Finance officer
Finance officers manage the income and spending of an organisation, and maintain accurate financial records for reporting and compliance purposes.
Also known as: Financial officer, finance clerk, treasurer
- Starter salary£26,000 a year
- Experienced£38,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 39 a week
What you'll do
As a finance officer, you could:
- process financial transactions, using accounting software
- help to produce financial forecasts
- deal with payroll, invoices, expenses and VAT
- resolve payment issues with external contractors
- support work on financial audits
- produce financial information reports for managers
- make sure all work follows financial rules and regulations
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- financial management skills
- knowledge of economics and accounting
- business management skills
- maths knowledge
- analytical thinking skills
- leadership skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a finance officer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
You could study for a degree in a subject like:
- finance
- accounting
- business studies
- business and management
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could take a college course, which may help you get a trainee position with an organisation.
Courses include:
- accounting and bookkeeping
- business studies
- business administration and finance
- T Level in Accounting
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:
- Accounts or Financial Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Assistant Accountant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Work
You may be able to start as a finance assistant or accounts assistant, then move into a finance officer role through on-the-job training and promotion.
Direct application
You can apply directly for jobs. You'll usually need a minimum of 4 or 5 GCSEs, including maths and English.
Employers may also expect you to have relevant A levels, for instance maths or business studies, or equivalent qualifications.
Knowledge of accounting methods and experience of working in a financial department will be helpful.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a senior or principal finance officer, or a finance manager. You could work for a commercial company or public sector organisation.
You could also train to become an accountant.
Professional and industry bodies
You could become a member of the Walbrook Institute London .
This would give you the opportunity to make contacts and find professional development opportunities.
Guides for this industry
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