Accountancy jobs - what's yours?

Any

kingnoodle wrote: »

Hi all,

I have also been thinking about doing an AAT course, because even after completing my degree at University in Economics I can't seem to get anyone to employ little old me (not that old or little really ).
I figured that this was because of my lack of experience in the working world and the fact that I have only learnt about accounting albeit very little, but have no idea how to do it. Thus AAT seems a good option.

Had a little search on the good old net and I was wondering what are people's thoughts on Apprenticeships?
I know they are generally targeted at school leavers and not graduates, however it seems a good option because I can study and gain some valuable experience.
Naturally the wages won't be too high and I may be able to earn more if I find a job myself and study AAT in my own time, however I am worried that I wont be able to find a job while studying.

I appreciate your words of wisdom and any personal experiences' too

I think that doing AAT if you have a degree is a waste of time.
I would book myself on quick bookkeeping course (to get the idea of double entry and what each nominal means) and then jump straing onto ACCA.

AAT is too low a level to start with degree in Economics (in my opinion..).

Also I would apply with the big 4 for the Apprenticeships. They actually concentrate on graduates and send them for their professional qualification while being on the job...
example
http://www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/Graduates/default.aspx?pg=2

kingnoodle

Thanks for the reply Any,

I've had a look at graduate schemes and applied for quite a few, but just not really having any such luck, becuase unfortunately my degree grades aren't the best if i'm honest.
Also I did a joint honours degree, sorta econ & maths, so I only really studied a teeny bit of accounting, but when you say bookeeping course, do you mean something like learning how to use Sage?
I somewhat feel as if my degree is worthless, in this current climate, everyone wants someone who can hit the ground running without having to train them up

Also has anyone had any experience with the Home Learning College?

jessicamb

kingnoodle wrote: »

Thanks for the reply Any,

I've had a look at graduate schemes and applied for quite a few, but just not really having any such luck, becuase unfortunately my degree grades aren't the best if i'm honest.
Also I did a joint honours degree, sorta econ & maths, so I only really studied a teeny bit of accounting, but when you say bookeeping course, do you mean something like learning how to use Sage?
I somewhat feel as if my degree is worthless, in this current climate, everyone wants someone who can hit the ground running without having to train them up

Also has anyone had any experience with the Home Learning College?

I dont think AAT is right for you with an economics degree, agree with the previous poster that you should head straight into professional qualifications.

Graduate schemes are very difficult to get on, especially with a ropey degree result. What did you get - I guess a 2:2? I'd suggest widening your net in your job choice and forget about the graduate schemes and try and get an accounts assistant or purchase ledger type role. You might have to start pretty junior but you dont need to do these jobs for very long and could churn them every 1-2 years if needed to keep your career progression moving. A lot of employers are prepared to help you develop in role though so you dont always have to move jobs to get on.

MrsE_2

I'm AAT qualified too.

cit_k

I used to write / fix accountancy software, but know very little about accountancy....

kingnoodle

Yeah Jessicamb, I got a 2:2.
I have been looking for entry level positions, but unfortunately they have been a bit sparse and on the occassion that I do get some rare feedback, it is the same answer:
"I'm sorry, but there have been other applicants that have more relevant experience."
Or words to that effect. I mean i've even applied for data entry work as i'm willing to gain ANY such relevant expereince, but even then I am rejected.

So would you suggest that I take up ACA/ACCA/CIMA sort of courses and then keep applying for jobs? But as I understand it, it isn't cheap, plus I wont be able to fund it for long if I dont get that elusive job.

I somewhat feel stuck in a rut, but sincere thanks for your replies - here, have an e-cookie

Quiet_Life

As an alternative to AAT, the Open University does a Certificate in Accounting, which covers book keeping, financial accounting, management accounting and managing organisations ( wnich consists of economics, law, HR, marketing, management theory.... and a few other bits and bobs)
Was a 0ne year course, may be two now.

It is accredited by CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA, CPA,IFA & AIA and recognised by the IAB

jessicamb

kingnoodle wrote: »

Yeah Jessicamb, I got a 2:2.
I have been looking for entry level positions, but unfortunately they have been a bit sparse and on the occassion that I do get some rare feedback, it is the same answer:
"I'm sorry, but there have been other applicants that have more relevant experience."
Or words to that effect. I mean i've even applied for data entry work as i'm willing to gain ANY such relevant expereince, but even then I am rejected.

So would you suggest that I take up ACA/ACCA/CIMA sort of courses and then keep applying for jobs? But as I understand it, it isn't cheap, plus I wont be able to fund it for long if I dont get that elusive job.

I somewhat feel stuck in a rut, but sincere thanks for your replies - here, have an e-cookie

All I can suggest is hang on in there and keep trying to get a job. You could register for CIMA and start working through the foundation level exams or sort out any exemptions you might be due. It will set you back a few hundred pounds but if you could get some strong exam results under your belt it might give an employer something to look at other than your degree result. It also shows that you are committed to accounting as a career choice.

I'd also suggest brushing up your CV/interview skills etc to be sure that you are coming across at your best. There are jobs out there but the tougher it is the better you have to be. Have you got any relevant finance experience on your CV? If not it might be worth trying to wing something on a voluntary basis just to get the experience.

In either case because you already have a business/finance qualification AAT would not leave you any more likely to get a job in my opinion. ACCA/CIMA might give you an edge.

Any

All I have to say is that I completely agree with Jessicalamb about everything she said.

About the bookkeeping - all I mean by that was that it's just for a quick reminder/better explanation about the basics of account work (only because you say you learned a lot "about" accounting, but not actually how to do it).

When I first started ACCA (as I said before) I was already qualified in my country, but that was some time ago. When I chose Kaplan to start my studies with, they offered at the time 2 days free Bookkeeping course if you book 3 papers at once (or something like that). This course was specially designed for graduates starting with real accountancy and people who were qualified with AAT or something similar some time ago so this was a reminder for them before starting the ACCA because the whole qualification relies on the basic knowledge you are supposed to already have.

Yes, it will set you back few hundred quid (Kaplan now does internet course £250 per paper, homestudy is cheaper but I personally can fall asleep when reading up on accounts so I need someone to tell me about them:D), but it DOES show you mean it with your career. It makes massive difference.

valos_mummy

Hi all, at the moment I'm unsure as to whether I should go onto AAT. I took my ICB Manual Level One and Computerised Level Two at the start of this year and passed both with distinctions. (Did Sage Computerised Bookkeeping with Home Learning College).

Since then I've not had a sniff of a job; I went for interviews where they've seemed really impressed but that old "someone else had more experience" is keeping me from landing a role.

I really want to go into Sales/Purchase Ledger, I think it would be a good entry level for me to get that experience and confidence with putting stuff into practice. But it's getting my foot in the door Is about 14k the right kind of wage for entry level? I'd be happy with 14k (heck, I've never earned above 15.5 anyway) but with my outgoings I couldn't afford to take on a job that's less than that.

Thing is, I've looked at job specs where they've mentioned AAT or studying AAT preferred - have I taken the wrong course?! I even had someone at a job agency go "ICB- what's that?!" :mad:

I took that skillscheck test on the AAT website and scored 85% (bit rusty lol) and they recommended I start at Level 3. But right now I'm unemployed and can't even begin to think of paying for any courses; I'm still paying off my Sage one (although thankfully it's interest free and I only have till Oct to pay it off).