Getting into accountancy jobs?

Kayalana99

Hiya guys,

I was just wondering if anyone has any tips in getting an accountancy based job with no experience.

I'm currently due to take the last two of my exams for AAT Level 2..but even if I had level 3 /4 (which I plan on progressing to) all the jobs I have seen just want experience...happy to support students with relevant experience etc.

I have applied for a few but never hear back...of course I don't when I am sure they get so many applications with experience.

ETA: The other annoying thing is I can't really afford to work full time as I have two kids and child costs would be more then I am getting in...and a lot of these jobs are full time & also means I can't do any volunteer work either at £70+ a day childcare without money coming in.

BillJones

Kayalana99 wrote: »

Hiya guys,

I was just wondering if anyone has any tips in getting an accountancy based job with no experience...

...ETA: The other annoying thing is I can't really afford to work full time as I have two kids and child costs would be more then I am getting in...

So you want to start out as an accountant, but only do it part time?

That's going to be pretty difficult, I think. It's quite likely that you'll do better going full-time, and paying for the child care. Accountants can earn enough further down the line to make the investment worthwhile.

System

You should send a covering letter and CV to all the local practices in your area. That would probably be your best bet for now plus it would give you great breadth of experience too.

Claree__x

I did the speculative email route - linked in actually but it's the same idea. Explained my circumstances (doing AAT level 4, due back off maternity) and asked if they could keep me in mind for any potential vacancies. Got a call the next day saying they have someone going off on maternity and do I want to come in for a chat - long story short, I now work 2 days for a small practice who are going to pay for my ACCA.

I know it doesn't really help you but just want to say that speculative applications really do work

Kayalana99

Thank You Claree, that is actually a great help as it gives me an idea of what to say a bit more. I am finding it hard to do cover letters because I want to keep them formal but I sit here thinking that this is going to look like every other CV that comes though the door and I always want to add a bit of personality and never sure if I should!

I will do a bit of googling of local practices and see what I can find x

Kayalana99

BillJones wrote: »

So you want to start out as an accountant, but only do it part time?

That's going to be pretty difficult, I think. It's quite likely that you'll do better going full-time, and paying for the child care. Accountants can earn enough further down the line to make the investment worthwhile.

In 3/4 years both children will be at school and a 9-5 M-F accountant job would be ideal ~ for now I am wanting a part time to gain experience for 1) Childcare 2) Time to study

Somehow I think working a full time job with two kids under two will give me hardly any spare time to study, I do have a part time job so worse case I keep that and keep studying for the next 3-4 years onto my ACCA before settling into a full time position...

CruisingSaver

Another route to consider would be to contact any local bookkeeping businesses as they are often looking for part-time staff or those who can be flexible with their hours (some even offer home working!).


What I would say is that you must get work experience whilst you're doing AAT if you want to progress to ACCA, especially if you want a career as an accountant.


The further you get in your exams without having work experience to back it up the harder it will be to find a job in the profession.


Whilst there will always be exceptions to this, they are very, very much in the minority especially when you get to starting ACCA which puts you in competition with graduates.


I remember your original thread asking for advice and I'm pleased that you opted to do AAT first. Good luck with the rest of your exams.


CS x

Claree__x

Kayalana99 wrote: »

Thank You Claree, that is actually a great help as it gives me an idea of what to say a bit more. I am finding it hard to do cover letters because I want to keep them formal but I sit here thinking that this is going to look like every other CV that comes though the door and I always want to add a bit of personality and never sure if I should!

I will do a bit of googling of local practices and see what I can find x

I kept mine quite informal - I'll PM you what I sent x

agiaga

Claree_x, could you pm me as well? I'm in similar situation - I'm studying AAT Level 2, looking for a job in accountancy though I'm working in customer service (at the moment part time as have small child). I am ready to go full time (despite of having less disposable income) but struggling to get anywhere because of lack of experience in the field

Claree__x

I've pm'd you now.

I must say though that although the (relatively) informal approach worked for me, my (now) boss is very laid back so it may differ from company to company. I also know I got mega lucky in that there was a position available and he was willing to take a chance on me. AND I must say I was part way through my level 4 rather than level 2.

Good luck though, there's no reason you won't be lucky too

Kayalana99

Claree__x wrote: »

I've pm'd you now.

I must say though that although the (relatively) informal approach worked for me, my (now) boss is very laid back so it may differ from company to company. I also know I got mega lucky in that there was a position available and he was willing to take a chance on me. AND I must say I was part way through my level 4 rather than level 2.

Good luck though, there's no reason you won't be lucky too

Many thanks Claree, hadn't meant to ignore you but when I read it I was quite busy. No wonder you got a job position that was the most formal informal message I've ever read.

I can never find the words I wouldn't be able to write something like that in a million years. Perhaps I need English lessons as well. :cool: