Introduction
This job is based in central accounts, or treasuries, in all types
of local authority. It covers most of the aspects of financial work
in the corporate sector and in other services, such as education
and environment that manage their own budgets. Accounting
technicians work alongside accountancy assistants, finance
assistants, finance clerks and finance officers assisting the
authority's Section 151 Officer (Treasurer) in his / her role
as 'keeper of the public purse'.
Work Environment
Accounting technicians spend a significant amount of their time
working on a computer, but they may also need to speak to service
managers or, if they are employed on audit work, may visit other
departments to find out how accounts are kept. They work a
standard 37-hour week, but must be flexible when overtime is called
for to meet statutory deadlines like the end of the financial
year.
Daily Activities
Much of this is routine: accounting tasks such as book-keeping,
keeping financial records, producing and analysing figures, helping
to prepare audit accounts, helping with the allocation of annual
budgets - to be allocated to schools for example - pension funds
and applications for grants from Welsh Government, UK government or
European Union (EU) funds.
Accounting technicians may also process invoices (internal and
external) and senior accounting technicians can be responsible for
the work of several accountancy assistants. Ultimately they support
the work of accountants ensuring the council's accounts are correct
and the most economic use is made of resources.
One of the key differences between an accounting technician's
job and other positions below accountant level is that it could
include working on special projects such as research into new areas
of work and technical procedures. Depending on the structure
within the accountancy service, accounting technicians can work in
a variety of different roles.
Skills & Interests
Accounting technicians must have:
- good team working skills;
- an aptitude for financial work;
- effective written and verbal communication ability;
- organisational ability;
- an understanding of the need for confidentiality.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal requirements. All Association of
Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualifications are open-access.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
With further training and experience, accounting technicians can
take examinations and qualify as Chartered / Certified
Accountants.
Further Information & Services
Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) www.cipfa.org.uk
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) www.aat.co.uk
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) www.accaglobal.com
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales www.icaew.co.uk
Careers Wales have produced a Spotlight article on careers
in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths): https://www.careerswales.com/en/spotlight-on-stem/
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.