What is a financial accountant?
Most organisations are required to report their financial position. For example, to governments, shareholders and other interested parties. Preparing these reports is the job of financial accountants who are responsible for disclosing, retaining and submitting accurate information. But you’ll be dealing with more than just numbers. Financial accounting also intersects with many other fields such as company law and financial reporting standards.
Financial analyst roles are available across the corporate and public sectors, financial services, public practice, and shared service organisations. The sector you work in is just one factor that can influence your career path – and the typical accountant salary you may command.
How do I achieve it?
There are many entry routes into financial accounting, each offering the chance to progress to senior positions such as Financial Controller or Chief Financial Officer (CFO). While aspiring financial accountants often benefit from holding a degree in accounting or finance, it’s also important to understand the difference between finance and accounting. Accounting focuses on accurately recording, reporting, and ensuring compliance with financial information, while finance is concerned with managing, investing, and strategically growing an organisation’s resources. Everyone can strengthen their career prospects by completing the following ACCA Strategic Professional exams:
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
- Advanced Taxation (ATX)
- Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
Furthermore, the day to day skills that help financial accountants maintain a clear paper trail of transactions can be learned in our Foundation level qualifications. This would provide a perfect entry point for financial accountancy.
If you are considering applying for a graduate or junior position as a financial accountant, explore the ACCA's huge range of study and career tips for accountants to ensure a strong impact in the interview and beyond.
