Introduction One career that continues to attract career changers is Business Analysis. As businesses across the globe transform through technology, the need for professionals who...
Introduction to a Career in Accounting
In the UK, the accounting profession is particularly strong. With businesses ranging from small start-ups to multinational corporations, the need for accurate and transparent financial management is constant. Professionals in this field often enjoy above-average salaries, strong job security, and the chance to progress into leadership roles.
For anyone wondering where to begin, the Accounts Assistant position is often the most effective entry point. It offers practical experience, exposure to the daily workings of finance departments, and a stepping stone to higher qualifications and more senior roles. Through the right training, you can fast-track your way into this role and start building a long-term career in accounting.
The Role of an Accounts Assistant in the Accounting Profession
What Does an Accounts Assistant Do?
An Accounts Assistant supports the finance department by carrying out vital day-to-day responsibilities. These include:
- Recording supplier invoices and processing staff expenses
- Reconciling bank statements with accounting records
- Preparing simple financial reports and assisting with audits
- Helping with VAT returns and other compliance tasks
- Supporting the month-end and year-end closing process
Although many of these tasks may appear routine, they provide a deep understanding of the accounting cycle. From handling source documents to working with ledgers, Accounts Assistants learn how the smallest details contribute to the accuracy of a company’s financial position.
Why This Role Is Crucial in Any Career in Accounting
The Accounts Assistant role is often described as the “engine room” of an accounting department. Without accurate and timely support, accountants cannot produce reliable financial reports. This position offers an excellent opportunity to learn directly from accountants and finance managers, observe how professional teams operate, and apply theoretical concepts in practice.
Most importantly, the role allows new entrants to develop professional habits—such as attention to detail, time management, and ethical responsibility—that remain vital throughout a career in accounting.
Why Choose an Accounts Assistant Career?
Growing Demand in the UK
The demand for Accounts Assistants continues to rise across the UK. As of March 2025, thousands of vacancies are available on job boards such as Indeed, Reed, CV-Library, and Totaljobs. The combination of new businesses being established, existing companies expanding, and stricter regulatory requirements means that finance departments are constantly seeking new staff.
This role is not just a temporary stepping stone—it is one of the most in-demand positions in finance. With businesses across retail, construction, technology, healthcare, and other sectors advertising for Accounts Assistants, opportunities are diverse and plentiful.
Career Progression from Accounts Assistant
Starting out as an Accounts Assistant allows you to progress into more senior positions such as Semi-Senior Accountant, Assistant Accountant, or Junior Accountant. With further experience, many professionals go on to specialise in areas such as management accounting, tax, or audit.
Importantly, the role prepares you for professional qualifications. Many students studying AAT, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or IAB find that having Accounts Assistant experience makes their studies easier, as they can link theory with practice. Employers also view this combination of study and experience as highly desirable.
Inside Our Accounts Assistant Training Programme
Course Overview
Our Accounts Assistant Training Course is designed to equip learners with practical skills in just 2–4 weeks, with approximately 100 hours of focused study. Delivered through a mix of one-to-one sessions, e-learning, and mentorship, the programme allows you to study flexibly around your commitments.
You will receive CPD-approved certification upon completion, giving your CV a professional edge. What sets this programme apart is our guaranteed recruitment support, which helps you transition smoothly from training to employment.
Practical, Job-Focused Learning
Rather than relying on simulated scenarios, our training uses real company financial records. This ensures that what you learn is directly transferable to the workplace. You will train under the supervision of qualified accountants who can explain not only the “how” but also the “why” behind every process.
This practical approach means that when you apply for a role, you can demonstrate genuine work-ready skills and examples of tasks you have completed—making you stand out to employers.
What You’ll Learn During the Training
Core Accounting & Financial Skills
You will gain a strong grounding in the essentials of accounting, including:
- Reconciling control accounts and correcting errors
- Preparing year-end journals from source documents
- Carrying out depreciation calculations using different methods
- Understanding and processing accruals and prepayments
These skills form the building blocks of more advanced accounting tasks and give you confidence in handling real financial data.
Financial Statements & Reporting
A major part of accounting is producing accurate financial statements. You’ll learn how to:
- Prepare trial balances that summarise ledger data
- Create profit and loss statements and balance sheets
- Apply double-entry bookkeeping to real scenarios
- Manage CIS schemes, which are especially relevant in construction
By the end of the course, you’ll understand not only how to prepare reports but also how they inform decision-making within a business.
