Core Backend Development Skills:

Programming Languages: 

• Proficiency in languages like Java, C#, or Node.js (JavaScript) or Python. 
• Experience with SQL for database interaction and data manipulation.

Database Management: 

• Deep understanding of relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server) and/or NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB).
• Ability to design and optimize database schemas for accounting data, ensuring data integrity and performance.
• Experience with database transactions, indexing, and query optimization.

API Development: 

• Designing and implementing RESTful or GraphQL APIs for data exchange between the frontend, mobile apps, and third-party integrations (e.g., banks, payment gateways).
• API security best practices (authentication, authorization).

Server-Side Frameworks: 

• Familiarity with relevant frameworks (e.g., Django, Spring Boot, Express.js, ASP.NET Core) for building robust and scalable backend applications.

Cloud Computing: 

• Experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform for deploying, scaling, and managing the accounting software.
• Knowledge of cloud services like serverless computing, database services, and storage solutions.

Version Control: 

• Proficiency with Git, GitLab, or Bitbucket for collaborative development and code management.

Testing and Debugging: 

• Writing unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests to ensure code quality.
• Debugging and troubleshooting backend issues.

Security: 

• Understanding of common security vulnerabilities (e.g., SQL injection, cross-site scripting) and how to prevent them.
• Experience implementing security measures like encryption, authentication, and authorization.

Accounting Software Specific Expertise:

Accounting Principles: 

• A solid understanding of fundamental accounting principles (e.g., double-entry bookkeeping, chart of accounts, financial statements).
• Knowledge of accounting standards and regulations (e.g., GAAP, IFRS).

Financial Transactions: 

• Experience handling various financial transactions, including invoices, payments, expenses, and journal entries.
• Ability to implement complex calculations and algorithms for financial reporting.

VAT/Tax Management: 

• Understanding of VAT and tax regulations, and the ability to implement them in the software.
• Experience with tax calculations, reporting, and compliance.

Bank Reconciliation: 

• Knowledge of bank reconciliation processes and the ability to integrate with bank APIs for automatic reconciliation.

Financial Reporting: 

• Experience generating financial reports (e.g., balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements).
• Ability to design and implement custom reports.

Data Integrity and Accuracy: 

• A strong focus on data integrity and accuracy, ensuring that all financial data is reliable and consistent.
• Experience with data validation and auditing.

Performance Optimization: 

• Accounting software can handle large amounts of data, the developer must be able to create systems that can handle that load effeciently.

Security for Financial Data: 

• Financial data is highly sensitive. The developer must be well versed in security best practices, and the legal requirements around financial data.

Soft Skills:

• Problem-solving: Ability to analyze complex problems and develop effective solutions.
• Communication: Clear and concise communication with team members, stakeholders, and clients.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Attention to detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in financial data.
• Domain knowledge acquisition: Ability to quickly learn and understand accounting concepts and regulations.