Getting into accountancy

nickwilks7

Hi all,
I am currently contemplating a career change and I'm really interested in accountancy as it appeals to me as I'm good with numbers!
I am thinking of starting the AAT level 2 through my local college on a home learning basis.
Has anybody got any advice on this course i.e. Is it worth doing? Is it a qualification I could get a job with once I've passed?

Any help would be much appreciated

somethingcorporate

Do you already have a degree? If you do you can start at the more advanced accounting qualifications (CIMA / ACCA).

AAT provides a good foundation but it does not get you chartered / certified.

I enjoy working in management accounting and find it a very rewarding career - you get involved in all sorts of business decisions working with a range of individuals right up to directors (in a FTSE100 company) and I am still very junior in my career (part qualified CIMA).

If you choose to work in practice or financial accounting it is somewhat different but no less enjoyable from what I hear - although lots start in audit which can be a great but very stressful starting point!

I have found home study the best route, you can fit it around yourself and your lifestyle. Exams, so far, have been very straightforward.

nickwilks7

No, I haven't got a degree.
So thought the AAT level 2 would be a good starting point, progressing onto level 3 once complete!
Just a bit confused on which jobs are available (if any) once I've completed level 2!

saintjammyswine

AAT can be done as the technical certificate for the Accountancy Apprenticeship at Level 2, speak to the college about them, they may have employers looking for people. This could solve the employment question while also making it free to you.

dazza.mk

nickwilks7 wrote: »

No, I haven't got a degree.
So thought the AAT level 2 would be a good starting point, progressing onto level 3 once complete!
Just a bit confused on which jobs are available (if any) once I've completed level 2!

It really depends on what your aspirations are, if your goal is to be an accountant I'd agree with somethingcorporate AAT will only get you so far.

As to what you could do with AAT, why not take a look?
www.michaelpage.co.uk
www.roberthalf.co.uk

See what jobs are in your local area with AAT as a search criteria (possibly not a lot at the minute - in general not just AAT)

Also try the attached will give you an idea of costs for AAT or a Chartered qualification from a specialist provider (note costs are for the courses only, memberships and exam fees wll come on top)

Acc72

nickwilks7 wrote: »

No, I haven't got a degree.
So thought the AAT level 2 would be a good starting point, progressing onto level 3 once complete!
Just a bit confused on which jobs are available (if any) once I've completed level 2!

There are a few questions that only you can answer - most obvious being why do you want to work in accountancy ?

Do you have any experience of working in an office environment ?

A major question, is when you say "accountancy" do you mean working for a firm of accountants, or working for a business/company in their accounts department as the roles are very different.

The AAT is a very good qualification.

However, as with anything the qualification in itself will not necessarily get you a job - unfortunately, most employers will be looking for a combination of qualification and work experience.

Before you embark on a course of study, is it possible to get some work experience to see if you will like it ?