What can an freelance accountant do?

By Carsten Bjerregaard, CEO, Addcapacity.com

An accountant is a crucial part of the daily financial operations and ensures that the company’s accounting figures are correct, updated and documented. The function works closely with both bookkeeping and reporting, and is often the one who makes the finance function’s engine room function stably. The accountant handles ongoing postings, reconciliations and preparation of figures, which form the basis for management reporting, budget follow-up and year-end closing. When the work is carried out in a structured and consistent manner, it creates peace in the finance function and a solid foundation for decisions across the organization.

1. What does an accountant work on in his or her daily life?

The daily life of an accountant is characterized by fixed processes, deadlines and the need for high precision. The work ensures that all financial transactions are correctly registered and reconciled so that the accounts reflect reality. The accountant is often the link between accounting, the finance manager and external parties and plays an important role in ensuring continuity and quality in the figures. Overview and structure are crucial, as many tasks are repeated month after month.

Typical tasks

• Ongoing bookkeeping and postings
• Reconciliation of balance sheet accounts
• Accounts payable and receivable management
• Preparation for month-end closing
• Documentation and document control

From practice: When reconciliations are carried out continuously, month-end closing can be completed quickly and with fewer corrections.

2. What are the most important tasks – where the effort makes a difference?

The accountant’s greatest contribution lies in the quality of basic data. When postings and reconciliations are correct from the start, the rest of the finance function can work efficiently and at a higher pace. This reduces errors, saves time and increases confidence in the accounts. At the same time, timeliness is crucial – delays in the basic processes quickly propagate further in the organization.

Where the effort creates value

• Correct and complete accounting figures
• Stable and predictable accounting process
• Fewer errors and post-adjustments
• Better basis for reporting
• Smooth dialogue with the auditor

A concrete example: When all balance sheet accounts are reconciled before month-end, management reporting can be prepared without uncertainty about the figures.

3. What distinguishes a strong accounting employee from an average one?

The difference often lies in structure, a sense of responsibility and an understanding of the whole. A strong accounting employee sees connections in the accounts and reacts when something is not right. The person works systematically, documents their work and communicates clearly about challenges or shortcomings. This creates security for both management and colleagues.

Characteristics of high quality

• High degree of systematicity
• Understanding the coherence of the accounts
• Proactive handling of deviations
• Clear and timely communication
• Stable delivery on deadlines

In practice: A strong accountant will often detect discrepancies early and ensure clarification before they develop into larger problems.

4. What tools does an accountant typically work with?

The tools are central to the efficiency of work. Most accountants today work in digital financial systems, where automation supports repetitive processes. Correct use of the systems is crucial for both quality and speed.

Typical tools

• Finance and accounting systems
• Digital document solutions
• Bank and payment integrations

A practical picture: With digital document management, documentation is always available and ready for both internal control and audit.

5. How does an accountant create value – which KPIs are relevant?

Value can be measured in terms of stability, quality and timeliness. When the basic processes work, the entire finance function becomes more efficient. KPIs should therefore focus on process quality rather than complex analysis.

Relevant KPIs

• Timely accounting
• Number of errors and corrections
• Time to month-end closing

An example: When month-end closing can be completed quickly and consistently every month, management has a more reliable basis for decision-making.

6. Who does the accountant collaborate with – and why is it important?

The accountant collaborates closely with the finance manager, bookkeeper and controller. At the same time, dialogue with the auditor and other external parties is important for correctness and documentation. Good collaboration ensures that information flows smoothly and that problems are resolved early.

Important areas of cooperation

• The finance function and management
• Administration and operations
• Accountant and external advisors

A specific example: When accounting staff and auditors work from the same structure, year-end closing becomes more efficient and less resource-intensive.

7. What is happening right now in the accounting area?

Accounting work is evolving. Automation is taking over more routine tasks, while the requirements for quality, documentation and system understanding are increasing. This means that accounting staff are increasingly working with control, reconciliation and process improvement rather than manual entry.

Current trends

• Increased automation of postings
• More digital documentation
• Greater focus on data quality

In practice: Many accounting staff today spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time on quality assurance.

8. Getting off to a good start – input for your briefing

A clear briefing is essential for good cooperation. It should be clarified which tasks need to be solved, which systems are used and which deadlines are critical. The clearer the framework, the faster the accountant can deliver value.

Good points to clarify

• Systems, processes and workflows
• Deadlines and reporting needs
• Areas of responsibility and contact persons

An example: If quick month-end closing is important, this should be clearly prioritized from the start.

Closing – when a freelance accountant is the right solution

A freelance accountant can be a flexible and stable solution when extra capacity or specialized experience is needed. The start-up is quick, the collaboration is close, and the cost is often lower than with larger consulting firms. Some work very hands-on with bookkeeping and reconciliation, while others primarily contribute with structure, quality and process discipline. Addcapacity.com helps identify three qualified candidates who match both professional needs and the scope of the task – completely without obligation.