|
The financial services industry
is focused on saving, borrowing and investing.
Quite apart from the business it generates in the
UK, it is one of the country's biggest exports
and is vital to the economy.
The industry covers personal
and private banking, insurance protection and pensions,
investments, the financial markets, accountancy
and financial advice and management.
Employers usually look for a
broad range of personal skills, including being
able to work well in a team, being self-motivated,
having good communication skills, and showing an
interest in financial and business affairs.
Accounting technicians are responsible
for collecting, checking and analysing financial
information. Their work may include:
- maintaining and checking financial records
- receiving and settling invoices from suppliers
- monitoring company expenses
- completing and submitting tax returns
- managing the staff payroll
- preparing company tax returns
- recording receipts and payments
- auditing (verifying an organisation's accounts).
Technicians who work for a small
company generally carry out a range of tasks. In
a larger company they are likely to specialise
in a particular area, such as audit or tax.
Accounting technicians usually
work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. There are opportunities
for part-time work and job sharing. Many organisations
offer flexible working hours. Most are office based,
although they may also visit clients.
Salaries range from approximately £11,500
up to £45,000 a year.
An accounting technician should:
- be good with figures
- be confident using computers
- have good communication skills, both spoken
and written
- have an interest in finance
- enjoy working with people.
Accounting technicians are employed throughout
the UK in a wide variety of organisations, ranging
from large multinational accountancy firms to small,
local companies.
You can
progress to an Advanced Apprenticeship and then
move on to the Level 4 NVQ in Accounting. If
you become a Qualified Accounting Technician,
you might want to move on to become a Chartered
Accountant (ICAEW) or a Chartered Management
Accountant (CIMA). The AAT qualifications may
allow you to skip the early stages of a professional
qualification or degree.
Call us for further details on 0800 542 2848 |
