Accounting Technicians: A Key Component of the Accountancy Ecosystem

Accounting Technicians are part of the global accountancy profession, working across all sectors in financial management roles that are essential to a strong and sustainable accountancy profession, private and public sector organizations, and financial markets and economies. When Accounting Technicians, or ATs, are empowered with appropriate technical knowledge and practical skills—and valued by employers—they support the production of reliable financial and non-financial information that drives timely and informed decision making, and delivers transparency and accountability.

Roles Played by Accounting Technicians
- Using manual or computerized systems to process invoices, receipts and payments
- Completing and submitting tax returns
- Managing payroll and expenses
- Collecting and processing non-financial information
- Producing monthly accounts
- Planning and controlling budgets
- Supporting anti-money laundering efforts
More experienced Accounting Technicians may also provide advice on budgeting, tax compliance, audits, business growth, and internal controls.

The Role Accounting Technicians Can Play in the Global Accountancy Ecosystem

The Accounting Technician Designation

PAOs considering introducing an Accounting Technician designation should do so as both a credible qualifying endpoint—leading to a fulfilling and meaningful career—and as an effective pathway toward other accountancy designations for those who want to continue their professional development journey. At a minimum, an AT designation should require successfully completing a rigorous education program that develops and assesses competence in financial and non-financial systems and processes, data management and preparing information for decision making. AT programs should also consider covering digital skills, ethics, sustainability, and professional skills, such as communication. Once awarded the AT designation, PAOs should ensure that their AT members commit to ethical standards and continuous professional development.