Accountant

Accountants look after business’s finances and provide advice and support to help them spend their money wisely.

You will give advice, audit accounts, and provide trustworthy information about financial records for the benefit of the business. You will likely work within a team of other finance professionals, but you will have your own clients and teams to provide advice and support to. You will work with data, prepare invoices, monitor and report on budgets.

Role Characteristics

Prepare financial statements and accounts
Monitor spending and budgets
Analyse the organisation's financial performance
Forecast and plan future spending and profits
Recommend ways to reduce costs and increase profits
Prepare financial reports for external organisations

Skills

Using data
Attention to detail
Record keeping
Decision-making
Organisation
Problem-solving

Day in the life

Watch this video to learn about the roles in Finance.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

GCSEs

T-Level

A-Levels

An apprenticeship

Undergraduate degree

How to become

You will normally need 5 GCSEs including English and maths.

You may also need to have A-Levels or you could apply directly and receive on-the-job training in the form of an apprenticeship.

You could also enter this role by having a professional accountancy qualification or you may want to complete a degree in accounting or similar subject.

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

With experience, you could become Team Leader supervising the work of other staff or work in a specialised area you are interested in like auditing or forensic accounting. You can progress to become a Manager, responsible for a department or area. Some progress to senior roles such as Head of Finance or Finance Director.