How Can You Progress from AP or Accounts Assistant into an Assistant Accountant Role?
For many people starting out in finance, roles in Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable or as an Accounts Assistant are the first step. These are essential positions that give you a solid grounding in systems, processes and how finance operates day to day. But if your goal is to move into a more technical role like Assistant Accountant, what helps you get there?
📘 Start Studying (or Make a Plan To)
Most senior finance professionals hold a qualification. Starting AAT, ACCA or CIMA tells employers you are serious about progressing. You do not need to be part qualified yet, but showing intent can help move you beyond transactional work.
🧠 Be Curious and Ask Questions
This matters more than many realise. Ask to sit in on month end. Offer to help with reconciliations or journals. Ask how reports are put together. And while you are at it, ask your manager how they got to where they are. Most will have started out doing something very similar to what you are doing now.
💬 Make Your Goals Known
Your manager is not a mind reader. Say you want to progress. Ask for feedback and be open about what you are working towards. Many people stay in the same role too long simply because they never spoke up.
📈 Make Yourself Visible
Progress often comes from being seen. That might be offering to support a system change, putting yourself forward for training, or helping someone else in the team. It shows initiative and a mindset that goes beyond your day to day responsibilities.
🧭 Be Patient but Not Passive
You will not move up overnight. But if you are curious, consistent and clear about your ambitions, you will start to stand out. The people who progress are not always the loudest, but they are the ones who show they are ready.
Final Thought
If you are in a transactional role and want to move up, remember this: many finance leaders started exactly where you are. The difference is, they asked questions, took ownership and made their ambition visible. Do the same, and you will be surprised how far it can take you.