Accounting technician

Accounting technician job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Accounting technicians carry out a range of practical accounting tasks, working toward the collation, checking and analysis of financial information. Typical responsibilities include:

• administering payrolls;
• auditing internal and external accounts;
• controlling income and expenditure budgets;
• liaising with managerial staff, colleagues and clients;
• arranging payments for invoices;
• undertaking financial administration;
• calculating end of year accounts;
• monitoring financial transactions;
• book-keeping;
• preparing accounts, reports, budgets, commentaries and financial statements;
• ensuring compliance with taxation legislation.

Although they often work with and assist chartered accountants, many provide independent accounting services. Qualification as an accounting technician may be a good route toward chartered accountancy if you have trouble finding a place on an appropriate graduate scheme, or if you would prefer to take a more vocational route.

Vacancies for accounting technicians are advertised through major professional bodies, in TARGETjobs City & Finance, and in Accounting Technician magazine.

Typical employers of accounting technicians

Accounting technicians can be employed by almost every type of business you can think of, including:

• Charities
• Banks
• Building societies
• Insurance companies
• Utilities
• The NHS
• Local/health authorities
• Media/retail companies
• Industrial organisations
• Manufacturing/engineering firms.

Qualifications and training required

There are two vocational qualification routes - the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Accounting qualification, and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certified Accounting Technician qualification (CAT). Many technicians train while on the job via part-time study or distance learning.

The ATT qualification comprises three levels (foundation, intermediate and technician) that combine formal examination with vocational experience. Each level takes approximately one year to complete, however, the use of computer based assessments and flexibile study options (full-time, part-time or distance learning) means that students can progress through the course at their own pace, rather than according to a strict exam schedule. Students start at the level appropriate to their prior knowledge, study and experience; for graduates, this is often at technician level. The AAT website has an online test that indicates the suitable starting level. Completion of the qualification allows accounting technicians to apply for membership of the AAT (MAAT), which indicates professional expertise and a commitment to maintaining it.

CAT status is awarded by ACCA upon completing one year of relevant supervised work experience, and demonstrating a level of professional competency based upon this. Unless students actively choose to opt out, they are automatically transferred to the ACCA qualification register upon gaining CAT status. This avoids the need for further forms and fees involved in continuing accountancy education.

Whether pursuing the AAT or CAT qualification, prior knowledge or experience of accounting and maths is useful but not essential. While exemptions from parts of these qualifications may be granted according to previous knowledge or study, they in turn offer exemptions from certain university degrees in finance and accounting courses. Both qualifications are widely recognised by employers and professional bodies, and are often used as an alternative route to qualifying as a chartered accountant (CA). The experience gained at CAT level may be counted toward ACCA's work experience requirement for CA qualification.

Key skills for accounting technicians

Employers look for evidence of:

• A thorough, methodical approach;
• Abilty in and confidence with maths;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Excellent commercial sense;
• Good IT skills, particularly in the use of spreadsheets;
• Self-motivation;
• The ability to work as part of a team.

An understanding of business practices gained through work experience may be helpful.

Related careers to explore

• Certified accountant
• Chartered accountant
• Chartered public finance accountant
• Chartered tax accountant
• Actuary
• Tax adviser
• Company secretary