What is a general ledger?
Working in general ledger means recording and processing a vast range of financial transactions. General ledger is essential for financial reporting, and often means close liaison with departments and individuals from across an organisation.
Choose from a wide range of general ledger roles, including:
- Management reporting analyst: Responsible for carrying out regular analysis and reporting activities.
- Consolidations/reporting analyst: Combine financial data from several departments or subsidiaries within an organisation.
- Inter-company analyst: Responsible for inter-company accounting in line with accounting standards and internal policies.
- Reconciliations analyst: Perform the essential day to day and month-end activities required for accurate reporting.
- Accruals/prepayments analyst: Responsible for liabilities and non-cash-based assets.
- General ledger manager: Has overall responsibility for the general ledger function.
How do I achieve it?
Although AI is very unlikely to replace any accountancy role, it will increasingly perform the more mundane and repetitive tasks associated with data collection and processing. Therefore, as many roles within the general ledger team involve data collection and processing, if you're considering a general ledger role you'll need to become increasingly familiar with AI and automation tools to future-proof your career.
General ledger positions usually begin at analyst level. Many of the junior roles and responsibilities in general ledger will be experienced by apprentices and interns at some point - including those lucky enough to secure a big four internship. As with most accountancy departments, there are excellent opportunities for progression and sidestepping.
The required skills for entry level positions in general ledger can be found in our Foundations level, however those pursuing more senior roles in this area will benefit from progressing to the ACCA Qualification.
