Helpdesk professionals offer first-line support to clients who are having problems with their IT hardware and software.

They work with the client to identify the fault and offer solutions to rectify the problem. In some cases, helpdesk professionals can refer the client to a second tier of support if initial problems cannot be resolved. They offer help over the phone, by email and increasingly, via online diagnostic and repair tools that the client logs in to.

Helpdesk professionals may work for a software or equipment supplier as part of their after-sales service, for instance a home PC manufacturer; or they may work for an organisation specialising in IT maintenance and support for commercial clients, for example, supporting a retail chain’s computerised till network. In a large institution, such as a university, they may be part of an in-house support team.

Helpdesk professionals work on a computer, using specific helpdesk software, which allows them to:

• communicate with clients directly (and vice versa)
• log calls/contacts made
• run reports on common trends
• track work in progress.

Helpdesk professionals also update knowledge databases, which clients can access remotely to try and resolve issues without the need for further support.

If first or second line staff cannot fix a particular problem, they can make arrangements to call out a field engineer or to send the faulty equipment/software for repair.

Hours and Environment

Helpdesk professionals work 37 to 40 hours a week, but the pattern of work varies between employers and often involve shifts, including evenings and weekends.

The work is office-based on a PC. Some travel may be involved if working for a company with users on different sites.

Skills and Interests

As a helpdesk professional, you should:

• have an in-depth knowledge of the systems and software that clients use
• have excellent communication and customer care skills
• be able to explain solutions clearly in technical and non-technical terms
• have excellent analytical skills and be well organised
• have excellent IT skills
• be able to keep accurate administrative records
• be willing to update your skills and knowledge as new developments are introduced.

Entry

It is possible to enter as a trainee although you can enhance your prospects if you have some experience or knowledge of computing. The qualifications below offer a good grounding in the technical aspects of the job. These are widely available at local colleges:

• NCFE Certificate for IT Practitioners (General) Level 2
• BTEC (Edexcel) National Certificate/Diploma IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support)
• City & Guilds (E-Quals) IT Practitioners Certificate at Level 1 and Diploma (7262) at Level 2; IT Practitioners Advanced Diploma (7262) Level 3; and Higher Professional Diploma for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support) Level 4
• OCR (iPRO) Certificate for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support) levels 2 and 3; and Higher Level award IT Professionals (ICT Systems Support) Level 4.

Note: Companies value good customer care skills as well as technical knowledge, so experience in a customer-facing role can be very useful.

BTEC (Edexcel) HNC/HND awards or a degree qualification can also be used as entry. Typical courses include:

• computing
• computer studies
• computer science.

Some companies offer graduate apprenticeship schemes to train specialists to higher level qualifications.

If you are between 16 and 24, you may be able to enter through an information technology apprenticeship. You will need four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including maths and science or technology, or equivalent. For more details see Training section.

For information about careers and qualifications in IT, see the e-skills UK and British Computer Society websites in Further Information.

Training

The majority of training is on the job with short intensive courses (in-house or external) covering the type of software, systems and procedures used by the company.

There are a variety of awards available for those working in the sector:

• NVQ IT Practitioners levels 1 and 2
• NVQ IT Professionals levels 3 and 4
• NVQ Communication Technologies Professionals levels 2 to 4
• SVQ IT Practitioners levels 1 to 5.

The Help Desk Institute (HDI) also offers a series of industry-recognised qualifications for people working in the sector. Courses include:

• Customer Support Specialist (CSS) for new entrants
• Help Desk Analyst (HDA) for professionals with 9-18 months’ experience
• Help Desk Senior Analyst (HDSA) for team leaders with 18-24 months’ experience
• Help Desk Manager (HDM) for those with 3-5 years’ experience.

