Associate

1. ROLE OVERVIEW
The Associate is an entry-level professional responsible for supporting and executing core accounting, compliance, and advisory functions. The role involves hands-on exposure to end-to-end accounting, MIS preparation, taxation, compliance, and client coordination.
This position is designed to build a strong foundation for progression into an Assistant Manager role through practical exposure to accounting, taxation, advisory assignments, and client interactions.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Accounting & MIS Execution

• Review and execution of accounting entries including:

• Revenue and expenses

• Payroll

• Provisions and accruals

• Receipts and payments

• Depreciation and amortisation

• Prepaid expenses

• Bank, debtor, and creditor reconciliations

• Ledger scrutiny and clean-up activities

• Preparation of schedules for:

• Profit & Loss Statement

• Balance Sheet

• Cash Flow Statements

• Preparation of MIS packs and variance analysis

• Application of accounting fundamental principles.

B. Tax Structuring & Advisory Support

• Assist Managers in:

• Tax planning and structuring assignments

• Evaluation of business transactions from a tax perspective

• Preparation of:

• Technical workings

• Comparative tax computations

• Impact analysis under GST, Income Tax, and TDS

• Research on applicable sections, notifications, circulars, and case laws

• Drafting of:

• Internal technical notes

• Client advisories

• Transaction memos

• Opinions and guidelines

C. Litigation & Assessment Support

• Assistance in handling:

• Income Tax and GST notices

• Assessments and departmental queries under Direct and Indirect Tax.

• Preparation of:

• Replies to notices

• Reconciliations and submissions

• Paper books, annexures, and supporting documentation

• Coordination with tax consultants, lawyers, and auditors

• Maintenance of litigation trackers and hearing calendars

D. Compliance Execution

• GST return workings and reconciliations

• Filing of GST returns including GSTR 1, 3B, 6 and 9/9C

• TDS computations and return support including rectifications

• Rectification and revision process

• Coordination related to PF and Professional Tax

• Data preparation for:

• Statutory audits

• Tax audits

• Internal audits

• Assistance in filings under Income Tax laws (including returns, tax audit, Forms 15CA/CB, etc.)

• Maintenance and monitoring of compliance calendars

• ROC filings under Companies Act

E. Client Coordination

• Follow-ups with clients for data and information
• Timely response to routine client queries
• Participation in client calls and meetings along with seniors
• Preparation of email drafts, workings, and client communications

F. Process Discipline & Automation

• Adherence to SOPs, internal controls, and checklists
• Maintenance of proper working papers and documentation
• Development and improvement of Excel-based templates
• Support in process improvement and automation initiatives
• Ensuring maker-checker controls and process discipline

G. Operations & Treasury Support

• Support in client and customer operations
• Assistance in accounts payable and receivable processes
• Banking coordination and payment processing
• Documentation and liaison with banks and payment channels

H. Due diligence and Reviews:

• Analysis of financials and schedules
• Review of compliances
• Prepare summary of agreements
• Assess impact of red flags
• Draft the report for analysis

3. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Semi-Qualified Chartered Accountant (Articleship completed), or
• Fresh Chartered Accountant, or
• Commerce Graduate / Post-Graduate with articleship exposure and strong accounting fundamentals

4. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Functional Competencies

• Strong accounting fundamentals
• Reconciliations and ledger scrutiny
• MIS preparation and analysis
• Working knowledge of Income Tax and GST
• Documentation and assessment support

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong learning orientation
• Attention to detail
• Accountability and ownership
• Effective communication skills
• Team collaboration
• Adherence to timelines and commitments

Technical Competencies

• Advanced Excel skills
• Tally / ERP systems
• Drafting, documentation, and presentation skills

5. LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Exposure to:

• CFO advisory services

• Tax structuring assignments

• Assessments and litigation matters

• Multi-industry client engagements

• Development of an advisory and solution-oriented mindset

6. CAREER PROGRESSION
Associate Assistant Manager Manager Senior Manager