Career Suggestion

Finance officer

Finance officers help to manage the finances of an organisation by keeping track of its income and controlling its spending.

Average salary (a year)

£19500.0 to £34000.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

37.0 to 39.0 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

Some employers may ask for a relevant degree in a subject like:

  • finance
  • accounting
  • business studies

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You may find it useful to do a college course, which could help you get a trainee job with a financial firm.

Courses include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
  • Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
  • Level 3 Certificate in Financial Studies
  • T Level in Accounting

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
  • guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
  • search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through an assistant accountant advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could start as a finance assistant or accounts assistant and then work your way into this role after getting experience.

Direct Application

If you want to apply directly for jobs you'll usually need GCSEs, including maths and English.

A levels in maths, business studies or economics may also be useful.

More Information

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could become a member of the Walbrook Institute London .

This would give you the opportunity to make contacts and access professional development training.

Further Information

You can find out more about careers in finance from Walbrook Institute London.

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of economics and accounting
  • business management skills
  • maths knowledge
  • analytical thinking skills
  • financial management skills
  • leadership skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day-to-day tasks

As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:

  • record financial transactions on computer systems
  • produce financial forecasts
  • deal with payroll, invoices, expenses and VAT
  • resolve payment questions for external contractors
  • carry out financial audits
  • create budget reports
  • present reports to managers

Working environment

You could work in an office.

With experience, you could become a senior finance officer, finance manager or train to be an accountant.

Related careers

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