Accounting technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

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

Entry requirements:

College

There is no set entry routes to become an accounting technician.

It may be useful to do a qualification like:

• Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting accredited by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
• Foundations in Accountancy accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• T Level in Accounting

Entry requirements:

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

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

• accounts or finance assistant intermediate apprenticeship
• assistant accountant advanced apprenticeship
• professional accounting or taxation technician higher apprenticeship

Entry requirements:

• 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

Work

You could start as an accounts clerk or bookkeeper while you study to become an accounting technician.

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

DirectApplication

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

Employers are likely to 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 could also be useful.

Previous experience of office work or working in an accounts or finance department would be helpful. Experience of using accounting software or spreadsheets could also give you an advantage when looking for work.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• administration skills
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be flexible and open to change
• maths knowledge
• excellent verbal communication skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• knowledge of economics and accounting
• knowledge of English language
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Accounting technicians handle day-to-day money and finance tasks for all types of business.

On a typical day you could:

• process and pay invoices
• record receipts and payments
• prepare and check ledger balances and other monthly accounts
• complete and submit tax returns, VAT returns and National Insurance contributions
• handle company expenses
• update computer accounting systems

Location : You could work in an office, remotely or visit sites.
Uniform : You may need to wear smart business clothes.

Salary:

Starter : £17,000
Experienced : £34,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• become a manager
• become self-employed
• work on accounts for small businesses
• study to become a qualified accountant

AAT and ACCA qualifications are recognised across the world, so you could also work in different countries.