Finance Officer

Job Description:

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

Job Category:

Financial Services

See Financial Services jobs

What you will do:

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

Skills:

You’ll need:

knowledge of economics and accounting
maths knowledge
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As well as:

analytical thinking skills
financial & business management skills
leadership skills
the ability to use your initiative (drive)
to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

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

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

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

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, in the UK, for example, you’ll usually need GCSEs, including maths and English. A-levels in maths, business studies or economics may also be useful.

Working Hours and Environment:

You could work in an office or from home.

Career Path & Progression:

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