The HDI has an e-learning programme, offering online courses in support issues. For further details about HDI training and qualifications, see their website in Further Information.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

With experience and training, helpdesk professionals can progress to more senior positions within their organisation, such as team leader, section leader or departmental manager. They may also use the work as a stepping stone towards other IT work, such as programming or systems administration. There are also opportunities for working in IT training.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries range from £13,000 to £16,000.
With experience, this rises to between £18,000 and £22,000.
Helpdesk professionals with managerial responsibilities can earn around £25,000.

Further information

1 Castle Lane
London
SW1E 6DR

21 High Street
Orpington
Kent
BR6 6BG
Tel: 01689 889100

1 Sanford Street
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 1HJ

A database administrator, also known as a database developer, is responsible for the planning, design, testing, installation and maintenance of information management systems used by companies and institutions across the commercial, public and education sectors. Organisations they deal with include:

• retail chains
• insurance companies, banks and financial institutions
• telecommunications services
• transport and logistics companies
• hospitals, government departments and local authorities
• schools and universities
• computer companies.

Administrators work closely with other IT professionals, such as systems analysts, programmers and IT project managers to produce databases, which not only fulfil the client’s current business requirements but also try to anticipate future upgrades. They deal with relational, hierarchical and object-oriented databases.

A database administrator works with the client to establish what the database is for, how to use it and who will need access to it. They then draw up a layout for the structure of the database. They need to consider the ‘back end’ design, for example how to organise the data, and the ‘front end’ functionality – how to retrieve and display the information.

Once a test version is developed, the administrator analyses the database, checking ease of use, accuracy of results and speed. Refinements are put in place at this stage. The database is then filled (populated) with new or existing data by transferring from other sources and database management system (DBMS) software is installed and configured for use.

Administrators draw up procedures and documentation for:

• updating information
• making additions, deletions and error-reporting
• data backup, archiving and disaster-recovery plans
• implementing security measures to verify data and control access to information.

An organisation’s information needs change, so knowledge of the latest technology to recommend improvements to the system is essential. Administrators may also manage technical and support staff, train end-users and produce performance reports for IT managers. Senior administrators are normally responsible for strategic planning, policy, budgets and building and maintaining client relationships.

Hours and Environment

Database administrators normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, they may be on-call if system breakdowns occur outside normal office hours.

Work is office-based, either on one site or at a number of sites. Depending on the size of the company or location of clients, some travel may be required.

Skills and Interests

As a database administrator, you should:

• have excellent analytical and organisational skills
• be able to work accurately and pay attention to detail
• have a comprehensive understanding of database architecture, software and DBMS
• be able to work under pressure and to deadlines
• be able to think quickly and be decisive
• have a good understanding of wider business demands
• have excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills
• respect confidentiality
• understanding the implications of information legislation, such as the Data Protection Act
• be prepared to keep up-to-date with developments in technology
• work well as part of a team.

Entry

There is no single route to becoming a database administrator. The main requirements are having the right knowledge, skills and experience for the job. Previous experience in computing is usually required, often gained in IT support, programming, systems analysis or web development.

Qualifications are also a useful way of demonstrating a certain level of competency. Foundation degrees, BTEC HNC/HNDs and degrees are widely available at colleges and universities throughout the country. Relevant courses include:

• computer science
• information science
• software engineering
• mathematics.

There are postgraduate conversion courses for those with awards in other subject areas.

For a degree, you usually need at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and two or three A levels/three or four H grades (including maths and a science subject), or equivalent qualifications such as vocational A levels.

An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Whether knowledge is gained through experience and/or study, an understanding of some of the common structured query language (SQL) software packages will be required along with database management systems (DBMS), including:

• RDBMS (relational database management systems)
• OODBMS (object oriented database management systems)
• XML- database management systems.

For information about careers in the IT sector, see e-skills UK, the British Computer Society and Institute for the Management of Information Systems in Further Information.

Training

If you hold a degree-level qualification, work-based graduate apprenticeships may be available.

The majority of training is on the job, supplemented by internal or external courses as appropriate, and progress will be helped by taking additional software manufacturers’ certification courses. Some career progression options are outlined below.

