Accounting Jobs

alamaya

Hey,

If you have an accounts job how did you get it without experience.

I started AAT 12 years ago did level2 then part of 3 but found i could never get a job with it.

Sadly i left the course for a higher paid admin job.

I want to get back into it but want the job first before i pay all the money out again for study.

So im asking how did you guys do it?

xx

heretolearn_2

Generally you aren't considered a qualified bookkeeper until you've got your Level 4 - a Level 2 AAT is just a step on the way, still pretty basic, and you would have found it hard to get work just with that. So, if you really want to do this, you need to carry on studying.

Then the hard part - getting experience. There are loads of AAT qualifieds who have no experience, and in such a competitive environment right now it is very hard.

We have taken on two new AAT level 4s in the last couple of years. One went on a scheme where she paid an accountancy firm for 6 months practical workshops and work experience, getting herself a reference and practical experience to back up the qualification. She tells us there were over 50 people on that scheme... but it got her the job with us. The second was a personal recommendation - we did interview along with the other candidates, she was good, and we took a risk on her not having the experience and she's turned out well.

We get loads of people asking to come and do unpaid work experience in our offices to get over that barrier (we have to say no). I think realistically right now you have to have AAT Level 4 and then do free work experience (or pay to go and do work experience!) to get started.

It might be a different situation in a few years if the economy picks up a bit.

xangeleyes

I've started my level one bookkeeping and at the moment, because I know it will be hard to find work at this point (it's all basic at the moment) I'm going to my local voluntary office and asking if they have anything in finance.

Even if it's just a few hours a week, it's still experience, so you could try that

Good Luck x

**Juice**

I know when our accountant advertises a junior/entry level role he's inundated with applications - I think it's an increasingly competetive industry.

alamaya

Thanks for the replies.
Problem is with my level of debt i cannot justify paying for courses if i cant get a job at the end of it and as you all state it is so highly competitive. I just dont think its feasible for me anymore which is kinda depressing.

heretolearn_2

It is hugely competitive right now. I have the horrible feeling that colleges are promoting bookkeeping courses to unemployed/redundancy/returners as a great 'career change' choice - do our course, get qualified, and walk into a job, when that really isn't the case. But then I don't think that's the case with any sector at the moment.

There are jobs, there are opportunities, but a lot of people chasing for them. So you have to stand out from the crowd in some way with experience - even voluntary - and soft skills/general work and business experience/experience in the field you want to work in for example a school office in any aspect if you want to work in school accounts.