If you’ve a head for figures and can spin more plates than an Italian waiter after three espressos, a career in accountancy could be for you.
The accountancy sector is fast moving and vibrant, particularly now as it adapts to superfast changes in technology.
But it’s the role of finance manager that always tops the lists of most in-demand job of them all.
In fact, financial management is one of the most sought after and well-paid careers in the industry.
You can find yourself working in a vast range of different environments across the public and private sectors. Your role is to keep a sharp eye on the financial workings of a company. If it involves money, it involves you.
Typically, you will be preparing financial documents and business reports, managing budgets, ensuring that all financial dealings are legal and making recommendations on investments.
The march of technology means that nowadays the job involves more analysing of data to find ways to increase profits.
So what do you need to make it in this crucial role?
Firstly, you must be highly organised. You’ll be working with data from various sources so you’ll need to have a systematic way of working and be a stickler for detail. One small mistake when it comes to the company finances could end up being very costly.
If you’re the type of person who gets easily flummoxed by spreadsheets and mathematical formula, this is not going to be for you.
Most senior roles require good people skills but, as in any management role, communication is essential.
As well as being expert at managing your team you also need to be talented in presenting rather dry or complex data to colleagues who often don’t share your level of knowledge or enthusiasm.
When it comes to qualifications, to cut it as a finance manager, you will need a degree. Accounting, economics or business administration are all sought after by recruiting firms. Having a masters under your belt won’t do any harm.
But it’s your frontline experience in accounting that could be the gold star to take you to the top – with ten years of experience you could command from £65,000 to £100,000, depending on your chosen industry.