A Graduate Professional Development Award (GDPA) has been developed by e-skills in conjunction with higher education institutions and employers in the IT sector. It can be studied as part of an undergraduate, postgraduate or work-based training programme. The Award covers key skills required by the industry including communication and problem solving, team working and technical competencies. See e-skills UK for details.

The British Computer Society (BCS) offers a series of professional awards – Certificate, Diploma and Professional Graduate Diploma for those wishing to enhance their career prospects. These are equivalent to the first, second and third year of a university honours degree, respectively. Candidates can choose from a range of options including database systems. Contact BCS for further details and entry requirements.

The Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS) offers a series of programmes ranging from introductory level through to the equivalent of ordinary degree level for people wishing to enhance their career prospects within the information management sector. Options include database development. See IMIS website in Further Information for details.

Proprietary certification qualifications are available through software development companies. Some examples include:

• Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
• Sybase Adaptive Enterprise Server (Developer and Administrator pathways)
• Oracle PL/SQL Developer, and 9i and 10g Administrator (Associate, Professional and Master levels)
• IBM DB2 and Informix certification programmes.

See contacts in Further Information for more details.

For details of options in terms of professional development, see the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) website. The framework has been developed by some of the professional bodies listed in Further Information in conjunction with industry. It allows IT professionals, training providers and employers to reference their skills or requirements and help identify career development pathways.

Opportunities

Opportunities can arise within any organisation that makes use of computerised databases. Web-based services are becoming Increasingly important, so expertise in the integration of web technologies and databases is particularly useful. Administrators are also employed by specialist IT firms, sub-contracted to provide database services to clients.

Database administrators can move into wider IT management roles or transfer their skills to other areas of computing, such as:

• systems analysis
• web development
• network management.

Self-employment, freelance work and consultancy work is a possibility for experienced professionals.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

New entrants start between £17,000 and £20,000 a year.
Experienced administrators can earn between £21,500 and £31,000.
Senior administrators can earn between £35,000 and £45,000.

Rates for short- and medium-term contract positions may be significantly higher than those listed above, particularly at senior levels.

Further information

5 Kingfisher House
New Mill Road
Orpington
Kent
BR5 3QG
Tel: 0700 002 3456

1 Sanford Street
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 1HJ

1 Castle Lane
London
SW1E 6DR

Data entry clerks update, maintain and retrieve information held on computer systems. They also transfer information from paper-based records on to computer files. Typical duties include:

• inputting personal details of customers opening new bank accounts
• entering classified adverts in a newspaper
• transferring paper-based market research results
• processing sales invoices.

Data entry clerks work with text and numerical information, inputting it into spreadsheets or databases. They may use common office software packages to do this, or tailor-made systems specifically designed to meet a company’s requirements.

Data entry clerks can be found in all areas of work, including:

• sales and marketing
• banking and finance
• medical administration
• education.

Data entry jobs are often combined with customer service assistant and call centre operator roles. For details about these jobs, see these profiles in the Retail Sales and Customer Service family.

Hours and Environment

Data entry clerks work full- and part-time, with more and more companies offering flexible working patterns. Full-time posts are normally 35 to 40 hours a week. Some companies operate shift systems.

You will be work in an office at a computer workstation.

Skills and Interests

As a data entry clerk, you need:

• good computer skills
• the ability to work in a busy office
• good numeracy and literacy skills
• excellent customer service skills
• an appreciation of data confidentiality issues
• the ability to work quickly, accurately and pay attention to detail
• an awareness of health and safety issues around long-term computer use.

Entry

You do not need any formal qualifications to work as a data entry clerk, although some employers may prefer applicants with some GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), such as English and maths.

You may be able to start as an office apprentice. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

A basic knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets and databases is helpful although not always essential, as employers usually train you on their data entry systems when you start. You can take various IT qualifications to develop your computer skills. These include:

• OCR New Computer Literacy and Information Technology (New CLAiT)
• BCS European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)
• NCFE Level 2 Certificate for IT Users
• City & Guilds e-Quals Certificate and Diploma for IT Users.

