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Accounting technician
Accounting technicians handle day-to-day money and finance tasks for all types of business.
Average salary (a year)
£17000.0
Starter
£34000.0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 39.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
between 8am and 6pm
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role; applying directly
College
There is no set entry routes to become an accounting technician.
It may be useful to do a 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), T Level in Accounting
Entry requirements
You may need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships relevant to this role include
accounts or finance assistant intermediate apprenticeship, assistant accountant advanced apprenticeship, professional accounting or taxation technician higher apprenticeship
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
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.
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 5 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.
More Information
Further Information
You can find out more about careers in accountancy from the:Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Association of Accounting Technicians
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    The ability to work well with others
    Administration skills
    Customer service skills
    The ability to use your initiative
    To be flexible and open to change
    Maths knowledge
    Excellent verbal communication skills
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
On a typical day you could
process and pay invoices, record receipts and payments, prepare and check ledger balances and other monthly accounts, complete and submit tax returns, VAT returns and National Insurance contributions, handle company expenses, update computer accounting systems
Working environment
You could work in an office, remotely or visit sites.
You may need to wear smart business clothes.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could
become a manager, become self-employed, work on accounts for small businesses, study to become a qualified accountant
AAT and ACCA qualifications are recognised across the world, so you could also work in different countries.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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