Is it bad that my qualifications are years apart?

curlysoo

I completed Level 2 AAT Accounting in 2008. Found out I was pregnant a few months into it and my due date was 4 days before my exam. Due to having my son and going back to work I only did my Level 3 in 2011. As I was then working full time and had 2 young children I put off level 4 until this year as I know its a stressful level. My college tutors explained that with Level 4 you don't have a life with the constant studying and with work and children too it would have possibly tipped me over the edge.

I found myself in a better situation this summer as I was only working part time and my children are a little older. Went to enrol and they said I would have to pay 1500 pounds by myself and wouldn't get any help. Obviously with working part time I'm on less money so couldn't afford it.

My job ended 4 days ago but my partner works so I still wouldn't get any help as we don't receive any housing benefit and our child tax credit and working tax credit doesn't apply to Level 4.

I'm now having to put Level 4 off for another year!

Would this be seen as bad to future employers if I were ever to get a career in Accounting when my children are older?

Horseunderwater

If and when you do get to complete this accountancy qualification, I honestly cannot see why a new potential employer would not offer you a job for you will have the relevant exams they need/want. They may ask you for why, so just be honest with them and explain what happened briefly. Assuming they even ask.

Magnolia

You could get a job in an accountants with your level 3 then speak with your employers about doing level 4 - they may even contribute if you are good enough.

Kynthia

I can't see a problem with it as all that matters is gaining the qualification. I agree that you could try to get a financial role in a company and see if they will help support you. Or instead of enrolling in a college for taught courses, see about distance learning or online classes with providers like First Intuition, BPP or Kaplan as these are much cheaper.

saintjammyswine

Colleges should offer this for less than £1000 generally, contact your nearest one.

dancingfairy

Level 4 costs 1650 at my local college, plus AAT renewal fees, plus 6+ textbooks, +6 exam/project fees + a college admin fee + all the other expenses such as pens, papers, files, etc etc, not to mention actually getting there! Not everyone can afford to finish their qualification like this
Some are trying to get experience and save up for level 4, some are hoping their employer will pay for it, some are self-studying an some will probably give up I guess.
I am debating whether just buying the textbooks is enough to get by on some modules and sitting the exams at an external centre. Some modules I may buy Osbourne and Kaplan and possibly consider using Kaplan Distance learning (if I get desperate). I really wish I could afford to go to college to complete level 4 as well.
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saintjammyswine

For textbooks either look for second hand ones or it is also possible to buy a kindle and the e-version of the books for less than the cost of the hard copy books as they are very expensive. Have a look round as it can cost less than £1000 for the course at different colleges.