A plant accountant is responsible for monitoring the budget of a particular plant and for paying invoices, preparing taxes and making financial reports to the management team. Typically, someone wishing to become a plant accountant must have graduated from high school and most firms prefer to hire accountants who have completed college degree programs. Additionally, people who have prior bookkeeping experience are sometimes able to transition into accounting roles.
An individual planning to become a plant accountant should complete a college degree in accounting, finance or a related topic. Some firms also accept applications from individuals with non-finance related degrees who have completed short-term bookkeeping or accounting courses. Major plants often employ several accountants in which case individuals without college degrees may be able to start work in entry-level bookkeeping roles before moving into accounting jobs after they gained some on-the-job experience.
In some countries, accountants have to attend accounting classes that are administered either by government agencies or the employees of industry associations. Attendees are taught how to prepare financial reports and basic tax reporting information. At the conclusion of the class, the attendees must take and pass an accounting examination. People who pass the exam receive certificates of completion or accounting licenses. In many instances, someone wishing to become a plant accountant may have to go through this training process and obtain an accounting license.
Accountants who work in plants have to review invoices for inventory purchases and liaise with departmental managers to create operating budgets. Due to the nature of the work, many firms prefer to hire individuals who have prior industry related experience. Some companies offer internships to college students and during these internships, students are taught about the role of an accountant within the particular plant. Many companies view internships as an opportunity to test out the skills of prospective new hires. An undergraduate student wishing to become a plant accountant may benefit from working as an intern since many firms offer permanent jobs to students who are involved in these programs.
In addition to accounting experience and academic credentials, many employers only consider applications from individuals who are familiar with certain types of bookkeeping software. Some companies are not equipped to provide new hires with on-the-job software training so anyone who wishes to become a plant accountant should enroll in a software training class at a local community college. Additionally, some firms prefer to hire individuals who have prior experience as tax preparers and as with software training, many community colleges offer tax preparation classes.
