain responsible for final financial statement review and approval.

Does an Accountant in Latin America Need a U.S. CPA License?

Many accounting positions involving general ledger work, reconciliations, internal financial reporting, and close support can be performed by qualified professionals without a U.S. CPA license.

However, certain regulated activities, attest services, and other responsibilities may require appropriately licensed professionals.

If your position includes those activities, confirm the specific licensing and regulatory requirements with the relevant legal or accounting adviser.

Define whether your company needs operational accounting support or services that require a particular professional credential.

Should an Accountant Have Experience With U.S. GAAP?

U.S. GAAP knowledge is particularly important when your company prepares financial statements under U.S. accounting standards.

Candidates should understand the principles relevant to their responsibilities, including accruals, prepaids, expense recognition, reconciliations, and financial statement presentation.

For specialized roles, you may also need experience with revenue recognition, leases, consolidations, or other complex accounting topics.

Prioritize practical application of the standards relevant to your business.

Should I Hire a Junior, Mid-Level, or Senior Accountant?

Junior Accountants are generally suited to defined reconciliations, transaction reviews, and routine journal entries with appropriate supervision.

Mid-level Accountants can take ownership of assigned general ledger accounts, recurring close activities, and financial reporting schedules.

Senior Accountants may be more appropriate for complex adjustments, multi-entity accounting, technical accounting questions, process improvements, and mentoring junior employees.

Choose seniority based on the complexity of the books and the level of independent judgment required.

Can One Accountant Handle Bookkeeping, AP, AR, and Financial Reporting?

Yes. An experienced full-cycle Accountant may be able to manage several accounting functions for a smaller company.

However, the workload depends on transaction volume, company complexity, reporting deadlines, and the controls required.

As the business grows, dedicated Bookkeepers, AP/AR Specialists, or other accounting employees may help distribute responsibilities.

Establish appropriate review and approval controls, especially when one employee handles several stages of the same financial process.

What Accounting Software Should a Candidate Know?

The most relevant platform is the one your company uses.

QuickBooks Online and Xero may be important for smaller businesses, while NetSuite, Sage Intacct, SAP, or another ERP may be more relevant for complex accounting environments.

Experience with Excel, Google Sheets, Ramp, Bill.com, or payroll platforms can also be useful.

Prioritize candidates who understand how transactions affect financial statements and who can work confidently within your accounting systems.

Can a Remote Accountant Help With U.S. Tax Preparation?

A remote Accountant may support tax preparation by organizing financial records, preparing schedules, reconciling tax-related accounts, and providing documentation to the company's tax advisers.

Actual return preparation, filing authority, representation, and regulated tax services depend on the applicable requirements and the professional's qualifications.

Your company should define which activities belong to the Accountant and which require an authorized tax professional.

How Should I Measure an Accountant's Performance?

Useful indicators include reconciliation completion, close timeliness, unresolved discrepancies, journal entry accuracy, documentation quality, and compliance with established controls.

For reporting responsibilities, also evaluate whether the Accountant delivers accurate information within agreed deadlines and communicates material issues promptly.

Performance should reflect the complexity of the accounts and the level of support available.

Can a Remote Accountant Work With Our U.S. Finance Team?

Yes. Remote Accountants can collaborate with U.S.-based Controllers, CFOs, Bookkeepers, and operations teams through shared accounting platforms.

Overlapping working hours support close meetings, approvals, reconciliations, and discussions about unusual transactions.

Your company should provide appropriate access, clear documentation, a close calendar, and established communication procedures.

What Information Should I Prepare Before Hiring Through South?

Start with your accounting platform, business structure, monthly transaction volume, and the financial processes your new Accountant will manage.

You should also define the expected seniority, U.S. GAAP requirements, close schedule, reporting responsibilities, team structure, and any industry-specific accounting experience you need.

South can use these requirements to identify candidates whose accounting backgrounds match your company's needs.