I'm at a massive crossroads in terms of my career and need some advice! I've worked in low-level finance/accounts roles all my life (accounts clerk, finance admin, public sector finance, etc) by accident. I was an all-rounder at school and never wanted to specialise in anything. Picking one career has been a nightmare, as I find many things interesting. The only reason I've stayed in finance is due to habit (plus it's much easier to get another job if you already have previous experience). I'm okay at my job and what I lack in qualifications I make up for with work ethic and problem-solving skills. I also have pretty decent IT/Excel skills, so I'm handy to have around despite not having AAT or anything similar. In fact, Excel is the one thing I do genuinely enjoy about my job. I like spreadsheets/reports.
However, at this point I do really need to focus on something in order to progress. I'm still in the same level of work that I did at 15, and the money is terrible. However, I don't know how easy it would be to jump from finance admin into accountancy. Or even if that's a sensible idea given that I have a B in GCSE Maths and not much else. When I tried taking an AAT course 6 years ago I found it really really dry and nothing at all like the work I'm used to. Perhaps I just had a dull teacher or was too young and immature to focus, but I didn't last more than a month.
I'm considering giving it another shot, but wanted to get some opinions from people already in higher level accounting/finance roles before making a decision. Has anyone else struggled with this and did you end up in accounting in the end or did you switch to something different within the finance sector?
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Hi Elise
If you want to progress, take on more "advanced" work to break the monotony then I'd imagine starting on the road to a qualification such as AAT would be the way to go.
It is still unlikely that the course will bear any resemblance to your day to day work if you are still in a fairly low level job, but thats exactly what you need, new, more advanced skills.
I'd also recommend sitting down and speaking with your boss/supervisor about this. Exaplain you are bored, want more advanced work, can your current job provide it and also, will you firm/company you work for support you in your studies (books & courses can be expensive).
If after speaking to your boss the answer is no, it may be worthwhile having a look around.
People with good Excel skills, a solid work ethic and a willingness to learn will be welcome in any financial environment.
Best of luck and let us know what happens :)
... was in similar position
I too was in similar position some years ago, but once i completed my AAT few doors opened and never looked back...
Do AAT and your experience will lift you higher with the qualification...
Thanks guys. I think I just needed some more confidence (I always assume other people are geniuses compared to me). I've had a look at various accounts/business courses and think I will give AAT another try.
I do take on a lot of extra tasks at work (any Excel things that people in other departments need doing, sorting out any big problems that no one else wants to touch, etc) and already manage money on behalf of several friends and family members that are good at making it and not so good at saving/organising it! And I do get a kick out of scouring the net for info on investments, the highest interest accounts, bonds, etc. So I really should pull my finger out and get a proper qualification in it! I've run out of good excuses now.
I don't think my current employer will fund it, as they have had to make huge cut backs recently, but I can find the money myself if need be. My partner is re-training in computing/IT next year, so I'm going to sign up now and join his study sessions! Thank you both for the encouragement (I will probably be back here next year asking accounts questions)!
You're welcome
There are lots of very good, very helpful people on here.
Come back with as many accounts questions as you like ;)
Good luck with the course.
AAT all the way, then 'Chartered' later perhaps.
Hi Elise,
I am CIMA qualified, and always recruit AAT support staff, or encourage my staff to work toward AAT. I have also worked with two colleagues who went on to do CIMA after AAT - so you do have real career progression.
As for any training bearing much resemblance to real life - AAT contains elements you will use, but, there are as many 'finance' jobs as you could imagine out there - so training courses are always going to contain stuff you never use.
20 years after my accountancy degree I don't think I have used any of it.
Take things in small steps, and pass things in stages - don't bite off more than you can chew.
I recently completed ATT (which is tax technician), and was so excited - you're never too old to learn.
Keep us up do date. Once you do start AAT, why not create a blog on Aweb - you are among friends - even if we sometimes disagree..