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- Provide day-to-day accounting support to businesses
- Work with numbers, computers and specialist IT packages
- Progress to a career as a qualified accountant
You could work as an accounting technician for a wide range of companies or in the public sector.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- 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 computerised accounting systems
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll most likely work in an office.
You'll need
There are no set entry requirements, but you'll usually need up to 5 GCSEs including maths and English.
A levels in business studies, maths or economics, and work experience in accounts or finance may also be helpful.
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.
Relevant options include a Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting accredited by the AAT or a Foundations in Accountancy course accredited by the ACCA.
You could also get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship as an assistant accountant or a higher apprenticeship as a professional accounting / taxation technician.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could take on more complex tasks like preparing financial reports helping to plan budgets and supporting qualified accountants with accounts inspections (audits).
You could also move into management or become self-employed and work on accounts for small businesses. You could also study to become a qualified accountant. AAT and ACCA qualifications are recognised across the world, so you could work overseas.