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Job description: Accountancy assistant / trainee
If you're looking to get into accountancy but have little relevant experience and don't have the qualifications to get on a graduate scheme, starting as an assistant or trainee is a great option.
You'll probably start in a junior role to learn the ropes working on tasks such as: producing monthly profit and loss statements, VAT returns and filing. The typical type of position you might start in is junior bookkeeper or junior sales ledger clerk. You'll combine your day job with training for your professional exams.
You could also land a trainee role if you are part-qualified and are looking for a company that will support you in finishing your exams.
Hours and environment
Most of the time you'll work a 35 to 40 hour week. You may need to put in some overtime at busy times, for example at month end or year end when the accounts have to be filed.
Your employer should allow training into your working schedule, but you should expect to work on homework and assignments in your own time.
Skills and interests
Employers will be looking for dedicated, hard-working people who are keen to learn. Apart from your mathematical skills, you should therefore play up these skills on your CV:
- A good understanding of business
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Sound IT skills
- An analytical, enquiring mind
- Good problem solving skills
- Good management skills
- Good prioritisation
Entry
You'll usually need a minimum of five GCSEs to get started - including English and maths. It also helps if you have any experience with computers, any previous management experience or bookkeeping skills.
If you are part of the way through your accountancy exams, you should find it relatively easy to find a trainee position.
We've included more detailed information on entry into specific accountancy jobs in our individual job descriptions.
Training
One of the main benefits of joining a trainee scheme is that you'll get access to training, without having to pay for it yourself. Getting good qualifications and experience are a sure fire way of making sure that you'll go on to have a successful career in the future.
You will be encouraged to take one of the six major chartered accountancy body qualifications:
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
- Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)
Each course has about 14 exams, and it usually takes about three years to complete a course and become a fully accredited accountant.
Opportunities
Once you're qualified you've got great prospects to move up the career ladder into the more senior roles.
Your experience and qualifications will also mean that if you fancy a complete career change at a later date you've got some highly transferrable skills which could help you move into general management or even into IT.
Take a look at our job descriptions to find out more about the kind of roles on offer.
Annual income
The pay is certainly not to be sniffed at. An assistant or trainee often earns in the region of £30,000.
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