Becoming an accountant / bookkeeper

Amara

Thanks for replies.
OP, you're only 34, you've got over thirty years of work ahead of you, go for it and enjoy.

pollyanna24

Thank you.

I do not, in fact, have a degree, so was going to go down the route of AAT and then after that, seeing how I feel and maybe go for CIMA? Does this seem viable?

All this while I am still working at my current job. But I work for a sole practitioner solicitor who is approaching 60. I'm guessing that I mightn't have a job in 5 years or so, or he may keep going, I don't know.

The studying was something I was planning on doing in the meantime and then looking in getting a job in finance after that.

I have just been given textbooks on CO1 Fundamentals of Management Accounts by a friend which I am going to look through, but I have a feeling these are for when I have finished AAT. She had a degree before going into accounting.

I will also go through my old bookkeeping books and lessons and see if I can even remember what I did back then.

I was going to start on the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting and do it via distance learning and see how I get on.

PS Thanks for all the messages that I am not too old!!!

SeduLOUs

pollyanna24 wrote: »

I do not, in fact, have a degree, so was going to go down the route of AAT and then after that, seeing how I feel and maybe go for CIMA? Does this seem viable?

It's an ideal track. AAT shouldn't be too taxing so it will ease you back into studying and you shouldn't feel overwhelmed.

If you finish it and decide to go onto CIMA it is a natural progression, and the AAT will give some exemption for the early levels of CIMA.

CIMA is more geared towards management and accounts (i.e. working as a finance manager for a company), ACCA is more geared towards being a straight accountant (i.e. working for an accountancy firm doing lots of accounts for different clients). AAT is a good route into each and you have plenty of time to choose the right path for you.

The 'fundamentals' CIMA books aren't too heavy going and will be useful (they relate to the Certificate level that the AAT would exempt you from). If you can get a copy of the Financial Accounting module it will give a better overview of the actual book-keeping and double entry side of things.

asajj

AAT also gets you exemptions from ACCA. The difference is little nowadays and most companies won't care which one you have. They ask whether you are qualified/part-qualified etc. ACA and ACCA are bit more respected though as they are relatively more difficult to complete (in terms of exam difficulty levels).

pollyanna24

SeduLOUs wrote: »

It's an ideal track. AAT shouldn't be too taxing so it will ease you back into studying and you shouldn't feel overwhelmed.

If you finish it and decide to go onto CIMA it is a natural progression, and the AAT will give some exemption for the early levels of CIMA.

CIMA is more geared towards management and accounts (i.e. working as a finance manager for a company), ACCA is more geared towards being a straight accountant (i.e. working for an accountancy firm doing lots of accounts for different clients). AAT is a good route into each and you have plenty of time to choose the right path for you.

The 'fundamentals' CIMA books aren't too heavy going and will be useful (they relate to the Certificate level that the AAT would exempt you from). If you can get a copy of the Financial Accounting module it will give a better overview of the actual book-keeping and double entry side of things.

Thanks for this. I was struggling to get around what the difference was. And I'm not sure which path I would want to go down, if any, at the moment.

I feel like I don't know enough about the field except for having an interest in maths, but at least if I take the first steps, I can then make a decision as to whether or not it is for me.

I feel that my job at the moment won't lead to anything. I could train to be a solicitor, but this really doesn't appeal to me. I worked for accountants (in an admin role) years ago before I got my current job and I would have stayed in that field except that they were a nightmare to work for!

pollyanna24

So I guess my next question would be... How difficult is distance learning? I like to think I will have the drive to make myself work, but I've never done distance learning before. But as a single mum, who works pretty much full time, don't think I will be able to commit to going to college once a week (or would it be more than this?).

asajj

I'm not very self-disciplined so I find distance learning difficult.
Classes for each subjects are normally 3-4 days each session.

For instance, for June exam session of ACCA, you will have your classes during March/April/May. This also includes revision.
So let's say you have subject X - 4 days weekend. Means 4 full Saturday or Sunday. You don't go to college every week unless you are taking 3-4 subject at the same time which isn't very advisable if you work full time.

pollyanna24

I have sent off an enquiry to my local college to see if I can do distance learning or when I would have to attend college if I can't do distance learning.

Is there computerised learning in AAT Level 2? If so, how is this done at home? Do I need my laptop which seems to have packed up at the mo!

asajj

Some course providers have online distance learning option. Not everyone offers it though.
I'd look at AAT website first and see what they offer. I believe you need to get registered there first anyway.

SeduLOUs

I wasn't very disciplined with distance learning when it's the kind that is "here are some books, take the exam when you are ready". I just used to put it off until tomorrow and before you know it 3 months have passed without really doing anything.

I'm doing Open University now which is mostly distance learning but is very structured with tight assignment deadlines and fixed exam dates so I'm much better now at keeping on track (because I'll owe a lot of money to the student loans people for nothing if I don't!).

If you attend evening classes etc the costs will increase dramatically, so if you can discipline yourself to do it yourself it will be the most cost effective. If you are allowed to enter non-fixed date exams (which is usually the case for earlier modules in particular) it may be sensible to book an exam early on so you have a deadline to work to that keeps you on course.