These qualifications are very widely available at local learning centres. Check with them for details.

For more details about qualifications, see the awarding body websites in Further Information.

Training

Once you start working as a data entry clerk, you will receive on-the-job training. This will include your company’s office procedures, data entry systems and confidentiality rules. You normally spend the first few weeks working under the supervision of a staff mentor or training officer.

You can take a range of work-based qualifications to develop your skills but the exact one will depend on your specific duties. Some of these qualifications include:

• NVQ IT Users levels 1 to 3
• Certificate and Diploma in Business Administration
• Certificate in Contact Centres levels 2 and 3
• NVQ Contact Centre Operations levels 1 to 3.

A number of similar awards are available in Scotland.

For information about work-based qualifications in this field, see the websites for e-skills UK and the Council for Administration.

Opportunities

Your employment prospects as a data entry clerk are very good with many companies relying on computerised information storage and retrieval systems. Companies are shifting towards combining data entry jobs with customer service roles, so you can enhance your prospects if you gain skills in both areas.

With experience, you may be able to move into a supervisory job, overseeing a team of clerks. There may also be opportunities to train and mentor new recruits in the use of the company’s data entry systems. You may find further opportunities for development in administrative, sales and payroll departments.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries for data entry clerks are between £10,500 and £14,000 a year.
Data entry clerks with additional duties, such as customer service, can earn up to £18,000 a year.

Further information

1 Castle Lane
London
SW1E 6DR

Tel: 024 7685 1509

Customer Service Team
One90 High Holborn
London
WC1V 7BH
Tel: 0870 240 9800

6 Graphite Square
Vauxhall Walk
London
SE11 5EE
Tel: 020 7091 9620

Tel: 020 7294 2800

Computer service and repair technicians install, repair and maintain computer systems. They work in a variety of job settings, which can include:

Tasks depend on the job role but commonly cover:

Technicians may also have responsibility for training staff to use equipment correctly and safely.

If you have a good working knowledge of computer systems, it is possible to enter as a trainee without an academic background but you can enhance your prospects by studying for vocational awards, such as those listed below:

Foundation degrees, BTEC HNC/HND awards and degrees are also valid entry qualifications. Relevant courses include:

Training continues on the job and covers some or all of the following areas:

A range of NVQs is available for those working in a technical support role, including:

In Scotland, an SVQ IT Practitioners award is available at levels 2 to 4.

Other relevant qualifications include:

Alternative industry-recognised training includes:

CompTIA A+ Certification covering: installation, configuring and upgrading, diagnosis and troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, motherboards, processors and memory, printers, basic networking, operating system fundamentals and networks. For more information see CompTia website in Further Information.

Vendor-specific training, such as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification may be an option. This is a higher level qualification for those who have achieved a level 3 award or have extensive experience in the industry. For details, see Microsoft website below.

The British Computer Society (BCS) offers professional qualifications for those working in the IT sector. These are available at various levels to match your knowledge and experience. Contact BCS for details.

For details of professional development options, see the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) website. Industry bodies have developed the framework and it allows IT professionals, training providers and employers to reference their skills or requirements and help identify career development pathways.

Opportunities exist across a wide range of occupational sectors. Typical employers include:

Opportunities are also available with IT business service support contractors. There is scope for self-employment or freelance work, supporting small to medium sized enterprises or working in the home PC repair sector. Techncians could move into related fields, such as network engineering and administration, training or techncial sales.

http://www.sfia.org.uk

http://www.microsoft.com/uk

http://www.comptia.org

http://www.bcs.org.uk

1 Castle Lane
London
SW1E 6DR

http://www.e-skills.com

http://www.skillset.org/careers

http://www.igda.org/breakingin

http://www.e-skills.com

http://www.skillset.org

http://www.iseb.org.uk

Tax inspectors work for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). They are responsible for applying tax laws and making sure that companies and individual taxpayers pay the right amount of tax.

