GAT

GENERAL ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN:

What’s an Accounting Technician?

An Accounting Technician supports the work of accountants by undertaking a wide range of accountancy, financial and taxation tasks. They work for both private and public sector organizations, carrying out accountancy tasks ranging from organizing payroll and book-keeping to preparing a variety of reports in positions such as credit control officer or account clerk; all with a view to ensuring financial information is collated, checked and analyzed efficiently and to standard. Many accountancy technicians also offer independent accountancy services alongside their support work. Accountancy technicians have strong numerical, organizational and interpersonal skills and can have flexible work hours, particularly if working on a self-employed basis

Accounting Technicians are qualified accounting professionals that work at all levels of finance. They can work in all types of organizations and are widely employed throughout the public sector, industry and commerce and in private accountancy practices. General Accounting Technician (GAT) is the certification offering by the Institute of Certified General Accountants to cater the accounting professional, who are working in the accounts departments but do not have the formal certification.

A wide range of finance roles:

They are involved in the day-to-day practical work of accountancy and play a key operational role in producing reliable financial information. Accounting Technicians can perform a wide range of finance roles, from accounts staff to financial controller and beyond. For instance, they can do financial accounting and budgeting, costing and credit control, payroll administration and tax returns. More experienced Accounting Technicians may often perform senior managerial tasks and audits.

Working independently or as part of a team:

Accounting Technicians can work on their own or alongside professional accountants. In a small company, they may be the only qualified employee looking after the finance function, while in a larger company, they may be working as part of a team alongside accountants and administrative staff. While they are not accountants, they can perform many of the same functions and are qualified to take accounts beyond trial balance stage, as well as prepare full financial accounts.

About the Accounting Technician Qualification:

Having a recognized accounting qualification demonstrates expertise, experience and knowledge in accounting. Institute of Certified General Accountants (ICGA) (provides an accounting qualification that is recognized by industry as one of the leading accounting qualifications in Pakistan.

Our students come from all walks of life. For example, you may already be working of going to college, or perhaps you are a mature students who wants to get back into the workforce. You could even be currently working in an accounting related area, and although experienced, wish to pursue a formal qualification.

The General Accounting Technicians Certification qualification is divided into two modules, six exams and one case study.

These Modules are designed to address the strong market need sectors for qualified Accounting Technician professionals, and also to support the continuing development of those already in employment.

Our syllabus has been carefully designed to equip graduates with an array of transferable business skills, as well as technical knowledge of finance and accountancy practice. Ultimately, the qualification increases employment opportunities for a broad range of accounting and finance roles and will enable you to progress to senior financial management at a later stage in your career.

The Program Structure:

The course allows you to work as an Accounting Technician professional in the corporate or public sector, or in private practice. It also offers you the opportunity to pursue further certification programs offered by the Institute as GAP (General Accounting Practitioner) and CGA (Certified General Accountants) and the professional accountancy qualifications with one of the other professional accountancy bodies.

The General Accounting Technician (GAT) qualification is offered by the Institute of Certified General Accountants (ICGA). Upon completion of the exams, case study and required practical work experience the GAT graduate will be able to apply to use the letters GAT after his or her name.

Although GAT can be obtained as a stand-alone qualification, it is often the case that individuals study for GAT as an introductory qualification in accountancy prior to training to become a General Accounting Practitioner (GAP) and Certified General Accountant (CGA) professional. It usually takes one and a half years to complete the six GAT exams and one case study. However, there is no restriction on the number of papers that can be attempted in each sitting.

General Accounting Technicians (GATs) are employed to oversee and manage financial accounts in roles such as Accounts Manager or Assistant Finance Manager. Accounting Technicians work in all areas of finance and business carrying out a range of functions such as;

  • preparation of accounts
  • receiving and settling invoices
  • basic bookkeeping
  • auditing external and internal work
  • managing payroll and budgets
  • looking after all financial transactions
  • monitoring staff and company expenses
  • accounting for resources

If you are interested in becoming the General Accounting Technician (GAT), you may send your resume for the assessment to the info@cgaglobal.org , or contact office or apply online.