Finance-Officer | Explore careers | National Careers Service (2024)

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
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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
• funding advice
• guide to T Levels
• search for courses

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
• guide to apprenticeships

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.

Professional and industry bodies

You could become a member of the London Institute of Banking and Finance.

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 the London Institute of Banking and Finance.

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

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