Accountant

What does an accountant do?As an accountant, you will be responsible for managing finances and cash flow for the company. Duties may include using specialist software and understanding the requirements of the business you are working in.The job role of an accountant involves the following duties:Managing cash flowKeeping records of all transactionsCreating, updating and analysing spreadsheetsProducing financial reports and profit forecastsWorking with specialist accounting softwareProcessing paperwork such as invoices and VAT returnsAssisting with financial planning and budget controlLiaising with external suppliers, banks and auditorsWorking in an office.How to become an accountantThere are several routes to becoming an accountant. You can gain the qualifications you need by doing a university or college course, or an apprenticeship. If you already have relevant experience you may be able to apply directly to an employer or train on the job.You should explore these routes to becoming an accountant to find out which is the right one for you. Whichever route you follow, you must have an interest and ability to deal with numbers.You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.University/graduate training schemeYou could complete a degree in accountancy, finance, economics or another relevant subject. You will need 3 A levels (or equivalent), including maths, to do an undergraduate degree. Afterwards, you may be able to get a job on a company’s graduate trainee scheme.Find a university courseFunding adviceEquivalent entry requirements explainedCollege/training providerYou don’t need a degree to become an accountant or accounts assistant. Instead, you could complete a foundation certificate or an advanced or professional diploma through The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). Courses take 6 - 18 months to complete.Find a course near youFunding adviceTraineeshipIf you are aged between 16 and 24 you may be eligible for a traineeship. This is a short course (2 weeks - 6 months) which helps you to gain work experience in your chosen role.Find out more about traineeshipsApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship with an accountancy firm is a good way into the industry.Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.Guide to apprenticeshipsWorkIf you have relevant qualifications and experience you may be able to apply for a job directly and continue training part-time to become fully qualified.You could do this with a professional accountancy body such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) or Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).Work experienceWork experience is essential to gaining work within the industry. This could have been gained at school or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works in accountancy. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.Find out more about work experienceSkillsAdditional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as an accounts assistant include:Analytical thinking skillsGood grasp of numeracyExcellent organisational abilities.QualificationsTo become an Accountant, you could complete a:NVQ Level 2 Certificate in AccountingNVQ Level 3 Diploma in AccountingNVQ Level 4 Diploma in Professional AccountingLevel 2 Accounting apprenticeshipLevel 3 Accounting apprenticeshipLevel 4 and 5 Accounting higher apprenticeshipsLevel 6 and 7 Accounting degree apprenticeshipsAAT apprenticeshipsACCA apprenticeshipsCIMA apprenticeshipsActuarial apprenticeshipsUndergraduate or Postgraduate degree in AccountancyTo Become An Accountant, You Could Complete A:SVQ Level 6 Certificate in AccountingSVQ Level 7 Diploma in Accounting SVQ Level 8 Diploma in Professional AccountingSCQF Level 6 apprenticeship in AccountingSCQF Level 7 apprenticeship in AccountingSCQF Level 8 higher apprenticeship in AccountingAAT apprenticeshipsACCA apprenticeshipsCIMA apprenticeshipsActuarial apprenticeshipsUndergraduate or Postgraduate degree in AccountancyTo Become An Accountant, You Could Complete A:NVQ Level 2 Certificate in AccountingNVQ Level 3 Diploma in AccountingNVQ Level 4 Diploma in Professional AccountingLevel 2 Accounting apprenticeshipLevel 3 Accounting apprenticeshipLevel 4 and 5 Accounting higher apprenticeshipsLevel 6 and 7 Accounting degree apprenticeshipsAAT apprenticeshipsACCA apprenticeshipsCIMA apprenticeshipsActuarial apprenticeshipsUndergraduate or Postgraduate degree in AccountancyHow much could you earn as an accountant?The expected salary for an accountant varies as you become more experienced.Newly trained accountants can earn from £25,000Trained accountants with experience can earn up to £65,000*Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed and industry recognised training route. Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources