Updated February 2023

Accounting assistants are administrative professionals who focus on the numbers.

They play a crucial supporting role in accounting departments by recording financial transactions, preparing reports, and carrying out related clerical tasks.

Basically, they keep a company's day-to-day bookkeeping functions running smoothly.

Considering becoming an accounting assistant? Looking for more details about what you would actually do at work?

Keep reading for an inside look at accounting assistant responsibilities and skills.

See if the role is a good fit for your career goals, interests, and strengths.

Photo: Gleason Uppahuak in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Gleason Uppahuak started his career at age 13 as a stock boy.

Even then, he understood the value of learning and hard work. He moved slowly up the ranks from the stock room to the customer service team, and finally to the accounting department.

At that point, he reached the limit of skills he could learn on-the-job. Gleason needed professional training in accounting and payroll software, regulations, reports, and financial management.

Going back to school was a natural progression for him. "Education is the key to professional and personal success," says Gleason. "Plus, I always loved math classes at school."

But even Gleason couldn't predict just how far accounting training and a talent for numbers would take him. 

Since graduating from Herzing in 2019, he's managed an entire social housing project and become President of Kivalliq Development Corporation.

From stock boy to president, Gleason is living proof of the power of education.

We interviewed him this week to learn more about his new role, and get his opinion of Herzing's Accounting and Payroll program. Here are the highlights of our conversation.