Starting my career

Helo

I have been working in a sales environment for the past 5 years and would really like to know how to start a career in finance/accounting. My current career choice does not seem to offer the structure that a finance career can and I'm willing to take the necessary qualifications in order to progress. Starting at the bottom does not bother me as I'm very driven and ambitious.

I have a 2:1 Psychology degree, 3 A-levels (220 UCAS points) and over 5 years commercial experience. 

In a perfect world a company would pay for my studies but which qualification should I aim for to get going? I understand I may have to pay for my own studies but not sure which one to go for (AAT, CIMA, ACCA)

I'm 26 years old, am I too old to join a graduate scheme?

Any words/advice that could help me on my way would be really useful. 

Many thanks

WW