Where to start to get any of jobs in Finance and Accounting Industry

Where to start to get any of jobs in Finance...

Didn't find your answer?

Hello

My background is I am 39 years old and non-British. I have Functional skills Level 1 in English and Level 2 in Maths at the moment and no degrees.

I used to run logistics(container transport and warehouse-import and export) with my ex in my country for more than 14 years and quite succeeded. Also, I worked in a bank, construction company as a supervisor. I am good at numbers and have knowledge of management in finance and business. However, I have no idea how to start to get a job in the UK. Of course, It would be good to get a degree in the UK. As in my current circumstance, I am 20 weeks pregnant and I wouldn't be able to go to the university at the same time but I really want to work again ASAP. So, I need some advice to get a job in Finance and Accounting in the UK.

When I researched, there are AAT, ACCA, etc.. so many qualifications out there. I have really no idea what and where to start. Does anyone can tell me what should I do? and how? in detail please. Thank you.

Replies (8)

Please login or register to join the discussion.

avatar
By Tosie
03rd Aug 2014 21:41

Difficult

Best to start by getting an office job of some sort as even graduates with accounting qualifications find if difficult getting work without experience.

Look at local college courses and find a Sage course.

The AAT is probably your best bet at the moment and then you can progress to the ACCA.

DO NOT TAKE ANY BOOKKEEPING COURSE THAT PROMISES THAT YOU WILL EARN £30K WITHIN THREE MONTHS. Stick with local authority courses.

Thanks (1)
avatar
By Kirkers
04th Aug 2014 12:42

First things first; your visa.

You say you're not British. Does your visa allow you to work/study in the UK? If not, sort that out first.

2nd. Pregnant. I fell pregnant at a very young age (18) and used that time to work in the evenings while studying during the day. It's beyond difficult, anyone who says its easy to manage a baby while working and studying is pulling the wool over your eyes. If you're not willing to work your [***] off every day you may as well give up now. If you work hard, you'll do fine. My 2 year old (nearly 3) is in full time childcare and I work my 40 hours a week. Childcare is not cheap - make sure you've got your finances in order.

I would start with the AAT. It's an entry level accountancy qualification and most colleges have this available. At 39 years old though I doubt completing this (especially with no experience) would command you a decent income.

If you want to try a finance degree at university be warned that many do not recognise 'functional skills' as completing a qualifying entry requirement. 

My advice: work..save money.. have your baby and THEN see where you are. When you go to work afterwards you'll realise the 700-850 a month in childcare costs may outweigh any feasible salary you'll get starting out in accountancy. 

 

Thanks (1)
By mrme89
04th Aug 2014 10:59

Visa isn't a problem, we will have anyone.

 

Should you sign up for a visa today, you will also receive a free bus pass and complimentary 'free Palestine' mug.

Thanks (0)
By Moonbeam
04th Aug 2014 11:35

Best Wishes to You

Good for you for thinking ahead. There is a shortage of hard working well qualified people in the UK, in the finance sector as well as in other areas. Your biggest problem is to get the qualifications and experience.

Kirkers' advice seems excellent to me, and her warning of how tough it will be I am sure is fair. No reason why it should put you off if you are determined.

 

Thanks (1)
None
By FCExtraordinaire
04th Aug 2014 12:40

AAT

Start with AAT,  you don't need A levels or a degree to start that course.

There is no reason why you can't study and get some exams underway with a new baby.  You have a certain amount of work experience so maybe concentrate on the financial functions that you did to present a C.V. to agencies and jobs.

 

Thanks (0)
avatar
By Kellychoi
04th Aug 2014 13:22

Thank you for the help everyone.

Well, I expected critical responses because so many people who already highly educated in my country and came to the UK and studied again but gave up finding a job in the UK. But there still are people who succeeded to get a job out there.

I have a visa that allows me to work full time but I only can get a British citizenship in 6 years as most companies will hire only British or EU people in priority. I am not entitled to get any benefit in this country. Unluckily, my husband is not so rich/below average actually that I can stay at home and drink tea with stress-free. I will have to work asap and I have been working all my life before I came to the UK.

I know how hard to manage all of them studying and working and looking after the baby. Only if my husband had enough money to support me and the baby or I were rich. But still people do all of them and I will have to do so. There's no choice. Not only because of money, i don't want to be just a housewife 5 years and 10 years later.

