I am seeking employment that will offer better remuneration. Let’s cut straight to the point. I am not implying that I intend to engage in criminal activities. On the contrary, I am interested in working with financial records, credit control, and other money-related tasks. It seems like it’s calling for accountancy, doesn’t it?
However, I find the amount of training and education daunting to undertake. Why not try becoming an accounting technician?
What exactly is an accounting technician? An accounting technician’s work is somewhat similar to that of an accountant, although there are parts of the job that an accounting technician is not authorized to perform, such as providing high-level financial advice or conducting a detailed assessment of a company’s financial position.
So, what is an accounting technician’s typical role? Maintaining financial statements and explaining what the numbers signify, verifying invoices, tax returns and payrolls, ensuring that payments are processed quickly and that spending limits are followed, advising about bookkeeping, credit control, and payroll systems, serving as part of an audit group headed by an accountant, and preparing and verifying numbers, among other things.
Who is seeking accounting technicians for work? You may work for a public accounting firm or an accounting department in almost any business, whether commercial, manufacturing, municipal or central government, the National Health Service, shops and hotels, charities, and voluntary organizations.
What are the education requirements? To study as an accounting technician, you are not required to have any formal qualifications. You must be over the age of 16, have a good level of English, and a passion for mathematics. If you have an A-level in accounting or two A-levels in other subjects, or some other specified qualifications, you may be exempt from some of the training.
Where can you obtain the necessary training, and what will you receive? This kind of education is mostly on-the-job training. Two groups, the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), provide National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) for accounting technicians. Also, the AAT offers approved training programs in authorized centers and in the workplace.
And what about mature applicants? Both AAT and ACCA accept applications from older people and provide mature entrance programs. Past experience may be used as proof of competency.
Salaries? As a guideline, an accounting technician with a first-level or foundation credential earns about £11,000 a year. Those who complete the second level of instruction or the technician stage receive about £14,000 to £17,000 per year. An experienced accounting technician earns over £18,000 a year. Under managerial positions or as self-employed, accounting technicians earn significantly more.
Prospects for work? Definitely, particularly with the growing number of companies, such as schools and health facilities, committed to budget management. There are excellent opportunities for self-employment, possibly on a part-time basis for several small firms. International accounting technician qualifications are recognized, implying that you can work globally. Monty Python may have misjudged accountancy as being dull.
Where can I get more information? Association of Accounting Technicians www.aat.co.uk, The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants www.acca.org.uk, The Association of International Accountants www.aia.org.uk, The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants www.cima.org.uk, The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy www.cipfa.org.uk, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales www.icaew.co.uk, and The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland www.icas.org.uk all have additional resources.
