Some people think that working in finance is boring - not so. We ask what does an accounting technician do?
Accounting technicians deal with day-to-day financial matters. How complex the work is and how much responsibility you are given will depend on your skills and experience.
What does an accounting technician do?
Accounting technicians are office-based and work normal office hours unless there is an important end of month processing activity that needs completing. You’ll be completing things like tax and VAT returns, preparing monthly accounts and ledger balances and recording and processing payments and invoices.
What qualifications do I need to be an accounting technician?
GCSEs
You’ll need five GCSEs, including maths and English at grade 9 – 4.
A-levels
If you’re studying A-levels, then maths, economics or business would all be good subjects.
Vocational Level 3 courses
If you are going to study for a vocational qualification, then business studies would be good.
Apprenticeships
There is an apprenticeship route into this job. Employers will normally ask for five GCSEs for this too, including maths and English at grade 9 – 4. If you don’t have these GCSEs, you will be given the opportunity to gain them whilst doing your apprenticeship.
Professional accounting qualifications
There are several well recognised professional qualifications at different levels, including AAT and ACCA accounting qualifications. These are specifically for accounting, employers value them and they are recognised all over the world.
What work skills do I need?
You’ll obviously need an ability in maths and the handling of numerical data. You’ll also need to have problem-solving skills, IT skills and an interest in business and finance.
If you want to find out about other finance and accountancy career options, including stockbroking, forensic accounting and retail banking – read our Four Finance and Accountancy Careers article.