Accounts admin roles

sweetdaisy

I currently work full-time in a different sector and am looking to completely change my career direction and would like to go into accounts/finance. I have applied to study AAT Level 2 at college, starting in September (two evenings a week).

I contacted a local recruitment agency and they advised that I start off looking for accounts admin roles/data entry as I currently have no experience within accounting, however have not provided any further advice.

I understand that a change in direction will involve a big pay cut but this is something that I want to do as my family circumstances have changed and I may not get this opportunity again. I feel it's 'now or never'.

My current role does involve administration tasks but I am not an administrator (or had any admin jobs in the past). The main bulk of my job involves line managing a team of staff, using spreadsheets, monitoring information, collating statistics and writing reports etc.

Just wondering if someone could steer me in the right direction regarding the types of jobs that I should be looking for or whether I would need to undertake any further training to be able to get into these roles?

DomRavioli

You would need a good administration background, preferably within an accounting function - the AAT is accounting technician, not admin; do you hold NVQ level 2 in Administration?

You may be able to volunteer at a local firm in their accounts department to gain experience, or perhaps a charity as they are usually on the hunt for accounts/admin staff.

You will likely have to have either formal training or on the job training (its hard to find though), Accounts Techs in Manchester are paid around £19k when they are level 3 trained, so it isn't exactly good wages.

System

You should apply directly to local accountancy firms. A practice will usually have a decent stream of work that can be done at trainee technician level. This would be very beneficial for you as you would get an opportunity to grasp the basics alongside your study.

Alongside filing/admin you will have to work/train in more general accountancy too. AAT's are accountants.

sweetdaisy

DomRavioli wrote: »

You would need a good administration background, preferably within an accounting function - the AAT is accounting technician, not admin; do you hold NVQ level 2 in Administration?

Thanks for you reply. I do not have any Administration qualifications and was informed that studying the AAT level 2 is a starting point for me to be able to change direction.

If possible I would like an entry level job where I can learn/train in basic accountancy, do invoices and data entry etc.

As I don't come from an Administration background and do not hold any administration qualifications, I am wondering what are my chances of being able to get a level entry job in this sector?

tomtontom

Your admin skills are far beyond level 2, I wouldn't worry about not having a qualification.

redcard

sweetdaisy wrote: »

My current role does involve administration tasks but I am not an administrator (or had any admin jobs in the past). The main bulk of my job involves line managing a team of staff, using spreadsheets, monitoring information, collating statistics and writing reports etc.

Administration isn't usually a job. Everyone does administration, just some more than others, and the bulk of your job seems to fall under the administration banner.

SeduLOUs

If you are willing to take the pay cut to change direction I'd recommend applying directly to accountancy firms who pay around £13k per annum and provide all of your training from AAT all the way up to ACCA if that's definitely what you want to do.

Otherwise you'll end up like me doing 'unqualified' accounts for a small business with an 'average' salary of around £20-25k, but not being able to progress due to lack of having CIMA/ACCA which is ridiculously expensive and I can't afford the salary drop to approach accountancy firms. I'm now doing an Open Uni degree and looking for a change of direction.

sweetdaisy

SeduLOUs wrote: »

If you are willing to take the pay cut to change direction I'd recommend applying directly to accountancy firms who pay around £13k per annum and provide all of your training from AAT all the way up to ACCA if that's definitely what you want to do.

Otherwise you'll end up like me doing 'unqualified' accounts for a small business with an 'average' salary of around £20-25k, but not being able to progress due to lack of having CIMA/ACCA which is ridiculously expensive and I can't afford the salary drop to approach accountancy firms. I'm now doing an Open Uni degree and looking for a change of direction.

Thanks for the info. I am prepared to take a pay cut and was thinking it may be around £12-£14k to start at entry level. At the moment I am only interested in doing the AAT qualifications and see how it goes before deciding upon CIMA/ACCA.

I will look into applying directly to accountancy firms as I need to start at the basics and would like to be able to train on the job as it would help me with my AAT course.

IYKWIM

Thought about the civil service? They will pay you a reasonable wage and pay for accountancy training. Not sure whether 'public sector accounting' is an non-transferable skill.

double_mummy

hey im not sure where you are but in my area for entry level roles most people are now looking for at least a level 3 AAT so many people with higher qualifications are now applying for the lower down jobs it is pushing people with the lower qualifications as if someone with a higher qualification and experience is willing to do the job at the same rate of pay they are going to get the job

you could do something like a free level 2 business and admin course (some available online) just to get a qualification on there to go along side your qualification

have you been on the AAT website and done their level checker - it maybe worth you starting at level 3 if you are able to. http://www.aatskillcheck.org/home.aspx

sweetdaisy

double_mummy wrote: »

you could do something like a free level 2 business and admin course (some available online) just to get a qualification on there to go along side your qualification

Thanks, I'll take a look at some of these.

double_mummy wrote: »

have you been on the AAT website and done their level checker - it maybe worth you starting at level 3 if you are able to. http://www.aatskillcheck.org/home.aspx

I did one of these a few weeks ago (can't remember which site it was) and it said to start at level 2, however said I had some skills to go straight onto level 3. When I get an interview from the college I have applied to I will speak to the tutor about which course is best.