Accountancy

R3DBuLL

R3DBuLL

R3DBuLL

Associate
Joined
10 Mar 2005
Posts
714
Location
Scotland
Morning :)


What's the best route to get into accountancy?

I've had a read around on the net but I'm looking for some oppinions. I'm 24 at the moment and just have the highers (A-level equivalent I think) I left school with. Currently employed full time and would like to try and keep it that way if possible.

Wish I knew what I wanted to do with myself by 18 like most people seem to, would make things so much easier :p
 
I started accounts (from IT) when I was 23/24 and just jumped straight in to taking my CIMA. I can't comment for ACCA etc but I don't feel as if I was at a disadvantage to anyone else on my course by not having done AAT previously.
 
Without a degree or any form of accountancy experience, I think you'll have to start at the very bottom; AAT. Either find a firm willing to take you on and provide on the job training / study or (if you're lucky) take the AAT - ACA fast-track route!
 
BenjiSayers said:
I started accounts (from IT) when I was 23/24 and just jumped straight in to taking my CIMA. I can't comment for ACCA etc but I don't feel as if I was at a disadvantage to anyone else on my course by not having done AAT previously.
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That's because AAT is so horrendously easy if you can't pass it you shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a pen let alone financial information :p
 
Both CIMA and ACCA do a foundation course (five exams CBA) if you don't want to spend the amount of time it takes to do AAT.
 
So by the looks of things the fastest and possibly the best way is to try and find a firm who have enough faith in me to take me on and put me through the qualifications.

Doing AAT might increase my chances slightly though?
 
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It might be worth studying CIMA certificate stage or the Foundation stage of ACCA while you are looking for a job. It will demonstate your commitment and will give you some of the basic understanding required work in finance.

These foundation exams aren't difficult and it is easy enough to study yourself with just a textbook.

Beyond the foundation stages it's not an easy qualification, and requires commitment to study alongside work (plenty of people drop out) so make sure your heart is 100% in it before you start. However, as you pass each stage of exams and complete the qualification you are generally rewarded well (promotion / pay)
 
My local college does AAT part time, but has level 2 and level 3 courses, best to start with the level 2 or not worth doing and skipping to level 3?
 
BenjiSayers said:
Haha. That would explain why everyone was telling me not to bother :D I nearly signed up for it as well!
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Well I did despite having engineering degree and quite enjoying AAT level2 as I have never touched accounting before

R3DBuLL said:
So by the looks of things the fastest and possibly the best way is to try and find a firm who have enough faith in me to take me on and put me through the qualifications.

Doing AAT might increase my chances slightly though?
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This is what I am hoping for aswell. As I am studying AAT I hope to secure some voluntary work experience or junior accountant position. Hopefully my engineering degree should also help in this matter as my teacher told me that compared to accountancy candidates, I should be in slightly better position. We will see!!:cool:
 
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