The job includes:

• checking tax returns from businesses and individuals
• examining accounts and background material
• investigating suspected cases of tax fraud
• advising about tax matters
• making sure that taxpayers only pay the correct amount due
• negotiating settlements with taxpayers or accountants
• managing technical and clerical staff.

If there are doubts about the accuracy of business accounts submitted to HMRC, tax inspectors visit business premises, examine accounts, interview staff and look into the lifestyle of the owner or directors.

Hours and Environment

As a tax inspectors you will usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You may need to work extra hours at certain times of the year when tax deadlines are approaching. Flexitime and part-time work is possible.

You will be office-based but will spend some time traveling to visit businesses. Formal business dress is expected.

Skills and Interests

To be a tax inspector you need:

• good spoken and written communication skills
• the ability to investigate and analyse information
• decision making ability
• excellent mathematical skills
• computer literacy
• the ability to apply rules fairly
• a creative approach to problem solving
• drive and determination.

Entry

You can join HRMC at various levels depending on your qualifications. To join directly as a trainee tax inspector, you will usually need a degree or a professional accountancy qualification and you can apply to one of the following recruitment programmes:

• HMRC’s Talent Recruitment Programme - you will need at least a second class honours degree (class 2:2 or above) in any subject, or a professional accountancy qualification
• Fast Stream Development Programme (for senior management and policy work in all Civil Service departments including HMRC) - you will need at least a second class honours degree in any subject.

If you do not have a degree, you could join HMRC in an administrative assistant or assistant officer grade, and apply to join the Talent Recruitment Programme after gaining experience. You will usually need two GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) for administrative assistant jobs, and five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including maths and English for assistant officer jobs. You may be able to enter without these qualifications if you pass a selection test.

You must be a UK national to work in a job where you are directly involved in a taxpayer’s financial affairs (known as a ‘reserved post’).

Contact HMRC for more information on general recruitment and the graduate schemes.

Training

You will be trained on the job and also attend formal in-house training courses.

On the Talent Recruitment Programme you will usually follow the Inspector Development Programme (IDP). The IDP is a modular programme that includes on the job learning, formal training courses, self-study and exams. It takes around four years to qualify as a tax inspector through the IDP.

On the Fast Stream Development Programme, your first year will be similar to the IDP, but from the second year you will usually focus more on training for policy, advisory or strategic management work. Training usually takes four years.

Opportunities

As a tax inspector you could work at HM Revenue and Customs offices all over the UK.

Jobs are advertised in the local press, in job centres and on the HRMC and Civil Service Recruitment Gateway websites.

With experience you could move into specialist advisory work and management jobs. HMRC has a clear promotion structure to pass through the grades. Alternatively, you could choose to work in the private sector as a tax adviser, or become a self-employed tax consultant.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Experienced tax inspectors earn £23,460 to £40,698.
Graduates on the Inspector Development Programme start on £20,040 a year (£22,430 in London).
Graduate tax inspectors qualified through the IDP earn £37,630 to £54,170 a year.

Starting salaries for Fast Stream recruits are around £21,500 a year, rising to around £35,000 after four years.

All salary increases depend on individual performance.

Further information

No central telephone number for information, please see website for contacts for individual departments

Tax advisers make sure that their clients pay the right amount of tax on time. They also advise clients on how best to structure their finances to avoid paying too much tax in the future. Their clients can include large multinational companies, smaller businesses and individuals.

There are two main areas of work:

• tax compliance – calculating how much tax is due and completing tax returns
• tax consultancy – advising clients on ways to reduce the amount of tax they have to pay.

Their duties may include:

• meeting clients and collecting information
• checking and completing tax returns
• auditing clients’ tax records
• explaining tax laws to clients and finding ways to reduce their tax liabilities
• producing reports or presentations for clients
• liaising and negotiating with HM Revenue and Custom on the client’s behalf
• keeping up to date with tax law.