Advanced Excel & Data Analysis
Excel remains one of the most powerful tools in finance. You’ll master advanced formulas such as VLOOKUP, SUMIFS, COUNTIFS, and IFERROR, while also learning to build pivot tables and charts. These skills enable you to analyse data efficiently and present it in a clear, professional way.
Additionally, the training covers financial forecasting and loan amortisation calculations—practical skills that are increasingly important in data-driven finance departments.
Practical Software Training
Our programme also ensures you are confident using Xero, one of the most widely adopted accounting software systems. You’ll practise customising charts of accounts, modifying supplier and customer records, and tracking receipts. Proficiency in both Xero and Excel significantly increases your employability, as most companies require staff who can work seamlessly with these tools.
Industries You Can Work In
The skills you gain from Accounts Assistant training are highly transferable. You could find yourself working in:
- IT & Technology: supporting the financial growth of start-ups and established software firms.
- E-commerce & Retail: managing high volumes of daily transactions and online sales data.
- Construction & Real Estate: handling project budgets, CIS schemes, and large-scale investments.
- Manufacturing & Supply Chain: ensuring smooth cash flow in complex production processes.
- Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: managing financial compliance in a highly regulated industry.
- Automotive & Motor Industry: overseeing asset finance and dealership accounts.
- Hospitality & Tourism: managing seasonal revenue fluctuations and diverse business models.
- Luxury & Fashion: dealing with international trade and high-value transactions.
This versatility means you can choose a career path that aligns with your interests and ambitions.
Career and Salary Prospects
Entry-Level Opportunities
After completing training, typical starting roles include:
- Accounts Assistant (£25k–£38k)
- Accounts Clerk (£25k–£40k)
- Finance Assistant (£30k–£42k)
Mid-Level Career Growth
With experience, you could move into:
- Accounts Payable Specialist (£28k–£42k)
- Accounts Receivable Specialist (£28k–£42k)
Long-Term Prospects
Many professionals eventually step into positions such as Junior Accountant (£35k–£45k), and with further study, progress into senior accountant or finance manager roles. The salary potential increases significantly with qualifications and experience, making this career path financially rewarding as well as secure.
Who Is This Training For?
This training is designed to be accessible to a wide range of learners:
- Jobseekers struggling to secure accounting positions due to lack of experience
- Career changers with no financial background but a desire to retrain
- University students studying business or finance who want practical skills
- Experienced professionals wishing to upskill for promotion
- Aspiring Chartered Accountants preparing for AAT, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or IAB
The programme is flexible enough to suit complete beginners as well as those who already have some knowledge but want to refine their practical abilities.
How Accounts Assistant Training Fits Into a Career in Accounting
Building a Strong Foundation
Accounts Assistant training gives you a solid base in financial processes. By learning reconciliations, reporting, and software usage, you acquire skills that are relevant to every role in accounting.
Supporting Professional Qualifications
If you are studying or plan to study for qualifications like AAT or ACCA, this training provides the practical side of accounting that textbooks alone cannot offer. Employers value this combination because it shows you can both understand and apply accounting principles.
From Training to Long-Term Career Success
The training not only prepares you for your first role but also positions you for long-term career growth. Many of our students begin as Accounts Assistants and progress into higher-paying roles within just a few years.
Why You Should Choose Us
Choosing the right training provider is essential for your career in accounting. At PC Training, we pride ourselves on delivering programmes that go beyond theory. Here’s why students trust us with their professional development:
- Hands-On Learning: You work with real company records, not just practice exercises.
- Expert Tutors: Our trainers are qualified accountants with years of industry experience.
- Flexible Study Options: Whether you prefer one-to-one guidance, e-learning, or a blended approach, we adapt to your needs.
- Recognised Certification: CPD-approved certificates strengthen your CV and improve employability.
- Recruitment Support: We don’t just train you—we help you secure a job, offering guidance on applications, CV writing, and interview preparation.
- Proven Success: Many of our graduates secure permanent employment within weeks of completing their training.
By choosing PC Training, you invest in a course designed to deliver real results and lasting career benefits.
Taking the First Step in Your Career in Accounting
A career in accounting offers security, growth, and financial reward. The best way to begin this journey is by becoming an Accounts Assistant – a role that gives you the skills, experience, and confidence to progress.
Through PC Training’s Accounts Assistant Training Course, you gain practical, job-ready skills, learn from qualified accountants, and benefit from recruitment support that helps you secure employment quickly.
If you are ready to start building your future in accounting, now is the time to act. Book a free demo session today and take the first step towards a rewarding and successful career in accounting.
