Career Advice For Accountancy & Finance Professionals.

Accountants provide specific accounting and financial services to individuals or businesses. Accounting can be split into many different areas and specialisms and depending on which area you specialise, will depend on your day to day job role. 

A Chief Financial Officer is a top-level executive, responsible for managing a company’s financial actions. A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is often the most senior financial position within a company and overall, the third highest position in terms of seniority.

An Audit Senior plans and executes risk-based internal audits for businesses as part of their annual audit plan and in accordance with company standards. 
Tasks include planning an audit process, research, reviewing current processes and providing recommendations to enhance company policies and procedures.

An Audit Manager is responsible for supervising the inside actions, methods, and practices for the business. An Audit Manager will ensure that Auditors are following the rules which are set by the practice. They will also keep a thorough record of finances within the business. 

Similar to Accountants, a Senior Accountant will provide specific accounting and financial services to an individual or business. A Senior Accountant will have more experience than an Accountant which means they are more likely to take care of reporting figures, expenditures, margins and productivity. 

A Bookkeeper keeps and maintains the financial records for a business or individual. A Bookkeeper will help a business to understand and manage their finances and cash flow. Bookkeepers will record all financial transactions and regularly provide detailed, accurate and up to date reports. 

A Partner in an accountancy practice or financial services firm is responsible for developing and nurturing client relationships, developing their staff and identifying growth opportunities for the business.  

A Tax Manager will oversee tax planning, preparation, and filing for the business. They will prepare accurate government tax documents in a timely manner and provide tax support & advice to meet the needs of the business. 

A Payroll Manager is responsible for ensuring payroll transactions are completed in a timely and accurate manner. This includes salaries, benefits, deductions and taxes. A Payroll Manager will also be responsible for implementing and maintaining efficient payroll processes. 

The role of an Accounts Assistant (or Accounting Assistant) is to provide accounting and administrative support to senior accounting and finance staff. This could include paying invoices, processing or filing paperwork, ensuring paperwork is accurate, reconciling company accounts or chasing outstanding payments.  

The role of a Finance Director is to give financial advice and direction to a business to ensure the company’s financial commitments are met. A Finance Director will also ensure policies and procedures are in place so that finances are managed effectively and efficiently throughout the business. 

A Financial Advisor helps a business or individual to manage their money, create strategies to build wealth and manage risk. A Financial Advisor will research the market and advise on suitable products or services to meet the needs of the client. 

A Finance Manager manages the financial health of a business which includes overseeing cash flow & expenses, producing accurate financial data and determining profitability. A Finance Manager will also provide financial advice to enable the business to make good financial decisions. 

A Financial Controller is a senior manager who oversees day-to-day financial operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, billings and general ledgers. A Strategic Controller may impact forecasting, budgeting and decision making at company level. 

A Management Accountant focuses on providing financial information and analysis to support the internal decision making processes of an organisation. Their role is distinct from that of external Accountants who primarily prepare financial statements for regulatory and reporting purposes.

A Finance Analyst, also known as a Financial Analyst, specialises in analysing financial data and providing insights that inform business decisions. Finance Analysts play a crucial role in helping organisations understand their financial performance, identify trends, and make informed choices to enhance profitability and operational efficiency.

A Head of Finance plays a pivotal role in guiding the organisation's financial strategy, ensuring financial health, and supporting overall business objectives.

A Financial Accountant specialises in preparing and analysing financial statements, reports, and records for external reporting and compliance purposes. Their primary focus is on producing accurate and transparent financial information that adheres to accounting standards, regulations, and industry best practices. 

A Finance Business Partner works closely with different departments or business units within an organisation to provide financial insights, analysis, and support for decision-making. Unlike traditional finance roles that are primarily focused on reporting and compliance, Finance Business Partners take on a more strategic and collaborative role, partnering with non-financial teams to drive overall business success.