Accounting Technician

Accounting technicians collect, check and analyse financial information. Technicians' jobs vary between organisations, but their responsibilities may include some of the following:

• maintaining and checking financial records
• receiving and settling invoices from suppliers
• monitoring company expenses
• completing and submitting company tax returns
• managing the staff payroll
• 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 wide range of tasks. In a larger company, 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.

Accounting technicians usually work normal office hours, Monday to Friday. 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.

Salaries range from £14,000 to over £35,000 a year.

An accounting technician should:

• be good with figures
• be confident using computers
• have good communication skills, both spoken and written
• be able to research and analyse information
• have an interest in finance
• enjoy detailed, methodical work.

Accounting technicians are employed throughout the UK in a wide variety of organisations.

There are no set entry requirements, although employers may ask for some GCSEs (A*-C), including English and maths. The Diploma in business, administration and finance may be useful for this work.

Some people study accounting, finance or business to prepare for work as an accounting technician. Entry to this work is also possible through an Apprenticeship, Advanced Apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship in accounting.

On starting work, technicians are trained on the job by their employer. They may also study for an accounting technician qualification. The Association of Accounting Technicians and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants both offer technician qualifications.

In smaller organisations, experienced accounting technicians may take on considerable responsibility. They may work with senior managers, reporting on how the business is performing and suggesting how to improve profits and performance.

Technicians may be able to progress to positions such as finance director, financial controller or management accountant. They may become self-employed, providing accountancy services to small organisations. Many accounting technicians study further to become chartered accountants.

Further details