Accounting Technician

The Job and What's Involved

Accounting technicians are responsible for collecting, checking and analysing financial information. The precise nature of their work depends on the size and type of organisation that employs them, but may include some of the following:

• 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)
• Controlling budgets.
• Writing reports.

Technicians who work for a small company generally carry out a range of tasks. They may be the only employee trained and qualified to look after financial records, invoices and wages. In a larger company, they are likely to be part of a team that includes chartered accountants, other accounting technicians and general administrators. In this case they are likely to specialise in a particular area, such as audit or tax.

Accounting technicians use computers for most of their work. They work with spreadsheets, databases and word processing software. Increasingly, accounting technicians are also responsible for identifying how a company can improve its profits and reduce costs.

Accounting technicians usually work from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. They may have to work beyond these hours during busy times or to meet deadlines. There are opportunities for part-time work and job sharing.

Many organisations offer flexible working hours.

Most technicians are office based, although they may spend some time visiting clients. Smart dress is usually expected.

Starting salaries may be between £11,500 and £18,000 a year.

Getting Started with this Career Choice

Accounting technicians are employed throughout the UK in a wide variety of organisations, ranging from large multinational accountancy firms to small, local companies. Employers include:

Commercial and industrial companies.

• Accountancy practices.
• The Civil Service.
• Local government.
• The National Health Service.
• Utility companies.
• Shops and hotels.
• Media organisations.
• Charities and voluntary organisations.

The number of accounting technicians is increasing.

Vacancies are advertised in local and national newspapers, and in the journals of the main accounting professional bodies. They are also advertised on the websites of specialist recruitment agencies.

Education and Training

There are no set entry requirements for this work, although employers may ask for some GCSE's/S grades (A-C/1-3), including English and maths.

It is possible to study accounting, finance or business to prepare for work as an accounting technician.

A Few More Exams You Might Need

Useful courses include A levels/H grades, BTEC first and national qualifications, SQA national qualifications and BTEC/SQA higher qualifications.

Some people enter accounting having first studied the Association of Accounting Technicians' (AAT) Diploma pathway. There are three stages to the pathway - the Certificate in Accounting, Advanced Certificate in Accounting and Diploma in Accounting. Many centres offer courses leading to these qualifications. Study can be full time, part time or by distance learning and no previous qualifications are required.

It is also possible to prepare for entry to this work by studying for the Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) qualification offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The qualification has three levels - introductory, intermediate and advanced. Study can be full time, part time or by distance learning and no previous qualifications are required.

Some people enter this work through an Apprenticeship training scheme.

Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships provide structured training with an employer. As an apprentice you must be paid at least £95 per week; you may well be paid more. A recent survey found that the average wage for apprentices was £170 a week. Your pay will depend on the sector in which you work, your age, the area where you live and the stage at which you have arrived in the Apprenticeship.

Entry to Employment (e2e) can help to prepare those who are not yet ready for an Apprenticeship. In addition, Young Apprenticeships may be available for 14- to 16-year-olds. More information is available from a Connexions personal adviser or at www.apprenticeships.org.uk.

There are different arrangements for Apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For further information contact Careers Scotland www.careers-scotland.org.uk, Careers Wales www.careerswales.com or Careers Service Northern Ireland www.careersserviceni.com.

On starting work, technicians are trained on the job by their employer. They may also study for an accounting technician qualification.

Many study for qualifications offered by the AAT, which offers a three-stage route that leads to an NVQ/SVQ in Accounting at Levels 2, 3 and 4. Study may be by distance learning or by part-time attendance at one of many centres throughout the UK. Each of the three stages takes around a year to complete. Technicians may also qualify through the AAT Diploma route.

Students who have achieved the Diploma or NVQ/SVQ Level 4 are awarded the AAT Accounting Qualification.

They then need a full year's relevant experience and a professional reference to become full members of the AAT.

There are other AAT qualifications that technicians may work for, depending on their job role. They include NVQ's/SVQ's in Payroll Administration at Levels 2 and 3, and the Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping.

Alternatively, technicians may study for ACCA's CAT qualification. Students who have achieved the CAT qualification, either before or after entry to accounting work, must have one year's relevant practical experience in the workplace to achieve full CAT status.