What is an Accounting Technician?
An Accounting Technician implements activities in the domains of accountancy, finance, and taxation in order to assist accountants in their work. An Accounting Technician may operate under the direction of an accountant and is in charge of updating, inspecting, and analysing financial records so that accountants may use them.
Accounting Technicians (ATs) or mid-tier accountants are frequently viewed as a critical link in the financial reporting ecosystem. Accounting Technicians often provide cost-effective services to organisations and perform essential support roles to professional accountants through the analysis and production of financial information at an operational level.
Accounting Technicians work in both the private and public sectors, performing accounting tasks ranging from organising payroll and bookkeeping to preparing a variety of reports in positions such as credit control officer or account clerk; all with the goal of ensuring financial information is collated, checked, and analysed efficiently and to standard. Along with their support duties, many Accounting Technicians also provide independent accounting services. Accountancy technicians possess great numerical, organisational, and interpersonal abilities.
Responsibilities
An Accounting Technician can handle a wide range of tasks. Some of the most important responsibilities of an Accounting Technician include:
- Adding financial data to reports and records.
- Examining and analysing financial information used by accountants.
- Keeping track of money received and spent, as well as budgeting.
- Arranging payment of invoices.
- Preparing financial information required by professional accountants.
- Implementing various administrative tasks, like organising payrolls.
- Assisting in the preparation of budgets, accounts, and other financial statements.
- Updating computer records with financial data
Salary
The average salary for an Accounting Technician in the UK ranges from £17,000 for entry-level positions to £34,000 for more senior positions.
Salaries vary depending on the company and the industry. There are geographical differences, with greater wages in southern England, notably in London. The annual income for an Accounting Technician in London is expected to be £33,853, ranging from £24,000 to £47,000.
Working hours and work location
Accounting Technicians work in offices and, for the most part, work regular weekday hours, 37 to 39 hours per week. Accounting Technicians work in a variety of settings, including:
- Accounting companies
- Charities
- Educational institutions
- Health organisations
- Manufacturers
- Service industries
- Local government
- Public utilities
- Retail companies
- Insurance companies
- Banks and building societies
- Media
- Small to medium-sized enterprises
What to expect
When hiring an Accounting Technician, most businesses will seek someone who is confident and skilled with figures, as well as someone who has solid computer abilities. The ability to meet deadlines and have excellent writing and verbal communication skills are also required. Accounting Technicians must have problem-solving and analytical abilities, as well as precision and attention to detail. Employers will also value honesty and discretion, and they will anticipate strong organisational abilities. During their workday, Accounting Technicians can assist in the recording of revenues and investments, the preparation of bank reconciliations, and the processing of client bills and accounts receivable.
Accounting Technicians work for a variety of firms and organisations, but they may also work for themselves, assisting customers with a variety of accounting chores such as preparing end-of-year accounts, counselling on financial choices, and advising on cost-cutting strategies. Accounting Technicians may be supervised by a certified public accountant. In large organisations, duties are often divided among several employees with different titles, such as payroll clerk or cost clerk.
Qualifications
Technically, to work as an Accounting Technician, you do not need to have any formal schooling. Although computer skills are a plus and aspiring Accounting Technicians may benefit from taking maths and accounting classes, it is feasible to start this sector with high school education and learn through on-the-job training. In reality, employers usually demand some degree of a college education. Candidates with an undergraduate degree or a master’s, on the other hand, may find it easier to demonstrate their vocational qualifications and get the best jobs in this field.
Some of the relevant fields of study for Accounting Technicians include:
After earning their position, Accounting Technicians frequently undergo substantial on-the-job training. This equips them with all of the skills and information they need to accomplish their daily duties. There are a number of courses available for aspiring Accounting Technicians. Two of the most relevant include:
- AAT- The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is a premier accounting organisation for accountants. Anyone with no prior accounting experience can begin their career with the AAT qualification.
- ACCA– The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a worldwide recognized accounting qualification that gives students and professionals a good basis for jobs in accounting, tax consulting, auditing, business valuation, and Treasury management, among other fields.
