A job in accounting/finance with no experience

vishvx

AAT is a good place to start if you have no prior knowledge/experience in accounting, I am currently studying level 3 with BPP via distance learning, First Intuition are also highly recommended.
Helping charities with the accounts side for a few hours week can be a great way to improve the CV and land an accounting/finance job.

I would recommend you to join the AAT Distance Learning group on Facebook, lots of help and advice available from other students and teachers too.

pmd123

^^^ I have to agree with this advice ^^^
If you have no prior accounting experience and do not work in an accounting role then jumping straight into the ACCA qualification would be madness.

If you are wanting to move into an accounting role, start with the AAT, find an entry level post, and then see how well it goes, if you enjoy it, and excel in a junior role, apply for something more senior, and hopefully your employer will put you through the ACCA / CIMA qualification.

nyc_451

A big thank you to everyone who gave me some advice!

bbk87

My OH has done AAT 2 and 3, and does payroll once a week in his current retail job, yet still struggles to get a job in that field. We are based in Greater London though, so most jobs go to those who are more experienced.

Voltaire7

Forget AAT, go straight to CIMA.

http://www.cimaglobal.com/Study-with-us/CIMA-Certificate-in-Business-Accounting/

nyc_451

Voltaire7 wrote: »

Forget AAT, go straight to CIMA.

http://www.cimaglobal.com/Study-with-us/CIMA-Certificate-in-Business-Accounting/

Why?

I need to decide asap, no time to waste!

asajj

Blue_Mango, you really need to speak to someone rather than relying on forum advice.

Go and book a session with one of the colleges like BPP, Kaplan or another local college to see options available to you.

Charlotte17

bbk87 wrote: »

My OH has done AAT 2 and 3, and does payroll once a week in his current retail job, yet still struggles to get a job in that field. We are based in Greater London though, so most jobs go to those who are more experienced.

Not totally true as I am up against the old "you have too much experience"
:mad:

Kynthia

blue_mango wrote: »

Why?

I need to decide asap, no time to waste!

Jumping straight to CIMA with no experience will leave to over qualified and paying for a very expensive qualification. I did AAT, found an entry level finance job, completed AAT, got promoted, was sponsored to study CIMA. It's a good route to follow.

vishvx

AAT also offer bookkeeping courses and you could also look at a payroll course which would be shorter and allow a route into finance.