Accounts clerks, accountants, financial analysts, credit controllers – these are all different types of finance or accounts jobs. There are many nuances between finance and accounts job roles – so before you make your application you’ll want to know as much as possible about the responsibilities, desirable skills and personal qualities that are suited to these types of jobs.
Have a browse of our finance and accounts job profile to find out more about what’s involved and if a financial job could be right for you:
Our Career Map profile for finance and accounts jobs includes:
- Responsibilities
- Skills
- What kind of person is suitable?
- Career development opportunities
- Where could you be working?
- Jobs can also be titled:
- Top tips for applying
Responsibilities typically included in a finance job:
- Financial reporting periodically and on an ad hoc basis as required
- Profit and loss analysis for varied cost and profit centres
- Reconciliation and consolidation of balance sheets, accounts and ledgers
- Communication of financial findings to relevant stakeholders
- Processing of transactional accounts including invoices, cash, payroll, payables and receivables
Desirable skills for finance jobs:
- Studying towards relevant qualifications such as AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians), ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) or CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
- A high level of confidence in Microsoft Excel and relevant financial reporting systems such as SAP, Sage or Oracle
- Numerate with a natural flair for numbers and analysis
- Ability to work in a fast paced and deadline driven environment
What kind of person suits a finance job?
- Ability to engage and influence non-financial stakeholders across the business
- Time management skills alongside prioritisation of conflicting tasks
- Strong communication skills and a team player
- Strong work ethic and with a drive to succeed
What career development opportunities are there for finance professionals?
- Diversification of knowledge across both financial and management accounting processes
- Stakeholder engagement and business partnering opportunities
- Project based roles as required across the business
- Completion of further studies to become a fully qualified and registered accountancy professional
What kind of workplace has finance and accounts jobs available?
- Professional services accounting firm as part of an audit division
- An accountancy consultant assisting businesses with their financial operations
- Professional services as part of an advisory division across areas such as insurance, insolvency, establishment and accreditation
- As part of an internal finance department within varied industry sectors
- Third party consultant for project based work, investments or start-ups across varied industry sectors
Finance jobs can also be titled:
- Accounts clerk/coordinator/officer
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Controller
- Analyst
- Bursar, Bookkeeper or Cashier
Four top tips for a finance job application:
- Ensure that you include outcomes and achievements on your CV with prior financial or process improvements including financial/time saving benefits.
- Tailor your CV, cover letter and job application for each role you are applying for to ensure you have highlighted your transferable skills.
- Include a professional profile on your application, which includes ambitions, personal drivers and qualification prospects.
- Be prepared for technical interviews and skills testing as part of the process.
Our latest finance and accounts job opportunities:
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If you’re still unsure whether a career in finance or accounts is right for you, have a read of Anne’s advice for ACCA on how to choose a career.