Finance officer
Finance officers help to manage the finances of an organisation by keeping track of its income and controlling its spending.
Average annual salary (starting - experienced): £19,500 - £34,000
Typical hours (a week): 37 to 39
Related videos on a finance officer
How to become a finance officer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
Some employers may ask for a relevant degree in a subject like:
- finance
- accounting
- business studies
University (Entry requirements)
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You may find it useful to do a college course, which could help you get a trainee job with a financial firm. Courses inlcude:
- Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
- Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
- Level 3 Certificate in Financial Studies
College (Entry requirements)
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through an assistant accountant advanced apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Work
You could start out as a finance assistant or accounts assistant and then work your way into this role after getting experience.
Direct application
If you want to apply directly for jobs you’ll usually need GCSEs, including maths and English. A levels in maths, business studies or economics may also be useful
More info
You can find out more about careers in finance from The London Institute of Banking and Finance.
What it takes
Skills & Knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of economics and accounting
- business management skills
- maths knowledge
- analytical thinking skills
- financial management skills
- leadership skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
What you'll do
Day to day
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- recording financial transactions on computer systems
- producing financial forecasts
- dealing with payroll, invoices, expenses and VAT
- carrying out financial audits
- creating monthly, quarterly and annual budget reports
- presenting report findings to finance managers
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression
Career path & progression
With experience, you could become a senior finance officer or finance manager, or train to become an accountant.
