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Working Abroad Job Vacancies Job Hunting Guide Voluntary Work Working Part-time and Temping Useful Job Hunting Resources Working in Somerset Wages and Employment Rights Accounting techicians in Somerset CLCI: NAB CRCI: IA Accounting technicians prepare accounts, tax returns and reports. They work alongside fully-qualified accountants in accountancy firms, industry and commerce. To do the job you usually need several years training and pass courses set by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). Accounting technicians may sometimes be known by other job titles such as accounts clerk, credit control officer or financial controller. To find out more look under the above CLCI/CRCI headings in your careers or Connexions library. THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN WORK IN SOMERSET There many potential accounting technician employers in Somerset. As well as accounting firms you could be working for a manufacturing business, commercial organisation, council, public body, hospital, charity or virtually any sizeable organisation. In an accountancy business you would be dealing with the finances of other individuals and companies. There are several accountancy firms in each Somerset town. These range from employing a handful of people to having fifty or more staff. Within other organisations – manufacturers, hospitals, councils or whatever – you are likely to be part of a small finance team within a much bigger workforce. These jobs will be based wherever large organisations are found in Somerset. Many people find career satisfaction – and good earnings – in technician work. Others decide to progress to higher levels of accountancy training. Whether this is available depends on the employer. You may sometimes have to make progress in this way. HOW DO I GET STARTED?   Get work experience when at school to see if it’s the career for you   Start as a trainee – or apprentice – in an accounting office. This will involve doing qualifications through distance learning or college   Go to college or sixth form for extra qualifications before starting work as a trainee accounting technician USEFUL QUALIFICATIONS   Around 4or 5 GCSE passes at grade C or better (including maths and English) are usually the starting point   A levels, BTEC Nationals and other college/sixth form qualifications are a big advantage because of the competition for traineeships   NVQs in accounting and payroll administration   Association of Accounting Technician (AAT) qualifications: intermediate (level 3) and technician (level 4) More about qualifications, courses and training can be found in Moving On (published by Connexions Somerset) DO YOU KNOW? A 2006 AAT survey shows that people becoming accounting technicians at 18 are, by 21, significantly ahead of their university counterparts in terms of earnings. WHAT IS THE PAY LIKE? Around £80 per week (maybe more) if starting as a new employed trainee or apprentice (although trainee salaries can be as high as £9,000 per year depending on employer). Salaries for qualified staff vary enormously: £13-16,000 in some jobs; over £20,000 in others. FINDING A JOB   Connexions centres   Job centres   Through applying for work apprenticeships   School and college careers notice boards   Speculative letters/visits/emails   Newspaper and industry publications adverts   Adverts displayed at premises and on industry/company websites   Job offer after work experience   Word of mouth   A Guide to Job Hunting gives tips on CVs, interviews and job letters. To view click here OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THIS WORK   Having a logical mind is a big help for this work   You need to be good with figures (and ICT), be able to analyse information and write reports   You need to be a good organiser who can work to deadlines. Certain times of the year can be especially busy   Being a good communicator – and calm, persuasive and diplomatic – is important   The work has an “end product” but can sometimes be repetitive and routine   Training, getting qualifications and keeping up-to-date with new developments and methods is essential   There are opportunities for promotion, specialising in one area or running your own business   Tax is a major area of expertise. For this there are qualifications from the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) WHO DOES THE WORK? Heather (21) works in a small firm of accountants in West Somerset and has just completed her AAT training. She enjoys dealing closely with the businesses and clients for whom she takes special responsibility. Lubos (32) is based near Yeovil and set up his own accounting business several years ago. He works from home and specialises in handling the accounts of farms and other countryside businesses. More info: A-Z of careers Careers information dates rapidly. Every effort has been made to ensure information is accurate but please check details before making firm decisions. Make text larger Make text smaller Text Only Display Privacy Policy/Terms of Use