Career Suggestion

Accounting technician

Accounting technicians support financial operations by preparing accounts, filing tax returns, and balancing payments and receipts.

Average salary (a year)

£24000.0 to £35000.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

37.0 to 39.0

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

There are several courses you could take to become a trainee accounting technician, such as:

  • accounting
  • bookkeeping and accountancy
  • T Level in Accounting

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

  • funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
  • guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
  • search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:

  • Accounts or Finance Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Assistant Accountant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Professional Accounting Technician or Professional Taxation Technician, Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could start with an organisation as an accounts clerk or bookkeeper. You could then do training while you work to become an accounting technician.

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) have information on accounting courses.

Direct Application

You can apply directly to employers if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this role.

Employers will look for up to 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths. A level business studies, maths, economics or equivalent qualifications can also be useful.

Previous experience of office work or working in an accounts or finance department will be helpful.

More Information

Career Tips

Experience of using accounting software and spreadsheets could help when looking for work.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Association of Accounting Technicians for professional development opportunities.

Further Information

You can find out more about careers in accountancy from the:

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of economics and accounting
  • administration skills
  • customer service skills
  • maths knowledge
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Day-to-day tasks

As an accounting technician, you could:

  • process and pay invoices
  • record receipts and payments
  • collect data and figures for management reports
  • prepare and check ledger balances and other monthly accounts
  • calculate tax and VAT returns and National Insurance contributions
  • help to prepare financial statements and year end accounts
  • monitor company expenses
  • update records on computer accounting systems
  • deal with ad hoc requests from clients

Working environment

You could work in an office, remotely or visit sites.

You may need to wear smart business clothes.

As a qualified accounting technician, you can find work in all parts of the economy in the public and private sector.

With experience, you could:

  • become a payroll or finance manager
  • be self-employed
  • study to become a qualified accountant
  • move into auditing or taxation work

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