Tax advisers are usually employed by accountancy or law firms as specialist consultants, or by large companies in in-house tax departments. Some tax advisers may also provide other accountancy services for clients

Hours and Environment

Tax advisers generally work standard office hours, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. They may need to work longer hours to meet deadlines, especially in February and March at the end of the tax year.

They are office based but also travel to clients for meetings and audits.

Skills and Interests

To work as a tax adviser you should:

• have excellent mathematical and computer skills
• be able to interpret complex data
• work well under pressure and keep to tight deadlines
• have good written and spoken communication skills
• be able to work as part of a team and supervise others
• work accurately and pay attention to detail
• be interested in business and finance.

Entry

You must be a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) to be able to work as a chartered tax adviser. To register with CIOT, you must be either:

• a member of the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT)
• a qualified solicitor with a legal practice certificate, or
• a chartered accountant.

You do not need any specific qualifications to become a student member of ATT or CIOT. However, most employers will expect GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) or equivalent in English and maths. In practice, many tax advisers have a degree in business, finance, accountancy or law. Some large accountancy or tax consultancy firms may offer graduate entry schemes.

See Accountant: Private Practice or Solicitor profiles for information about qualifying as an accountant or solicitor.

If you are not already a qualified solicitor or accountant, you can first qualify as a taxation technician with the ATT. You must:

• pass the four ATT Certificate examinations (if you have A levels or a HNC/D or degree in law or accounting, you may be exempt from some of the ATT exams)
• have at least two years’ practical experience of UK taxation.

After qualifying with the ATT you can apply for student membership of CIOT and take further exams for chartered tax adviser status (see Training section).

Please see the ATT and CIOT websites for more information.

Training

• pass the CTA examination
• have at least three years’ relevant work experience in taxation.

You can study for the CTA examination whilst working, through part-time classes, distance learning or intensive revision sessions. The CIOT advises that you should study for at least a year before taking the CTA examination. If you already have accountancy qualifications you may be exempt from some papers of the CTA exam. See the CIOT website for more information about exemptions and course providers.

Opportunities

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

A trainee tax adviser can earn from £19,000 to £25,000 a year.
Part-qualified tax advisers can earn £25,000 to £35,000.
Fully-qualified Chartered Tax Advisers may earn £35,000 to £50,000.
Senior tax managers with 10 or more years’ experience can earn up to £90,000 a year.

There may also be bonus payments for personal or company performance.

Salaries in London may be 10 to 20% more than the rest of the UK.

Further information

51 Gresham Street
London
EC2V 7HQ
Tel: 0845 257 3772

12 Upper Belgrave Street
London
SW1X 8BB
Tel: 020 7235 9381

12 Upper Belgrave Street
London
SW1X 8BB
Tel: 020 7235 2544

Stockbrokers manage investments for individual clients, companies or other large organisations. They buy and sell stocks, shares and other financial products to get the best return for their clients.

Stockbrokers can offer three types of service:

• discretionary – they manage all their clients’ investments and have permission to buy and sell investments without consulting clients
• advisory – offer clients various options and advice, which the client can decide whether or not to take
• ‘execution only’ do not give advice, and act only on clients’ instructions to buy and sell.

They may specialise in one type of service, or offer all three. Across all types of service the work of a stockbroker is to:

• manage and review clients’ investment portfolios
• research financial markets
• answer clients’ questions
• keep clients informed about their investments
• instruct stock market traders to achieve the best market prices
• market their services to new clients.

Stockbrokers work closely with investment analysts, who research and report on how companies and markets are performing, to help stockbrokers decide on the best investments for clients.

In larger companies, stockbrokers usually specialise in investing in certain markets such as technology or finance, or in specific regions such as Europe or the Far East. Stockbrokers who work for private individual clients are sometimes known as investment managers or wealth managers.

Hours and Environment

As a stockbroker you can expect to work long hours, Monday to Friday. The London Stock Exchange opens at 8am, so you will normally be at your desk by 7am, and stay until the trading desk closes (often around 6pm). If you are working with commodities or Far East markets you may work longer and more irregular hours.

