Tell me about it
Accounting technicians work at all levels of finance and in all industries, from accounts staff to financial controllers. In a small company, they may be the only trained and qualified employee looking after the financial records, invoices and wages. In a larger company, they may be working as part of a team alongside chartered accountants and administrative staff, and they would report to an accounting manager.

The work can be similar to that of an accountant. For many, working as an accounting technician is a practical introduction to accounting. It can provide a stepping stone while studying towards a qualification as a chartered accountant.

As a broad rule, accounting technicians are more likely to be involved with the detailed, practical applications of day-to-day accounting issues than with the wider areas of financial management dealt with by professionally qualified accountants.

Entry level
Accountancy technicians do not need formal academic qualifications, but employers often ask for a good standard of English and maths. You can improve your earning potential and career development by taking professional accountancy qualifications.

Many employers accept older recruits. The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) training schemes welcome applications from adult entrants and no previous qualifications are required. In fact, 20% of students enrolled with AAT are aged over 40. They train in exactly the same way as people who start straight from school or college.

The AAT offers an accounting qualification based on an occupational training scheme, recognising work abilities as well as exam results. Many universities recognise the AAT qualification and it may exempt you from parts of an accountancy degree course. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland (ICAS) and AAT have teamed up to run a joint venture which promotes the role of accounting technicians in Scotland. AAT also offers NVQ/SVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Payroll Administration, a diploma in government finance, and an ABC book-keeping certificate.

The ACCA Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) qualification is internationally recognised and takes approximately one year to complete.

A number of awarding bodies offer NVQ training in Accountancy at Levels 2, 3 and 4.

Making the grade
There are many opportunities for career progression. In many small to medium-sized companies, accounting technicians are the only trained financial staff, and they have major responsibilities. They may have to work with senior managers, reporting on how the business is performing and suggesting ways to improve profitability and performance. Some accounting technicians also become self-employed, providing book-keeping and advisory support to smaller organisations.

Personal qualities
As an accounting technician, you should be confident about working with numbers, have good IT skills and be able to communicate and convey information clearly.

You must inspire trust and be discreet and tactful when handling confidential information. You would have to be extremely accurate in your work, while keeping to tight deadlines.

Looking ahead
There is a growing demand for accounting technicians in all areas, including accounting practice, commerce and industry, and the public sector. There are good career opportunities, in all parts of the UK, in commercial companies, accountancy practices, local and central government, the NHS, shops, hotels, charities and voluntary organisations.

Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include training as a banking executive, bookkeeper, insurance broker or professional accountant.

Take-home pay
An accounting technician with a first level or foundation qualification earns around £14,000 to £17,000, rising to £15,000 to £18,000 when you pass the second level or technician stage. The pay for a qualified accounting technician can range from around £18,000 to £22,000 or more.

You can earn considerably more in a senior management post or if you are successful in running your own business.

Effects
Accounting technicians usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. There are often opportunities to work part time.

Sources of information
Association of Accounting Technicians: www.aat.co.uk
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants: www.accaglobal.com
Accounting Technician Online: www.accountingtechnician.co.uk
Accountancy Occupational Standards Group: www.aosg.org.uk
Association of International Accountants: www.aia.org.uk
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants: www.cimaglobal.com
Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy: www.cipfa.org.uk
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales: www.icaew.co.uk/careers
Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland: www.icai.ie
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland: www.icas.org.uk
Institute of Financial Accountants: www.ifa.org.uk

CRCI: IA