Accounting technician
Business and Finance

Related videos on an accounting technician

How to become an accounting technician

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

College

There is no set entry route to become an accounting technician but it may be useful to do a relevant 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)

College (Entry requirements)

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

College (More info)

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Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through:

• an advanced apprenticeship as an assistant accountant
• a higher apprenticeship as a professional accounting / taxation technician

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

• 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

Apprenticeship (More info)

equivalent entry requirements guide to apprenticeships

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 five 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 info

You can find out more about careers in accountancy from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

What it takes

Skills & 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
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you'll do

Day to day

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• processing and paying invoices
• recording receipts and payments
• preparing and checking ledger balances and other monthly accounts
• completing and submitting tax returns, VAT returns and National Insurance contributions
• handling company expenses
• updating computerised accounting systems

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience, you could move into management or become self-employed and work on accounts for small businesses. You could also study to become a qualified accountant. AAT and ACCA qualifications are recognised across the world, so you could work overseas.