What is an Accounting Technician and How to Pursue a Career in Accounting

An accounting technician is a professional who assists accountants and bookkeepers in preparing, examining, and analyzing financial documents. They play a crucial role in maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring compliance with accounting standards.

Accounting technicians typically work in small to medium-sized businesses, non-profit organizations, or government agencies, often reporting to an accountant or senior accounting technician. They may also work in public practice, providing services to clients.

To pursue a career as an accounting technician, one typically needs a post-secondary certificate or diploma in accounting or a related field. In Canada, for example, the Canadian Institute of Bookkeeping (CIB) offers a Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation, which is a nationally recognized credential.

As an accounting technician, you'll need to possess a range of key skills to excel in the role. Strong attention to detail and accuracy in financial record-keeping is essential, as well as proficiency in using accounting software and MS Excel.

To achieve this, you'll need to develop analytical skills to interpret financial data and identify discrepancies or trends. Good communication and interpersonal skills are also crucial to work effectively with the finance team and other stakeholders.

Proficiency in using MS Office Suite, particularly Excel for financial analysis and reporting, is also a must. Strong numerical aptitude and ability to work with complex financial calculations are also required.

In terms of education, you don't need a degree to become an accounting technician. Employers typically look for up to five GCSEs, including English and maths.

Here are some key skills required for an accounting technician role:

You'll also need to be able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information, as well as have the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Self-motivation and the ability to use your initiative are also essential, as well as the capacity to understand complex information and problem solve. Discretion and honesty when handling confidential information are also must-haves.

An accounting technician plays a crucial role in supporting the financial operations of a company, working closely with the finance team to manage the company's financial activities. Their responsibilities are varied and essential to maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records.

Accounting technicians are responsible for tasks such as recording financial transactions, reconciling bank statements, and preparing financial reports. They also assist with budget preparation, support in audit and tax compliance, and maintain fixed asset registers.

Their duties may include gathering, checking, and analysing financial information, as well as processing and paying purchase invoices, recording receipts and payments, and preparing and checking monthly and year-end accounts. With experience, accounting technicians can move into senior roles, taking on supervisor responsibilities and more complex tasks such as preparing and monitoring financial reports.

So, you're looking for a job description that's a good fit for your skills and interests. An accounting job description typically involves supporting the financial operations of a company, and as an accounting technician, you'll play a crucial role in maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records.

The job requires attention to detail, as you'll be responsible for recording financial transactions, reconciling bank statements, and preparing financial reports. You'll also work closely with the finance team to gather data and provide support in budget preparation and audit compliance.

As an accounting technician, you'll have a range of responsibilities, including gathering, checking, and analysing financial information. You may be involved in tasks such as processing and paying purchase invoices, recording receipts and payments, and preparing and checking monthly and year-end accounts.

Here are some key tasks you may be responsible for as an accounting technician:

As you gain experience, you could move into a senior role, taking on supervisor responsibilities and more complex tasks, such as preparing and monitoring financial reports, preparing forecasts of income and expenditure, and planning and budget control.

Having relevant work experience is a must for a career in accountancy. Experience in an office, accounts, or finance environment is particularly useful, especially if you've used spreadsheets or accounting software.

Voluntary work or hobbies, such as being the treasurer for a university society, can also count towards your work experience. Look out for work placement opportunities, usually advertised by larger accountancy firms, that take place during the holidays.

You can also contact smaller accountancy firms directly to ask about possibilities for work placements or work shadowing.

As an accounting technician, you'll have plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and advance in your career. You'll usually train on the job, often through part-time study or distance learning, and companies will provide training on their software packages, policies, and procedures. Many employers encourage you to improve your skills and knowledge through CPD and may provide funding or time off to study.

Membership of a professional body, such as the AAT, is important and provides a range of benefits, including networking opportunities, discounts on events, access to CPD resources, and technical and ethical support and advice. Full membership of the AAT is open to those who have completed the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting, or have other relevant qualifications or membership.

You can choose to continue studying to become a chartered accountant, and gain exemptions from some of the exams from all the UK chartered and certified bodies, such as ACCA, AICPA-CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW, and ICAS.

Here are some potential career paths for accounting technicians:

As you progress in your accounting technician career, it's essential to continue learning and developing your skills. You'll usually train on the job, often through part-time study or distance learning, and companies will provide training on their software packages, policies, and procedures.

Many employers encourage you to improve your skills and knowledge through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and may provide funding or time off to study. This is a great opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge in a specific area of accounting.

Membership of a professional body, such as the AAT, is important and provides a range of benefits, including networking opportunities, discounts on events, access to a wide range of CPD resources, and technical and ethical support and advice.

To become a full member of the AAT, you'll need to have completed the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting or have other relevant qualifications or membership. This professional status shows that you have a high level of experience and are committed to ongoing CPD.

Here are the different levels of membership with the AAT:

Continuing your education is also a great way to advance your career, and you can choose to continue studying to become a chartered accountant. You can gain exemptions from some of the exams from all the UK chartered and certified bodies, such as ACCA, AICPA-CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW, and ICAS.

Salary is a crucial aspect to consider when pursuing a career as an accounting technician. Salaries for trainee accounting technicians typically range from £18,000 to £22,000.

With experience and qualifications, you can earn up to £35,000, and senior roles may offer even more. Additional benefits like pensions, health insurance, and bonuses can also be part of the package.

Salaries vary depending on factors such as the sector, employer, location, experience, and professional qualifications. If you're considering a career in accounting, keep in mind that salaries are highest in London and the South East, while the lowest are found in the North East and Wales, according to the AAT Member Salary Survey (2023).

Here's a rough idea of what you can expect in terms of salary progression:

Remember, these figures are just a guide, and actual salaries may vary.