Accounting technician

Accounting technicians handle day-to-day money and finance tasks for all types of business.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

On a typical day you could:

  • process and pay invoices
  • record receipts and payments
  • prepare and check ledger balances and other monthly accounts
  • complete and submit tax returns, VAT returns and National Insurance contributions
  • handle company expenses
  • update computer accounting systems

Working environment

You could work in an office, remotely or visit sites.

You may need to wear smart business clothes.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • become a manager
  • become self-employed
  • work on accounts for small businesses
  • study to become a qualified accountant

AAT and ACCA qualifications are recognised across the world, so you could also work in different countries.

What it takes

Skills and 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

How to become

You can get into this job through:

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

There is no set entry routes to become an accounting technician.

It may be useful to do a qualification like:

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

  • accounts or finance assistant intermediate apprenticeship
  • assistant accountant advanced apprenticeship
  • professional accounting technician or professional taxation technician higher apprenticeship

Entry requirements

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

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 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

More Information

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.

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 5 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.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in accountancy from the:

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