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Chartered and certified accountants provide accounting and auditing services, advise clients on financial matters, collect and analyse financial information and perform other accounting duties required by management for the planning and control of an establishment’s income and expenditure.

Main tasks

  • Conducts investigations and advises management on financial aspects of productivity, stock holding, sales, new products, etc.
  • Prepares periodic accounts, budgetary reviews and financial forecasts.
  • Liaises with management and other professionals to compile budgets and other costs.
  • Evaluates financial information for management purposes.
  • Conducts financial investigations concerning insolvency, fraud, possible mergers, etc..
  • Prepares tax returns, advises on tax problems and contests disputed claim before tax official.
  • Audits accounts and book-keeping records.
  • Prepares financial documents and reports for management, shareholders, statutory or other bodies.
  • Plans and oversees implementation of accountancy system and policies.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£62,360.25

Average earnings

£34,287.00

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Clerical

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Economics and Accounting

Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 0%
Level 1 3%
Level 2 5%
Level 3 14%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 7%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 60%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 11%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 1%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.