There are seemingly endless roles in the business world, and it can be tricky getting your head around them all. Yet another one of those roles that seem to keep popping up is that of an accounting technician, so what does it mean?
An accounting technician is a professional who supports the work of accountants and finance managers. They perform a range of duties, including bookkeeping, data entry, preparing financial statements, and assisting with audits.
How do you become an accounting technician?
In the UK, one of the first steps to becoming an accounting technician typically involves getting a relevant qualification, often by taking AAT accountancy courses, a qualification monitored by the Association of Accounting Technicians.
This qualification can often be completed on a part-time or full-time basis and typically takes one to two years to complete. The qualification aims to provide students with the foundational skill set and knowledge to effectively operate in accounting technician roles.
Where do they work?
As an accounting technician, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including public accounting firms, government agencies, and private accountancy agencies. You can also generally work in-house, for large corporations or small businesses. Depending on your level of experience and the qualifications you hold, accounting technicians can either work as part of a team or independently.
What do accounting technicians do?
The main responsibility of an accounting technician is to ensure the maintenance of accurate financial records. This consists of keeping track of all financial transactions, organising accounts, and ensuring that the way in which financial records are kept is in compliance with the relevant regulations. Accounting technicians might also assist with other accounting tasks such as forecasting or budgeting, depending on their skill set.
In addition to maintaining financial records, accounting technicians are often also responsible for preparing financial statements, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. They can also assist with tax preparation, providing accounting documentation, and supporting the analysis work of auditors and accountants.
Why become an accounting technician?
One of the key benefits of pursuing a career as an accounting technician is the large range of career opportunities available. Almost all businesses require the support of accounting professionals, and as a result, you will always be able to find work – perhaps even more so in more challenging economic climates.
As mentioned above, you can find work in the public and private sectors, either working as a part of a team or in an individual capacity. What’s more, there are multiple opportunities for progressing in the field, with accounting technicians able to head on to a range of other roles including senior bookkeeper, management accountant, or financial analyst.
Becoming an accounting technician is a rewarding career choice that can open a number of different professional doors. They can be faced with a number of different responsibilities, including bookkeeping, data entry, and assisting with audits. Becoming an accounting technician isn’t too difficult – with the appropriate qualifications, some relevant experience, and a little bit of networking, you’ll be set for a long and rewarding career.