As a chartered accountant you will give advice, audit accounts and offer reliable information about financial records. Working strategically, your aim in this role is to maximise profitability on behalf of your client.

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FAQs

FAQs

What does an Accountant do?

Responsibilities of the job include:

Managing financial systems and budgets
Undertaking financial audits
Providing trustworthy financial advice
Liaising with clients and providing financial information and advice catered to their needs
Evaluating the company's systems and analyse any potential risks
Performing tests to check financial information and systems
Advising clients on tax planning and tax issues
Maintaining accounting records and preparing accounts and management information
Advise clients on business transactions
Advising clients on areas of interest for business improvement, or dealing with insolvency
Detecting and preventing fraud
Managing and mentoring junior colleagues
Liaising with internal and external auditors
Fixing any financial irregularities
Producing reports and future recommendations following audits
Arranging financial management reports. e.g. Financial planning and forecasting
Advising on tax and treasury issues
Negotiating terms with suppliers

What skills and interests should an Accountant have?

As an accountant, you'll need an interest in business and awareness of the field, as well as great interpersonal skills.

What hours does an Accountant typically do?

Working hours are typically 9am to 5pm, but sometimes working extra hours in the evenings and at weekends might be required - particularly towards the end of the financial year.

What environment is an Accountant based in?

You will be office-based, but may travel and work from clients' offices.

How much does an Accountant travel?

Travel within a working day is very common in accountancy work, particularly if you work for a firm that services clients. Absence from home overnight and occasional overseas travel is also possible.

How much does an Accountant get paid?

Salaries for graduates vary depending on the location, sector and type of firm, but most starting salaries in this industry begin at £25,000. The average earning potential of chartered accountants (salary and bonus) with two to four post-qualification years of experience is around £56,000.

After 5 or more years, the average salary for a chartered accountant rises to £90,200, with an average yearly bonus of £20,600.

Perks & benefits

Potential for a great annual bonus
Opportunity to travel

What qualifications does an Accountant need?

Chartered accountancy is open to graduates of all disciplines, although of course a course such as economics will have given you the best preparation.

Useful subjects to study at school & university

Finance
Accountancy
Business Management
Mathematics
Politics
Economics