Because AAT and ACCA degrees are internationally recognized, these certificates will provide you with the opportunity to work in a variety of countries.
Skills
Some of the key skills that employers seek from Accounting Technicians include:
- Excellent commercial sense
- Interest in business and finance
- Confidence when handling numerical data
- A thorough, methodical, and logical approach to work
- Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Good IT skills, particularly in the use of spreadsheets
- Self-motivation
- Capacity to understand complex information and problem solve
- Ability to work in a team
- Language skills
Work experience
In addition to formal education, an apprenticeship is a great way to get the opportunity to be hands-on and gain the necessary experience to advance in your career as an Accounting Technician.
With substantial experience as an Accounting Technician, you could be able to:
- Work as a manager
- Work as a self-employed accountant
- Work on small business accounts
- Study to become a qualified accountant
As an example of job experience, you might utilise volunteer work or interests, such as becoming the treasurer for a university group. You might also call accounting businesses to inquire about suitable pre-entry job experience that you could perform on your holidays. In order to get the opportunity to gain the experience, you should Inquire about any opportunities for job placements or shadowing.
Career prospects
The majority of professionals in this field begin their careers as finance assistants. You might be part of a large team or the single financial expert on staff at a small business. Alternatively, you may want to pursue a career as an independent Accounting Technician. Independent accountancy services as an Accounting Technician can help you diversify your professional portfolio. As an independent Accounting Technician, you can implement more difficult tasks like consulting and advice.
- Legal and accounting
- Office administration
- Financial services
- Head offices
- Wholesale trade
- Public administration and defence
- Specialised construction
- Construction
- Food and beverage services
Related Courses
The one-year full-time program at the University of the West of Scotland will provide you with the executive training you need to launch a career in accounting or finance. Because the London Campus is located in London’s financial area, it gives you a unique perspective on UK business and gives you an advantage in the lucrative employment opportunities available in the city.
Other related courses
This programme is taught by the University of the West of Scotland at the London Campus, which means you will be studying in the heart of the UK IT and finance sector. This one-year, full-time program is designed for students with no prior experience in IT or computers. The course will assist you in gaining much-needed business and accounting relevant IT knowledge and talents.
The University of West Scotland’s one-year full-time programme will equip you with the executive training you need to kick-start your career in project management and provide you with a solid base for a career in accounting. This program is available at UWS’ London Campus, which is located in the heart of London’s economic district.
The University of the West of Scotland in London provides a one-year foundation degree that will prepare you for undergraduate courses and lay the groundwork for a business or accounting related career. This course will introduce you to current research sources as well as practical case studies. Students will learn about important business courses while also improving their English language and study skills. With the knowledge obtained through the Business Foundation Programme, you will be well equipped to go to the undergraduate level with confidence.
This one-year, full-time program offered by the University of the West of Scotland London at their London campus is intended for those with relevant academic or professional experience who wish to pursue a career in accounting-related fields or finance. Students benefit from the course by improving their critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical, and research skills. As a consequence, upon completion of the program, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and advanced skills required to establish careers in sales, finance, or finance-related sectors
FAQ Summary
An Accounting Technician implements activities in the domains of accountancy, finance, and taxation in order to assist accountants in their work. An Accounting Technician may operate under the direction of an accountant and is in charge of updating, inspecting, and analysing financial records so that accountants may use them.
The average salary for an Accounting Technician in the UK ranges from £17,000 for entry-level positions to £34,000 for more senior positions. Salaries vary depending on the company and the industry. There are geographical differences, with greater wages in southern England, notably in London. The annual income for an Accounting Technician in London is expected to be £33,853, ranging from £24,000 to £47,000.
Technically, to work as an Accounting Technician, you do not need to have any formal schooling.
Although computer skills are a plus and aspiring Accounting Technicians may benefit from taking maths and accounting classes, it is feasible to start this sector with high school education and learn through on-the-job training.
