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​Accounting in the UK

The accounting profession is worth around £59 billion to the UK economy, and is widely regarded as an essential ‘language of business’. Whether as part of an in-house team or through an accountancy practice, finance professionals come with different specialisms that ensure that the right amount of money is in the right place at the right time.

Not all accountancy roles require qualifications, though there are plenty of chartered membership groups ready to offer out highly sought after letters – AAT, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, ICAEW, CIPFA to name just a few. Many of the vocational qualifications offered by these bodies are equivalent to degree classifications, and in some cases can be worth more!

Whether it’s a management accountant, credit controller, financial analyst or a bookkeeper you need, Select work with a wide range of accountancy and finance professionals to ensure that your staffing needs are filled with the right people. Get in touch with us today and find out how we could help your finance team, if you are considering starting a career in Finance you can read our ultimate guide to kick-starting your career in the sector.

​Accounting and finance jobs

Often called the Language of Business, Finance professionals are responsible for managing a business’ money. The business functions of a finance department typically include strategising, organising, auditing, accounting for and controlling its company’s finances. It is an integral function involved in communicating the information that owners, managers, and investors need to evaluate a company’s financial performance. To read more about the role of an Accountant, visit our article on working as an Accountant in the UK.

As such, large businesses have many different types of personnel in their finance team. Check out our guide if you would like tips on how to break into corporate finance.

Accountancy practice

Whilst there are lots of generalist services in this sector, Practice positions usually involve being technical experts in key areas such as Tax, VAT and Audit. Being a private client accountant in a practice can typically offer some of the most competitive remuneration schemes in the industry, as there are often lots of incentives to acquire and retain clients on behalf of your firm. Read our article to learn about the differences between industry and practice accounting, and what it means for you.

Management accounting

Management accountants take into account a wide range of financial data from across the business in order to provide the senior leadership teams with organisational strategy. This could be invoicing, sales forecasting, profit & loss, stock/inventory management and obligations such as risk or tax. Vist our page and explore more about the evolution of management accountancy within the UK.

Bookkeeping

AKA Purchase Ledger, Sales Ledger, Accounts Payable

Bookkeeping is a more generalist finance position that’s usually responsible for recording the financial transactions within the business. As a profession, bookkeeping is typically automated within larger businesses; plenty of small-medium enterprises still rely on them to help keep their affairs in order.

Credit control

Credit controllers are responsible for collecting on outstanding invoices, making sure that customers and clients stay true to their word on payment terms and assessing the suitability of any new potential business relationship by determining how much credit a business can afford to extend without exposing themselves to excessive risk.

Payroll

Keeping your staff happy is important, and so is getting them paid! Payrollers are responsible for getting pay cheques settled in due time, issuing payslips and dealing with any queries relating to pension, tax or other deductibles.

Insurance

The insurance industry is a diverse and dynamic field that offers a wide range of career opportunities in underwriting, actuarial science, and brokerage. Professionals in these areas work to assess and manage risks, develop and price insurance products, and facilitate the purchase of insurance policies for individuals and businesses. Read more about the world of Insurance in our article on the role of an underwriter.

Financial analysis

Financial analysts often handle the more technical aspects to the accountancy department – implementing and managing financial systems, management information, analysing statistics across the company and reporting on their findings. Financial Planners provide support for individuals and businesses reach their financial goals. Our article on the role of a Financial Planner has more information.

​Unlocking Success in Asset Management: Insight into Portfolio Management and Analysis

Asset management is a thriving sector within the financial services industry, encompassing portfolio management, analysis, and a variety of investment strategies. Professionals in this field work to optimize investment returns, minimise risk, and meet the financial objectives of individuals, institutions, and investment funds.

The Rise of Fintech: Exploring Job Opportunities in a Rapidly Evolving Industry

The financial technology (fintech) sector has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade, revolutionising the way we conduct banking, make payments, and manage our finances. As a result, the demand for skilled professionals in this rapidly evolving industry has surged. In this long-form article, we'll explore the diverse job opportunities available in the fintech space, examine the skills required to excel in these roles, and discuss how partnering with a recruitment agency can help you navigate the fintech job market and secure the perfect position. Explore more about the rapidly growing fintech industry in our article.

Navigating Investment Banking

Investment banking is a highly competitive and lucrative field, attracting top talent from across the globe. The United Kingdom, being a global financial hub, offers a wealth of opportunities for aspiring investment bankers. In our article on the varied roles in investment banking, we will explore the skills needed to excel in the industry, and how to successfully launch your career in this prestigious field.

If you would like to know more about financial recruitment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. If finance or accounting isn’t for you, take a look at the other areas of recruitment we cover.

Risk Management and Compliance: Vital Careers for Ensuring Financial Stability

Risk management and compliance are essential functions within the financial services industry, playing a critical role in maintaining the stability, integrity, and reputation of organisations. Professionals in these fields work diligently to identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks while ensuring adherence to regulations and industry standard.

Get it touch

Are you a client looking to hire top accountancy and finance staff, or a jobseeker looking to make a move? Send us an enquiry about what you are looking for, and one of our expert consultants will get back to you.

Jobs in Accountancy & Finance

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Temp Accounts Payable
London£17 per annum

Our client, a West London based Theatre/production company, are looking for a temp Accounts Payable Clerk to join the team. The role is an immediate start and will initially run for 8 weeks; there ...

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Senior Account Assistant
Cambridge£28000 - £35000 per annum

Are you a finance professional with a passion for the hospitality industry? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment, ensuring financial accuracy while delivering exceptional guest experiences? If...

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Management Accountant
Diss£45000 per annum

Do you thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment where innovation drives success? If so, my client has a fantastic opportunity for you as a Management Accountant. As a Management Accountant...

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Purchase Ledger Clerk
WaddingtonCompetitive

Our client, a long established and successful organisation based in Lincoln, are currently seeking an experienced Purchase Ledger Clerk. You'll be joining a talented existing team on a temporary ba...

Apply Now