Your Future in Accounting
Whether you’re looking to kick-start your accountancy career, refresh your knowledge or gain a qualification to formalise your current role - GT Academy can help you reach your potential.
The accounting sector offers a diverse range of opportunities, from bookkeeping to becoming a charted accountant. The sector provides strong job security, competitive salaries, potential hybrid working options and the ability to progress rapidly. Many businesses allow you to complete any study alongside working which is a great option allowing you to ‘earn while you learn.’ Opportunities in finance are available across a very broad range of businesses you might find a role In Practice or In Industry.
In Practice - Working for an accountancy or auditing firm. These firms range in size from multi-national businesses to medium sized local firms to those who operate independently.
In Industry - Working in a finance department. These roles are generally in medium to larger sized businesses who need ongoing support of a dedicated financial team.
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Accounts assistants provide administrative support to a finance or accounting team. They may complete administrative tasks such as managing client appointments and correspondence. Many accounts assistant roles also include basic financial tasks such as creating and sending invoices, chasing payments and reconciling company accounts.
In Practice
In Industry
Financial administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining a business’ financial records. Depending on the size of the business they may also be required to produce financial reports and deal with basic enquires.
In Practice
In Industry
Accounts payable roles include those who complete accounting and clerical tasks relating specifically to accounts payable such as logging invoices, maintaining and updating accounts payable ledgers and generating financial statements and reports.
In Practice
In Industry
VAT (Value added Tax) specialists help clients with VAT registration, VAT returns and investigations - helping clients to minimise their tax liabilities.
A bookkeeper has responsibility for keeping and processing financial documents. They prepare financial statements showing business expenditure and verify the accuracy of accounts, alerting clients or accountants to potential errors.
In Practice
In Industry
Tax experts are professionals who specialise in helping businesses and individuals to plan and manage their tax affairs. They file tax returns and advise clients on the most cost efficient tax options.
In Practice
In Industry
A financial controller is a senior role which involves supervising all accounting related activities within an organisation. Responsibilities might include financial reporting to executive teams and overseeing the preparation of the business’ budgets.
In Practice
In Industry
Chartered and Certified Accountants are responsible for analysing financial records and keeping track of an induvial or company’s income, expenditure and liabilities. As an accountant you may work as part of a firm, as an individual or even grow your own practice.
In Practice
In Industry
Auditors help to ensure an organisation’s financial records are accurate and fully comply with legal regulations. They often take on an advisory role, examining company accounts and assessing financial risks – ensuring that all internal procedures are within industry guidelines.
In Practice
In Industry
Financial Career Case Studies
After completing an accountancy qualification your career could take a number of different directions. We’ve spoken to some finance experts to give you an insight into how a qualification from GT Academy might help shape your future in accounting.
Lara
Bookkeeping Apprentice
Leaving school with an aptitude for maths, Lara joined Wiltshire accountancy firm, Gooding Accounts as an apprentice. Lara has the already completed and works 4 days at the firm whilst studying with GT Academy. In October 2024 Lara was awarded the TBE’s rising star award which celebrates young talent in Wiltshire business. She’s currently studying for level 4 AAT at GT Academy and hopes to go on to be part of the training team in the future.
Sam
Chartered Accountant & GT Academy Owner
Despite leaving school with outstanding A level results, GT Academy’s Training Manager and Chartered Accountant Sam Bates chose not to pursue a university career and instead enrolled and completed his AAT levels 2 and 3 at college whilst continuing to work as a retail manager. After joining Wiltshire accountancy practice, Gooding Accounts, as an apprentice he completed his AAT level 4 whilst also working day-to-day for the firm. Sam was quickly promoted to team leader, continuing his passion for learning to become a fully qualified Chartered Accountant.
Through his studies, Sam, identified that the offering at larger Wiltshire teaching facilities simply doesn’t meet everyone’s training needs. He conceived the idea for GT Academy, a flexible, adaptable small group teaching facility where learners are closely supported to excel in their studies. Whilst leading the GT Academy Sam retains his client service role, allowing him to bring up-to-date real-world expertise and examples to his candidates at GT Academy.
Jamie
Operating Expenditure (OpEx) Financial Cost Controller - Rolls-Royce
After successfully being recruited to the MoD’s Finance and Accounting Apprenticeship Scheme Jamie spent three years studying for his AAT whilst working across a diverse range of teams. Following the completion of his apprenticeship he was offered a permanent position - one of only a handful of apprentices who were successful in being offered a promotion at this time. Jamie remained with the MoD until 2023 studying alongside his full-time role to complete his Accounting Degree with the Open University.
Jamie’s advice for studying alongside working life is to ‘make sure you allow enough time to stay on top of all tasks, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your mentor if you need some additional support.’
Jamie moved on to a more senior role at Rolls Royce in 2023 working in budgeting and cost-control for the global firm. His passion for learning still remains and he has already begin his training to become Chartered Accountant (via the CGMA FLP route) and dreams of using his hard-earned qualifications to make the move to Australia or even New Zealand.
Sam
Founder of Gooding Accounts
Partner and founder of one of the largest accountancy firms in Wiltshire, Sam, began his accountancy career as an apprentice. Founding Gooding Accounts from a spare room in his home in 2014 with a single client and vision of challenging the traditional accountancy stereotype Sam’s practice has grown to a team of 36 accountancy professionals and support staff across 3 offices in Wiltshire. The team offer a full range of accounting services including; company accounts, company secretarial, tax, VAT, bookkeeping and payroll services.
Sam continues to be an ambassador for the accountancy profession, attending events across the county and giving his time to speak on a diverse range of subjects close to his heart, from the importance of nurturing local financial talent to social corporate responsibility.