NEWAutumn 2026 batches now enrolling. Limited places each month.
Retail and ecommerce finance is about volume. Sales, refunds, discounts, platform fees and stock all have to match the money that reaches the bank.
Entry-level roles
Typical full-time UK figures
An online seller may take payments through several channels, and the amount reaching the bank is rarely the same as total sales. Fees, refunds and chargebacks all need to be accounted for.
Good finance staff help a retailer understand which products and channels make money. That makes accuracy valuable, even in junior roles.
Typical full-time UK figures, rounded. Pay varies by employer, location and experience. Sources: National Careers Service, AAT, PayScale and Prospects, checked November 2026.
£27k
Often advertised as Ecommerce Accounts Assistant
Reconciles sales channels and payment providers.
£27k
Also called Retail Finance Assistant
Supports daily finance tasks across stores or channels.
£26k
Also called Accounts Payable Clerk
Processes high volumes of supplier invoices.
£28k
Often for online sellers
Keeps records and VAT up to date for a growing shop.
Common requirements in UK retail & ecommerce adverts. They vary by employer.
Systems differ, but the accounting tasks carry across.
Xero
QuickBooks
Dext
ExcelShopify and A2X (seen in adverts)A short introduction, not legal or tax advice. Rules can change, so check the sources below.
Some retailers can use VAT retail schemes to work out VAT when recording each sale individually isn't practical. Published schemes have turnover limits.
VAT returns must be sent using compatible software unless the business is exempt or another exception applies.
Marketplace and payment fees need recording separately from sales, so the books show what was actually sold and earned.
You'll practise reconciliations, invoices, VAT and Excel reporting on real client data, including work in Xero and Dext where relevant. Platform-specific tools such as Shopify reports and A2X are usually learned on the job once the core skills are in place.
Later on: With experience, people can move towards management accounts, stock accounting or finance analysis. Senior roles usually need further experience or qualifications.
Accounting100 hrsBeginner
Develop practical skills in bookkeeping, VAT, financial transactions and record management, giving you the knowledge and confidence to support day-to-day accounting and finance operations.
XeroQuickBooks
Sage 50
Accounting100 hrsBeginner
Build practical accounts skills covering financial records, invoices, payments, reconciliations and essential accounting processes for the workplace.
XeroSage 50QuickBooks
Data200 hrsAdvanced
Build practical data analysis skills covering data cleaning, visualisation, reporting and insights to help businesses make confident, data-driven decisions.
SQL
Python
Power BIWe offer group bookings and can tailor training to your team.
Can't find your answer? Our consultants usually reply on WhatsApp within an hour, Monday to Saturday.
They usually reconcile sales, refunds, fees and payment deposits, process invoices, review stock adjustments and support VAT and month-end work.
Some adverts ask for it, especially in online businesses. Strong reconciliation and Xero skills are the best foundation.
It can be high volume, but it's a good way to build strong reconciliation and accuracy skills.
Checked November 2026. Job advert requirements are based on a sample of UK adverts and vary by employer.
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14-day cancellation rights · Interest-free payment plans
