Finance officer
Finance officers help to manage the finances of an organisation by keeping track of its income and controlling its spending.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:
- record financial transactions on computer systems
- produce financial forecasts
- deal with payroll, invoices, expenses and VAT
- resolve payment questions for external contractors
- carry out financial audits
- create budget reports
- present reports to managers
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a senior finance officer, finance manager or train to be an accountant.
What it takes
Skills and 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 use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
Some employers may ask for a relevant degree in a subject like:
- finance
- accounting
- business studies
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
You may find it useful to do a college course, which could help you get a trainee job with a financial firm.
Courses include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
- Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
- Level 3 Certificate in Financial Studies
- T Level in Accounting
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
You can get into this job through an assistant accountant advanced 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
More Information
You could start as a finance assistant or accounts assistant and then work your way into this role after getting experience.
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.
Professional and industry bodies
You could become a member of the Walbrook Institute London.
This would give you the opportunity to make contacts and access professional development training.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in finance from Walbrook Institute London.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.