Accounting Technician

Also known as:

Finance Technician

Introduction

Accounting technicians assist professional accountants by collecting, checking and analysing financial information on their behalf. They can work in either the public or private sector.

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Work Activities

In some organisations accounting technicians may also be known as audit assistants, payroll supervisors or accounts managers. Accounting technicians assist professional accountants by collecting, checking and analysing financial information. They also deal with invoices and pay bills and salaries.

Technicians in private practice help to prepare and audit accounts by examining a client's records, books and systems. They closely check certain aspects of accounts, such as expense claims, cash receipts or stock records to find out whether or not accounts are being properly maintained.

Accounting technicians may examine a specific area of accounts, such as tax returns, to help the accountant advise a company on its future revenue policy. They may also compile figures, statistics and statements of accounts to assist an accountant with their work.

Accounting technicians in industry and commerce work for one particular company compiling financial accounts, carrying out internal audits, credit control, costings and budgeting. In a small company, a technician may be in sole charge of the day-to-day accounts. In a larger organisation, teams of technicians are likely to specialise in one aspect of accounts work.

Accountancy technicians in public finance work for a local authority or other type of public body. They check public accounts and financial records, collect debts, calculate and pay salaries and collect financial information for management teams.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As an accounting technician you must work accurately and methodically with figures. You must be able to compile and analyse complex information. You should have good spoken and written communication skills as you will have to write, and perhaps present, reports.

You need good computer skills. You should be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.

Experienced technicians are expected to show initiative and may be in charge of a team of junior technicians and clerical staff.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for accounting technicians vary, depending on the employer, role and responsibilities.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Starting salaries for trainees are in the range of £11,000 - £14,000 a year. Qualified accounting technicians earn in the range of £15,000 - £20,000, rising to around £25,000 - £30,000 a year.

Technicians usually work 35-40 hours Monday to Friday. However, they may need to work late or at weekends at peak times - at the end of the financial year, for example.

There is an increasing demand for accountancy technicians and jobs exist throughout the UK, particularly in cities and larger towns.

Employers in the private sector are accountancy practices and firms engaged in industry and commerce.

In the public sector, employers are local and central government departments, state-owned industries, the National Health Service (NHS), charities, and public utilities (water, gas and electricity).

Self-employment is also possible for qualified technicians.

Many employers offer study packages leading to technician and professional qualification.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Association of Accountancy Technicians (AAT) students can choose either a SVQ pathway or a Diploma pathway (normally for those unable to provide workplace evidence). Both routes lead to full AAT membership.

Adults with previous relevant accountancy experience can use this towards the experience requirement of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants' (ACCA) Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) scheme. Those with relevant accountancy skills may claim exemption from the Introductory Level exams.

Many colleges of further education are accredited to offer accounting technician courses at all levels on a part-time basis, either during the day, in the evening or at weekends. There is also a wide range of private training providers who offer AAT and CAT courses.

Modern Apprenticeships leading to SVQ levels 2 and 3 may be available in some areas.

Distance learning is available for all levels of the AAT and CAT schemes, and CAT students can study online via a virtual campus.

• 5% of people in occupations such as accounting technician are self-employed.
• 16% work part-time.
• 21% have flexible hours.
• 4% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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