You will usually work in a large, open-plan office, and spend most of your time at the computer and on the telephone. It can be a noisy and pressurised environment.

Skills and Interests

To be a stockbroker you should:

• be able to understand complex information quickly and communicate clearly
• have good mathematical skills
• be confident and decisive
• be able to work under pressure
• work well both as part of a team and on your own initiative
• have drive and determination
• pay attention to detail
• be able to judge risks and predict trends in the market
• be honest and trustworthy.

Language skills can be an advantage if you want to work with overseas clients and markets. German, Japanese, French are Russian are especially useful.

Entry

To become a stockbroker you will normally need a degree, usually of class 2:1 or above. Your degree could be in any subject, but economics, business, finance or accountancy may increase your chances. Please check with colleges or universities for degree entry requirements.

If your degree is not in a business-related subject, you must be able to show that you understand how financial markets work. You may find it useful to do a work experience placement in an investment bank or similar company.

You will usually begin as a graduate trainee in an investment bank or a firm of stockbrokers. Many companies have tough recruitment processes, with psychometric and aptitude tests and several interviews.

It is becoming more common for employers to ask for postgraduate qualifications such as an MSc or MBA.

You could also become a trainee stockbroker after gaining experience as an investments administrator or investment analyst (see the Stock Exchange: Investment Analyst profile).

Training

A stockbroker must be registered as an ‘authorised person’ with the Financial Services Authority (FSA). To be registered, you must pass an appropriate examination approved by the FSA. See the Financial Services Skills Council website for a full list of appropriate exams.

You will be trained on the job, and will also study for an FSA-approved qualification from either the Securities and Investments Institute (SII) or the United Kingdom Society of Investment Professionals (UKSIP). You could take either of the following:

• SII Certificates in Investment Management, Securities or Financial Derivatives
• UKSIP Investment Management Certificate.

After around three years’ experience, you could take more advanced professional qualifications, such as:

• SII Diploma, or
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), through the UKSIP.

You should also have continuous training throughout your career, to keep up-to-date with new procedures and regulations.

See the SII and UKSIP websites for full details about their qualifications.

Experienced financial advisers can also give investment advice and manage clients’ portfolios if they have had relevant training, such as the Diploma in Financial Planning. See the Financial Adviser profile for details.

Opportunities

Most jobs are based in London but there are opportunities in other parts of the United Kingdom. Work is available in stockbroking firms, investment banks and private banks.

Promotion depends on individual performance. Stockbrokers often move on to become account managers and fund managers.

Experienced stockbrokers can set up their own firm. Some stockbrokers go to work overseas in major financial centres.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries range from £24,000 to £35,000 a year.
Experienced stockbrokers can earn £45,000 to £80,000.
Some stockbrokers earn over £150,000 a year.

Stockbrokers also often earn large bonuses based on personal or company performance.

Further information

25 The North Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5HS
Tel: 020 7066 1000

90 Basinghall Street
London
EC2V 5AY
Tel: 020 7796 3000

51 Gresham Street
London
EC2V 7HQ
Tel: 0845 257 3772

Centurion House
24 Monument Street
London
EC3R 8AQ
Tel: 020 7645 0680

Public finance accountants (also known as public sector accountants) assess and control the efficiency of public spending. They can work in local or central government, audit offices, housing, health, education or charitable trusts. Their aim is to get value for money for any service offered to the public.

Public finance accountants prepare and present:

• financial records and statements
• management information to boards and budget holders
• estimates on the cost of new projects
• budget reviews and investment appraisals.

Other duties include:

• monitoring spending and cash flows
• putting policies into practice and allocating money to different departments
• analysing how cost-effective services to the public are
• managing the organisation’s financial systems
• conducting internal audits.

A key role for public finance accountants is financial reporting and control. They must make sure that public money is not wasted, is spent within legal guidelines, and that costs are kept within budget. They must understand how policies are made and how central and local government is allocated funds.

