Plant Inspector

What does a plant inspector do?

As a plant inspector, you will be responsible for coordinating plant accounting and financial reporting activities.

The role of a plant inspector involves the following duties: 

• Cost accounting
• Financial closing and reporting
• Calculating tax
• Inventory management
• Forecasting and budgeting
• Calculating return on investment
• Overseeing internal accounts and processes
• Offering guidance on improvement to ensure a plant runs efficiently at the lowest cost
• Performing monthly analysis of trends and forecasts to highlight financial risks and opportunities
• Producing financial reports for senior managers.

How to become a plant inspector

There are several routes to becoming a plant inspector. You could complete a college course, an apprenticeship or apply directly to a company for on-the-job training.

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

You could complete a foundation certificate or an advanced or professional diploma through the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). Courses take 6 - 18 months to complete.

You won’t need formal qualifications to do a foundation course. You may need GCSEs or A levels (or equivalent) for advanced and professional diplomas.

Once you’ve qualified, you could specialise to become a plant inspector.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with an accountancy firm is a good way into the industry.

An intermediate accountancy apprenticeship takes around two years to complete. For this, you will need GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths. Once you’ve qualified, you could specialise to become a plant inspector.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some accounting experience within a different industry you could apply directly to a construction company to gain experience as a plant inspector. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced plant inspector and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a plant inspector. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a plant inspector include: 

• Mathematical skills
• Analytical thinking skills
• Ability to interpret data
• Attention to detail
• Excellent administration skills.

How much could you earn as a plant inspector?

The expected salary for a plant inspector varies as you become more experienced.

 • Newly trained plant inspectors can start at £22,000

 • Trained with experience plant inspectors can earn up to £45,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route. 

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources