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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 |
