Account Manager—Manage the money or the customer?

There was a time when an accountant dealt purely with money. They kept records straight and helped large businesses with their budgeting efforts. But it seems that now an office accountant is more like a customer service agent. They not only count the money and view business transactions, but they also answer the phone and placate the clients. The main question, of course, is where does this leave an accountant? Is this new trend in accounting jobs a good or bad thing?

If statistics are any indication, it is definitely for the good. Accounting jobs are popping up everywhere, especially in larger companies. And as the demand rises for competent, knowledgeable accountants, the chances of finding favorable employment in this field increases as well.

While an accountant still works primarily with an office’s money, account managers take it a step further. The account manager, ironically enough, manages all of a company’s transactions. Leadership skills are definitely required for this position, because the manager is not simply an accountant. He is an important part of the business, and if all of the board meetings and business lunches don’t prove it, the salary would. A beginning account manager will bring in around $36,500. That is of course not a definite amount, but it’s a pretty common figure. And if you’re good, your salary will rise quickly and dramatically.



What does an account manager do? Mostly they deal with customer relations. They are the ones the client contacts with questions or concerns related to business, and it is the account manager’s job to keep the client satisfied. An account manager that can not only secure valued clients, but bring in new ones as well, is highly favored by the company’s head. The account manager is the public relations expert where business is concerned, and their work is varied and fast paced.

The account manager works closely with the board of a company, and is directly included in most meetings and all business transactions. Also, all developmental projects go through the account manager, who will either approve or express fears concerning the project. And any project that moves into the production stage is done so under the account manager’s approval. As you can see, an account manager does much more than handle accounts, and that is one of the reasons positions are opening virtually everywhere.

So what sort of education or prior experience would one need to begin in this career? To become an accountant manager, you will need an undergraduate degree, and you will also generally need to have some accounting experience—anywhere between 1-3 years experience is generally desired. If you have any schooling or knowledge as an accountant, you’re on the right track. There are also some skills you will need if you are going to succeed in the accounting world. Obviously your math skills are hugely important, and you will definitely need an eye for detail. Those are requirements for all Accounting positions—manager or not.

You will also need good people and communication skills. Primarily you will act as liaison between business and clients. You will be a representative of the company, and you will be marginally responsible for keeping good relations between the company you represent, and the customers who invest or associate with the company. You will need to be clear in your communications—both oral and written. Much of your work will be done in person, but some will need to be conducted via the written word.

Of all the many types of accounting jobs available, account manager is one of the most important. Every company—large or small—has need of at least one gifted manager. Most need all the help they can get.