Finance Food Jobs

Accountant

There are two main types of accountancy: financial accountancy and management accountancy. Broadly speaking, financial accountancy involves keeping and analysing financial records, profit and loss accounts and tax returns. Management accountancy is centred around advising on financial planning and development; for example, the cost of expanding the business. In both these branches of accountancy, you’ll keep detailed accounts and internal audits and produce regular statements on whether the company’s systems are efficient and cost-effective.

To work as an Accountant in any of these sectors, you’ll need a qualification from a recognised Accountancy body, which generally takes 3 years’ study on top of your degree. For Industrial, Commercial and Private Practice, ACCA, ICAEW, ICAS, ICAI, AIA are the most popular qualifications. CIMA and IFA provide qualifications for both Management and Financial Accountants working in Industry and Commerce, and also the Public Sector, but more often, Public Sector Accountants will hold the CIPFA qualification. UK Accounting qualifications are recognised all over the world, so once you are qualified there is opportunity to work overseas.

Auditor

All companies and government departments must be audited by law. Auditing involves checking a company’s accounts are accurate and giving a true picture of their financial position.

Credit Controller

Credit Controllers handle all liaison and administrative duties connected with hire-purchase transactions, and make sure the interests of both buyer and seller are protected. They are responsible for opening accounts for prospective customers in accordance with the company's credit policy by investigating how credit-worthy prospective buyers are, drawing up hire-purchase contracts, and collecting deposits and payments. Credit Controllers have the financial authority to accept or reject credit applications. In extending credit to businesses, they will review financial reports submitted by the applicant, interview representatives of the businesses, and review credit reports to determine the records of the firms in repaying their debts. They must be able to interpret the legal terms and requirements of contracts to clients, and ensure all contracts are correctly signed by both parties. In some large organisations, Credit Controllers may even be responsible for establishing the company’s credit policy. Credit Controllers have to check all accounts on a monthly basis. They must frequently contact customers who are unable or refuse to pay their debts, through writing, telephoning or sometimes personal contact. If these attempts fail, Credit Controllers may refer the account to a collection agency or enlist the services of a lawyer to take legal action.

There are no specific educational requirements, but the demanding task of chasing up outstanding payments requires an assertive yet diplomatic personality, combined with good communication and customer service skills.

Analyst

Broadly, a Financial Analyst assesses a company’s financial needs and strategies. Various forms of financial budgeting are a key part of the job. One of a Financial Analyst’s main purposes is to find ways to increase company profitability

Finance Manager

A Finance Manager’s job is to provide sound financial advice to clients or colleagues in order to help them make good business decisions. Budgetary planning carried out by the Finance Manager is vital in ensuring that a company knows how to plan for the future, in both the short term and the long term. The work can take place in the Private or Public Sector, from small companies through to giant multinationals, and the precise duties of the role can vary depending on the size and type of the company. In larger companies, the emphasis tends to be on strategic analysis, but in smaller companies the role is more centred around the collection and preparation of accounts. The role involves responsibility for providing and interpreting financial information, researching and producing reports on factors influencing business performance. You’ll conduct risk assessment, monitoring performance and efficiency, participating in strategic planning and formulating business plans. Control of budgets and cash flow monitoring also fall under the Finance Manager’s remit, as does business modelling and forecasting, and pricing and competitor analysis. You may also be required to supervise other members of staff.

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