Accounting technician
Accounting technicians work in all areas of finance and business. They usually start working in a support role within a firm of accountants or in the accounts or finance departments of organisations. They may be employed in industry, commerce or the public sector. Those with more experience may become self-employed, providing a variety of accountancy and taxation services to a range of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In many larger organisations, accounting technicians work alongside members of chartered accountancy bodies. In smaller organisations, they may be the only financially trained member of staff.
Depending on the route taken, qualification and subsequent work experience, an accounting technician may undertake a range of roles.
Specific activities vary according to the role, but common tasks include:
Different financial sectors require specialist knowledge. This may determine which areas a technician chooses to specialise in. More senior positions include finance manager, budget controller and internal auditor, with each role requiring particular knowledge and experience.
Self-employed accounting technicians provide a range of accountancy services to businesses. These tend to be in a specialist area of accounting and may include:
Salary figures are intended as a guide only.
There are no specific minimum entry requirements to train to be an accounting technician, although a reasonable level of literacy and numeracy is essential.
Usual entry involves on-the-job training while studying part time or via distance learning. You may qualify as an accounting technician through schemes run by either the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) .
The AAT Accounting Qualification is split into three levels:
If you already have an accounting qualification, a degree or significant work experience you may be eligible to start at a higher level. Check with the AAT and the other accounting bodies for more information about the validity of your qualifications.
To gain technician status, you must also complete at least one year’s work experience. You will then be able to apply for full AAT membership and use the letters MAAT after your name.
The CAT (Certified Accounting Technician) scheme, offered by the ACCA, is a route that combines study and practical experience. The scheme involves studying for nine papers and completing a professionalism and ethics module called Foundations in Professionalism, as well as completing a year’s work experience in an accountancy environment. See the ACCA website for further details.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Both the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Accounting Qualification and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) qualification require evidence of practical skills. Technicians may also use voluntary work or hobbies, such as being the treasurer for a local society, as examples of work experience.
Most accounting technicians receive on-the-job training. Procedures and software packages vary depending on the sector, the company and the area in which you are working. Employees are recognising the need for continuing professional development (CPD) in their career plans, and employers are increasingly aware of this. Many employers are prepared to offer some form of support to employees in order to enable them to update and improve their skills and knowledge.
Support from employers takes many forms and may include payment of college fees or time off for study, either by attending a day release course or being granted study leave. The AAT has an Accredited Employer's scheme, which recognises organisations that have shown commitment to AAT training.
Accounting technicians may progress to positions such as finance controller, audit senior, tax analyst, internal auditor or payroll manager.
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Accounting Qualification is a recognised qualification in its own right. Although some accounting technicians with the AAT qualification manage to reach senior levels, many see it as a stepping stone to further professional qualifications.
Five major accountancy training organisations offer exemptions from some of their modules/examinations to qualified accounting technicians (see their websites for further details):
Evidence of practical experience is usually needed to apply for further training.
The AAT's fast-track route allows faster progression to chartered accountant status for non-graduates and school leavers. See the AAT website for details.
Accounting technicians work in a variety of organisations throughout all sectors of business, industry and commerce. Many begin their training in firms of chartered or certified accountants. It may be possible to move employers during training. Employers often ask for either part or fully qualified accounting technicians.
Typical employers include:
Alternatively, there is the option to become self-employed. The number of members of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) who work on a freelance basis is increasing. Freelance accounting technicians provide specialist services to a range of businesses.
Professional bodies may also provide useful links to vacancy websites. Some produce monthly magazines that provide useful sector information and vacancies.
Specialist recruitment agencies handle temporary and permanent vacancies. See the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) website for details of relevant agencies.
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