Accounting is a vital field that involves the systematic recording, analysing, and reporting of financial transactions. It plays a crucial role in helping businesses and organisations make informed decisions by providing accurate and reliable financial information.
This pathway might be right for you if you are interested in financial management, number crunching, and analysing data to help others make informed decisions.
What do careers in this pathway involve?
Accounting professionals use various methods and principles to ensure the integrity and transparency of financial records. With their expertise, they assist in managing budgets, preparing tax returns, and evaluating the financial health of both individuals and businesses.
Careers in accounting are expected to grow steadily into the future, particularly in the areas of risk management and compliance.
What are some important human skills for this pathway?
- Making decisions
- Digital literacy
- Innovation
- Communication
- Adaptability
What are some of the tasks involved?
- Maintain financial records
- Write financial reports
- Monitor financial activities
- Provide financial advice
- Ensure regulatory compliance
- Verify financial transactions
- Analyse market data
- Conduct financial transactions
- Verify financial documents
What kind of work environment and conditions can I expect?
You’ll usually find people in this pathway working indoors, mainly in an office environment. Because of this, there are many roles that allow for flexible and remote working options.
Many accounting professionals work standard business hours (typically from 9am to 5pm), with both full- and part-time opportunities available.
The Clusters in accounting
Find out more about the kind of work people in each Career Cluster might do in this pathway.
Guardians
Guardians in this pathway safeguard financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.
Linkers
Linkers in this pathway connect clients with tailored financial services and solutions, acting as the bridge between accountants and clients.
Coordinators
Coordinators are vital in managing the financial reporting cycle, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.
Informers
Informers are key in this pathway, offering specialised advice on tax planning, financial compliance, and investment strategies.
Makers
Makers are needed in this pathway to operate and maintain accounting systems, ensuring data integrity.
Innovators
Innovators in this pathway aren’t very common, but might develop new accounting software and methods to streamline financial processes.
Where can an accounting pathway take me?
Interested in a career in accounting? There are many roles you might like to consider – here are just a few.
Entry level roles
These jobs can be started with little or no training or experience, and are great as a stepping stone towards more senior roles in the pathway.
Accounts Clerk
Monitor client accounts and prepare and file important financial documents.
Bookkeeper
Keep financial records and maintain and balance accounts using manual and computerised systems.
Debt Collector
Work with clients, creditors, and legal professionals to find solutions to payment problems.
Mid-level roles
Once you have some further study or experience under your belt, you might like to consider moving into one of these roles.
General Accountant
Provide advice and guidance on financial reporting, taxation, auditing, budgeting, financial planning, and decision-making.
Internal Auditor
Review an organisation’s financial activities and ensure they are complying with any relevant regulations and rules.
Credit and Loans Officer
Analyse, evaluate and process credit and loan applications for both organisations and individuals.
Senior level roles
These jobs will require extensive further education or many years of experience, but are also highly rewarding.
Financial Investment Manager
Develop financial plans for individuals and organisations and invest and manage funds on their behalf.
Forensic Accountant
Investigate financial records to detect fraud, embezzlement, and other financial crimes.
Tax Compliance Officer
Ensure individuals and organisations follow tax laws by reviewing financial records, conducting audits, and enforcing tax regulations.
Similar pathways
If these careers aren’t quite right for you, you might like to explore some other similar pathways instead.
Finance
Analyse, strategise, and manage financial resources for individuals and organisations.
Insurance
Assess, mitigate, and manage risks to protect individuals and businesses.
Management
Organise, lead, and coordinate teams to achieve organisational goals.
How can I build experience in this pathway?
If you’re still in high school and want to find out if a career in accounting is right for you, here are some activities you can do:
- Create a personal or household budget to grasp the basics of financial planning
- Learn the basics of software like QuickBooks to understand industry-standard tools
- Attend free online webinars to deepen your understanding of accounting fundamentals
We recommend studying these subjects in high school:
- English
- Mathematics
- Business
- Economics
- ICT
Here are some suggestions of places you might like to try and find work experience:
- Non-profit organisations
- Government agencies
- Start-up companies
- Small businesses
- Educational institutions
Where can I find out more?
You can explore other career pathways and find in-depth information on specific jobs on our website.
