Accounts staff usually work as part of a team, with specific individuals responsible for particular areas of accounting. All businesses need accounts staff to process and monitor payments coming into and going out of the business. The team will be responsible for managing all financial aspects of the business be it financial outgoings, such as payroll, or incoming payments.
The duties will vary depending on the role but may include:
As a member of the accounts team you will need to demonstrate:
You will need to have a genuine interest in accounts and business related work, and you may wish to consider applying for apprentice/traineeship schemes. These may vary from employer to employer but they will typically work towards an N/SVQ, and some may also include working towards a VRQ. For further information on related qualifications please click here.
If you do not wish to apply for apprentice/traineeship schemes there are several other ways of starting your career in accounts:
City & Guilds
Please note: These figures are meant as a guide only and may vary from employer to employer and may be dependent on the geographical area.
Most office based staff work on average 37 hours per week, normally Monday to Friday but, depending on your employer, this could include some Saturday work. You could work for a large company where you will have specific job functions, or for a smaller organisation where you may be responsible for everything to do with accounts.
Salary:
There may be opportunities for shift and overtime pay depending on your employer. You may also be eligible for holiday entitlement, company pension and private healthcare schemes.
For apprentice/traineeship schemes you may need GCSEs in English, Maths, Business and IT or appropriate equivalents. For further information on apprentice/traineeships in England please visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk, for Wales please visit www.careerswales.com for Northern Ireland please visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/careers and for Scotland please visit www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
Mature applicants are welcome, especially those with experience. You may also choose to study at college towards an accountancy qualification, or go on to university to study for a degree.
Accounting (Advanced – Trainee Accounting Technician, Assistant Accountant) This Apprenticeship could find you working in an accounts department, helping a business or organization manage their money properly.