THE ROLE OF A FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT
A Financial Accountant is responsible for the control of the financial management of a business as well as advising and being involved in the strategic direction and administration of that business.

Accountants extract and interpret information from the financial records for a wide range of interested parties throughout that organisation – shareholders, potential investors, bankers, employees, trade creditors and government departments.

The demand for Financial Accountants in all sizes and types of business, as well as the public sector, continues to increase as career opportunities grow.

THE WORK
The Financial Accountant is responsible for controlling the working capital of a business, ensuring debtors, creditors and stocks are maintained at an acceptable level, taking day to day decisions, giving advice to the Board of Directors (very often the Financial Accountant is a Director of the company) and advising on capital investment.

The Financial Accountant is also responsible for the preparation of:

	Regular management accounts
	Budgets
	Reports on variance between actual performance and budget performance. The Financial Accountant has to recommend any remedial action.
	Interpretation of Financial Information – advising on trends.

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT
Financial Accountants may be employed in any size of organisation or working environment in an accounting field, specializing in financial management. They may also work in a smaller company where they will be involved in all aspects of business management.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Accountants must enjoy working in a numerate environment and have a good working knowledge of accounting information. They should have an inquiring, analytical mind and be able to work logically, consistently and accurately even when under pressure. They need to be self-motivated individuals with the ability to manage their time efficiently. Accountants need management skills as well as knowledge of the general economic environment in which they operate. They need to keep themselves up-to-date with the regular changes in financial rules and regulations and have the ability to quickly recognise the implications of such changes on their employers’ or clients’ affairs.

Accountants work with people from all walks of life and therefore effective interpersonal skills are essential. They should be confident individuals with the ability to put people at their ease and inspire confidence. They should have excellent written and spoken communication skills and be able to discuss and explain financial issues with both fellow professionals and those with little or no financial background. There are recruitment agencies who specialise in Accountancy opportunities.

PAY AND CONDITIONS
Salaries for Financial Accountants vary greatly. The size of a company and its location affect salaries at all levels. Qualified Accountants’ salaries range from £15,000 to £30, 000, thereafter salary levels vary according to seniority and merit.

Other benefits may include:

	4 weeks Annual holiday
	Company car
	Private medical care scheme
	Pension scheme