How to Write Job Objectives for an Accounting Supervisor

Set measurable Accounting Supervisor job objectives.

An Accounting Supervisor oversees business accounting functions, which include management and fixed asset reporting, journal entry preparation, balance reconciliation, and activities related to a period close. He may also supervise a team of accounting professionals. To write effective job objectives for an Accounting Supervisor, include your employee in the process and ensure the objectives align with the overall department and company strategies. Job objectives should include what you want the employee to achieve and some actions for how to achieve them.

Instructions

1. Review and gain understanding of the overall company strategic plan and Finance department goals and priorities.

2. Analyze the accounting function and determine strengths and areas of opportunities. Review examples of accounting work. Gather feedback from internal customers and colleagues.

3. Examine the skills, experience and work performance of the Accounting Supervisor as compared to job description expectations. Review past performance appraisals. Identify strengths, key accomplishments and personal development opportunities.

4. Identify three to five business areas of opportunity and focus for the next six to twelve months. Consider what you want the Accounting Supervisor to start, stop, change or continue. Ensure these priorities align and support the Finance department and overall company goals.

5. Ask your Accounting Supervisor to create and submit recommendations for job objectives. Compare these recommendations with your list and make changes, as appropriate.

6. Create a formal job objectives document. Start each objective statement with an action verb and clearly describe the behaviors or activities that you expect to see. Job objectives should be specific, measurable and attainable. For example, "Improve the accuracy of fixed asset reporting. Reduce the error rate from 3% to less than 1% within six months."

7. 

   Agree on an action plan.

   Together with the Accounting Supervisor, discuss and agree on specific action steps that he will take to achieve the job objectives. These many include attending training sessions, seeking the guidance of a mentor or mirroring a more experienced employee. Add these actions to the job objectives document.

Tips & Warnings

• Including the Accounting Supervisor in the process of writing performance goals will help foster buy-in and increase the likelihood that the employee will achieve the goals.

References

• "Accounting Jobs Today": Accounting Manager Job Description
• "HR Guru": How to Write SMART Goals (also called KRAs) from Job Descriptions, By Gireesh Sharma, 2009
• "Career Coaching": How to Write Effective Annual Job Goals, By Jule Rizzardo, January 2010

Resources

• Accounting Jobs Today
• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants