Responsibilities of an Accounting Technician
Accounting technicians maintain accurate financial accounts for a variety of businesses. They also provide needed assistance to qualified accountants. General duties of this job include:
- Processing and paying invoices.
- Documenting payments and receipts.
- Preparing and reviewing both monthly and yearly accounts.
- Preparing and submitting tax returns.
- Overseeing company expenses.
- Utilizing computerized accounting systems.
Larger companies will hire accounting technicians to work as part of an accounts team, while smaller companies typically hire only one person to be responsible for financial concerns. Experienced accounting technicians may have more difficult job responsibilities such as:
- Composing financial reports.
- Planning and controlling budgets.
- Assisting accountants with audits.
Salary and Schedule Expectations
The starting salaries for entry-level and intermediate level accountants are typically around £14,000 to £18,000 a year. Qualified technicians generally make up to £25,000 a year. Accounting technicians who are full-time employees usually work standard office hours Monday through Friday.
Part-time and temporary positions are also available. Accounting technicians mainly work in an office environment, but they will be required to travel to businesses if they are helping accountants with audits.
Skills and Qualifications Required
The skills needed to be successful at this type of job include:
- Exceptional numerical and math skills.
- Good communication skills.
- Well organized.
- Great problem solving skills.
- Detail-oriented.
- Honesty
- Able to meet strict deadlines.
It would also be beneficial to have previous office work experience. A great way to acquire experience is to work a temporary position that will possibly lead to a permanent job.
Possessing computer skills is also essential to this type of work. Knowledge of spreadsheet and database software such as Microsoft Excel and Access is especially important.
Some employers prefer their potential employees to have a least four GCSEs (A-C). Entry-level workers often start as an accounts clerk where they are responsible for basic accounting duties. To qualify as an accounting technician, acquiring work-based training or taking a part-time college course is recommended. This job can also be obtained through an Apprenticeship.
Further Training
Training for this profession is generally a mixture of both learning on the job and studying for qualifications from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) or the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA).
If a person is already working in accounting, they can take work-based training to earn NVQs in accounting. If a person is not yet employed in an accounting role, they can earn their AAT Accounting Qualification.
To become qualified by the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, (ACCA) the person is required to pass exams at three levels and obtain at least a year of accounting experience.
Not sure what area of finance you want to work in then read our auditor career guide where we tell you what that job is all about and how you study and become qualified.