Commercial Accounting

Key Points:

  • Commercial accountants are tasked with analysing data, providing insight, scenario analysis, reporting, budget and forecasting.
  • If you enjoy asking thought-provoking questions and solving problems on a regular basis, then commercial accounting might be a good fit for you. Commercial Accountants also work with a lot of data.
  • As a commercial accountant, you’ll have the opportunity to work in organisations of various sizes and across industries.

A commercial accountant is any type of financial accountant working for a business or corporation. A commercial accountant's primary duties include, analysing financial information and irregularities, forecasting, commercial reporting, data analysis, financial analysis reports and elements of business partnering.

Commercial accountants need to have a broad knowledge of current market conditions, as well as a company's sector and competitor performance. They hold a key and active role in the strategic and commercial decision-making processes that will impact an organisation. This role suits an accountant who likes working with data and is interested in using technology to assist analysis.

Chris Chan CA"The ultimate goal of a commercial analyst is to provide information in a meaningful manner so the business can take the appropriate action to drive performance."
Chris Chan CA, Financial Controller at Fitstop

Why commercial accounting could be the right fit for you

Commercial accountants are responsible for reporting, disseminating and influencing the business with financial and commercial insights to drive business performance.

As a result, you'll need to have a strong understanding of the organisation, the environment it operates in, fluctuating market conditions, and be able to interpret and present pertinent financial data to facilitate planning and decision-making. With these responsibilities also comes the need for a strong attention to detail, the ability to identify and solve problems as they arise and the ability to use technology to analyse data.

Depending on the size of the organisation, commercial accountants may work independently or in a team and will need to be able to communicate effectively and manage key projects. If you enjoy taking on new challenges and solving problems, commercial accounting might be the right fit for you.

Who can you work for?

Commercial accountants work across a range of industries, organisation types and sizes, and often have the opportunity to consider international roles due to their varied skill set.

Key skills:

  • Data analysis
  • Adaptability
  • Commercial and business awareness
  • Eye for detail
  • Risk management
  • Methodical approach to problem solving
  • Communication
  • Budgeting/Forecasting
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Presentation Skills