Job Description

An Accounting Technician will work for a company to prepare the financial information required by the accountant or business manager to enable them to make decisions this may include assisting in preparation of accounts, processing and paying invoices, preparing ledgers, preparing tax and VAT returns, dealing with company expenses etc.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job by:

College

There is no set entry route to become an accounting technician but it may be useful to do a relevant qualification like:

Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting accredited by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
Foundations in Accountancy accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Entry requirements will vary for these courses. There will also be a cost for the courses but bursaries are available.

If you are aged 16-18 it may be useful if you studied a relevant course like, Business Foundation Diploma Level 3 or Business Studies.

You will usually need:

4 or 5 GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course.

The following local colleges offer courses in Business:

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course. Maths, Economics and BTEC Business are desirable qualifications to consider.

Apprenticeship

You could do:

an advanced apprenticeship as an assistant accountant
a higher apprenticeship as a professional accounting / taxation technician

You will usually need:

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

Direct Application

You can apply directly to employers if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this role.

Employers are likely to look for up to five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths. A level business studies, maths, economics, or equivalent qualifications, could also be useful.

Previous experience of office work or working in an accounts or finance department would be helpful. Experience of using accounting software or spreadsheets could also give you an advantage when looking for work.

Work

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.

Career Path and Progression

With experience, you could 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.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Bookkeeper
Auditor
Credit controller
Credit manager
Farm secretary

Required Skills

Excellent maths skills
Good problem solving abilities
IT skills
Methodical and logical approach
Self-motivation
The ability to work as part of a team
Discretion and honesty

Salary Range

£18,000 to £30,000

Accounting Technician