how to start a career in accounting at 34?

how to start a career in accounting at 34?

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Hi everybody,

I would like to have some advice with regards to my career options...

I am 34 years old and I have a BSc in Business administration and a Msc in Management. I have got little experience in the accounting industry though. In fact, apart from a 6 months work experience coding and registering invoices into a computer in an accounting office I have no experience at all. In my current job I sell accounting products on the phone and because of that I need to keep myself updated with what is going on in the industry and, ainteract with partners and CEOs of some of the largest accounting firms on a daily basis. Finally I am currently studying towards ACCA qualification ( I am preparing the 3rd exam - F3).

I would like to know how I should start my career in this industry, I don't mind starting from the bottom and work my way up but I am a bit confused on which position is the most appropriate for me considering my little experience in the accounting industry. I thought about Assistant accountant trainee but there are not many open position out there for it...

Many thanks in advance.

Replies (5)

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By duncanedwards
20th Sep 2014 14:17

If you have a look back over the last month or so, very similar questions have been asked.

The search facility isn't good but if you read the subject titles it should be obvious what you are looking for.

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By andy.partridge
20th Sep 2014 14:42

Contacts

It seems you have a headstart over many. Working on the principle of it's not what you know, it's who you know you might want to take a large customer out to lunch and broach the subject with them.

When I was in accountancy recruitment I went to visit a prestigious client (household name) to offer our candidates. I talked a bit about my accountancy background to give the recruiter some confidence that I knew what I was talking about. When we eventually got on to the bit about the type of person they were looking for the recruiter said, 'You!'

Anyway, enough about me, is there any scope for you to plunder your contacts list?

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By MDK45
20th Sep 2014 19:33

I digress, do Accountants make good accountancy recruitment consultants? Perhaps I should have started this on a new thread..

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By [email protected]
22nd Sep 2014 16:35

Hello, before I tackle your question I want to ask you one in return – given your knowledge of accounting looking in from the outside - where would you realistically like to be  say in  five years? Before we can look at the path to take you need to know where you would like your journey to end. In this way you can plan a route. 34 is definitely not too old to change career  but you need an action plan to work to. Part Qualified with not a great deal of accounting experience does mean you will be in competition with others who may be younger than you.  From a potential employer point of view the salary costs are likely to be less and therefore more attractive. However this is more about how you sell yourself and what added value you can bring to the table which makes you stand out above the competition. Your covering letter is all important and should reflect your determination to qualify and progress. Offering long term commitment and flexibility are all good qualities. Its more about how you package yourself than lack of relevant experience which will be attractive to a potential employer, willingness and flexibility are good staple attributes. Whilst this level of accountancy recruitment  is not in our remit (we handle roles above £40,000) I am happy to suggest suitable options if you would like to contact me directly.

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By piero80
25th Sep 2014 10:13

Hi Jayne,

 

Thanks for your reply. I sent you a private message yesterday, did you receive it?

 

Thanks

 

Piero

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