I wasn't alone but did manage my companies very well (3 companies and 3 branches with 15 office employees and 48 drivers). I don't have computer certificates at all( I made a transport programme for my companies and widely used among other companies). I am very good at excel and other microsoft programmes, so I would say I have IT skills and I could say I am a fast learner. So, I would get IT certificate quickly. And I did everything and checked before giving files the accountant. Hope these infor help to get further advice.

The problems are I think that experience and education in this country(English), and my age obviously can't help with that facts( also all moms have the same issue with the baby care so I wouldn't include that). I will attend level 2 English in Sep and hopefully get a certificate in Dec. and I heard some colleges accept functional skills qualifications.(with at least double or triple tuition fee as non-Bri or EU member)

Then AAT is needd about 3 years to finish. And for ACCA, which is bigger i ternational firm, I need experience first. Am I right?

Thanks (0)
Replying to Wilson Philips:
avatar
By Kirkers
04th Aug 2014 13:39

To elaborate

Kellychoi wrote:
Thank you for the help everyone. Well, I expected critical responses because so many people who already highly educated in my country and came to the UK and studied again but gave up finding a job in the UK. But there still are people who succeeded to get a job out there. I have a visa that allows me to work full time but I only can get a British citizenship in 6 years as most companies will hire only British or EU people in priority. I am not entitled to get any benefit in this country. Unluckily, my husband is not so rich/below average actually that I can stay at home and drink tea with stress-free. I will have to work asap and I have been working all my life before I came to the UK. I know how hard to manage all of them studying and working and looking after the baby. Only if my husband had enough money to support me and the baby or I were rich. But still people do all of them and I will have to do so. There's no choice. Not only because of money, i don't want to be just a housewife 5 years and 10 years later. I wasn't alone but did manage my companies very well (3 companies and 3 branches with 15 office employees and 48 drivers). I don't have computer certificates at all( I made a transport programme for my companies and widely used among other companies). I am very good at excel and other microsoft programmes, so I would say I have IT skills and I could say I am a fast learner. So, I would get IT certificate quickly. And I did everything and checked before giving files the accountant. Hope these infor help to get further advice. The problems are I think that experience and education in this country(English), and my age obviously can't help with that facts( also all moms have the same issue with the baby care so I wouldn't include that). I will attend level 2 English in Sep and hopefully get a certificate in Dec. and I heard some colleges accept functional skills qualifications.(with at least double or triple tuition fee as non-Bri or EU member) Then AAT is needd about 3 years to finish. And for ACCA, which is bigger i ternational firm, I need experience first. Am I right?

 

I didn't mean to come across condescending in any way, so apologies if you were included mine in one of the 'critical' responses. I do however, make a habit of not sugar coating things. It will be difficult, you'll want to give up at some points because its expensive and finding a job is hard - but the biggest motivation I had to keep me on track with working and studying was the fact my daughter depends on me. Your child will do the same and it keeps you from giving up.

Colleges may accept functional skills but most universities don't. There is a difference between the two (not sure if its the same thing where you're from). 

Colleges you can do your AAT with, university is predominantly degrees for which you'd most likely struggle to achieve funding for.

AAT is a 3 year course but most students achieve it in a lot less. Those who do it in 3 years are usually those who are working and getting a day release to a college once a week. If you can manage AAT while you're pregnant/soon after giving birth while you're not necessarily working full time I anticipate it should take you a lot less time. 

Employers tend to value experience more than qualifications in the UK when in this field. I'd recommend finding an admin job where they may be able to give you a few jobs in their accounts department, even if its just invoices and ledgers. Any experience like that cannot be a bad thing.

To study ACCA you do not need to have experience first, but finding a job afterwards with no experience will hinder you. I also wouldn't recommend doing it as your first qualification in accountancy. It is very difficult for those of us who work in accountancy, never mind someone who is trying to build on their English speaking and writing skills. 

Thanks (0)
By Moonbeam
04th Aug 2014 13:22

Please ignore some of the unpleasant postings

I am sorry you have had to read unpleasant remarks. Please accept that many of us do not think you are a burden but are pleased to hear someone wants to work hard enough to help the rest of our economy.

Any practice in speaking English regularly - perhaps with other mothers to be - would help you a lot.  You will need good experience no matter what exams you pass. Practical work and what you learn in exams are often quite different things. Getting your first job will be difficult, but the better your spoken and written English is the easier it will be to get that job. So listen to Radio 4 a lot!

Thanks (0)