Some public finance accountants work for the National Audit Office or Audit Commission and conduct external audits, reporting to government on the efficiency and effectiveness of public spending.

Hours and Environment

Public finance accountants normally work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. They may need to work extra hours at busy times. Flexible working is possible. Part-time work and job sharing may also be available.

Accountants are usually office-based, although they may have to travel to attend meetings and visit other sites. Dress code is usually formal.

Skills and Interests

To be a public finance accountant you should:

• have good mathematical skills
• be able to plan and present information
• understand public policy
• enjoy analysing data and solving problems
• have good communication skills and a professional manner
• keep up-to-date with new legislation
• have information technology skills
• be discreet and assertive
• be able to meet strict deadlines.

Entry

You could work in the public sector after qualifying with any of the main accountancy organisations, but the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is usually considered to be the most relevant training body for public finance accountants.

To study with CIPFA you will usually need at least three GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two A Levels/H grades, including maths and English (at either GCSE or A level). Please check with CIPFA about other qualifications they may accept.

You may be able to miss out some parts of the CIPFA training if you have either:

• a degree or HNC/HND in a relevant subject such as accountancy or business studies, or
• qualifications from another professional accountancy bodies (see the Private Practice Accountant and Management Accountant profiles for more information).

See the CIPFA website for full details of exemptions.

CIPFA runs two alternative entry routes for experienced entrants who do not have the standard entry qualifications. If you are aged at least 21 and have at least three years’ relevant accounting experience, you can apply to begin CIPFA training. If you are at least 25 and have at least five years’ relevant experience, you will also be exempt from some of the examinations in the first stage (Certificate) of training.

If you have the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Technician Level, you can begin a CIPFA-AAT Fast Track scheme and become a fully-qualified accountant in two years. See the Accounting Technician profile for more details about starting in accountancy at this level.

You may be able to join some employers through a graduate training scheme – see CIPFA website for details of trainee vacancies.

Some employers ask for CCAB qualifications in their entry requirements. The CCAB is the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies, an advisory organisation made up six of the main professional accountancy bodies: ACCA, ICAEW, ICAS, ICAI, CIPFA and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). There is no single CCAB qualification - employers in this case will accept an accountancy qualification from any of these professional bodies. For more information on CCAB see contacts below.

Training

To gain Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA) status, you must pass the CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification (PAQ) and the Initial Professional Development Scheme (IPDS).

The PAQ has three stages:

• Certificate (financial accounting, management accounting, financial reporting and financial management systems)
• Diploma (audit/assurance, leadership/management, performance reporting, accounting for decision making, governance/public policy and taxation)
• Final test of professional competence (strategic business management and financial management case study).

You can study for exams through college providers or CIPFA open learning materials.

For IPDS, you must have 400 days of practical workplace experience and keep a training log to be assessed by your employer and a portfolio assessor.

After qualifying, you must keep up-to-date with new developments with regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD). See CIPFA website for more details.

Opportunities

Opportunities for accountants in the public sector are growing, as more financial decisions are made at a local level. The sector is large and jobs are available in leisure, education, the environment, health and social services.

Accountants can move between the public, private and industry and commerce sectors to gain experience and to develop their careers. There are good opportunities to move into management. The chief executives and directors of many public sector organisations have an accountancy background.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Trainee accountants in the public sector may start on £15,000 to £18,000 a year.
Part-qualified accountants can earn between £17,000 and £26,000.
Finance managers with accountancy qualifications earn between £30,000 and £37,000.
Directors of finance can earn between £60,000 and £75,000 a year.

Public finance accountants working in London can earn 10-20% more.

Further information

51 Gresham Street
London
EC2V 7HQ
Tel: 0845 257 3772

3 Robert Street
London
WC2N 6RL
Tel: 020 7543 5600

2 Central Quay
89 Hydepark Street
Glasgow
G3 8DT
Tel: 0141 582 2000