CIMA Operational Level need career advice

Career Advice

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Hi Everyone,

I am a part- qualified CIMA student, unfortunately i dont have practical experience in accounting, since 2 months i am applying for many jobs and was also looking for any unpaid or a trainee roles but i am not able to get any replies for my job applications. I am in UK since 2008  and was not able to work all these years as i had to take care of my two young kids.I have a Bachelors of Commerce and Masters in financial management and presently studying CIMA.I Live in  Manchester and ready to do unpaid/paid work or get trained in any accounting firm to get the practical experience and want to make a permanent career in accounting or finance sector.I am a British Citizen  and have a full driving license. Please can anyone advice me, how to progress in my career. 

Thank you all for your time

Veena.

 

Replies (6)

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By tom123
12th May 2016 07:01

Hello Veena, what are the job titles you are tending to apply for?

I would try and get some experience at the 'processing' end of the spectrum, such as working in purchase ledger. Within a larger organisation these can actually be quite challenging roles with some serious transactional volume behind them.

If you get in to a larger firm, there will be scope to progress.

Nothing to stop you continuing with your studies at the same time.

In all honesty I couldn't do my current job (FD, manufacturing) without having a concrete idea of how these processes work in real life. Others may disagree, but I think you only get knowledge by doing something.

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By veenarapolu
12th May 2016 17:31

Hello Mr.Tom,

Thank you so much for your reply.I really don't know where to start as i applied many roles like accounts assistant/assistant accountant but did not received any reply from the agencies.
so I am really ready to take up any opportunity that will come my way at this stage of my career.Thank you once again for your support.

Veena.

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By petersaxton
12th May 2016 09:58

I hear people say all the time that they will do unpaid work to get practical experience. The employer invests a lot of time in training the employee and within a few weeks the employee leaves because they have some "experience" that helps them to get a job. I don't think the employer gets any benefit from this deal.

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By veenarapolu
12th May 2016 17:58

Hello Mr.Petersaxton
Thank you for your reply, I can understand what you are trying to say but i said I want to do unpaid work because I am not getting any replies for my job applications, just for not having any practical experience.
Thank you
Veena.

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By pauljohnston
13th May 2016 13:16

Why have you only used agencies? You may have more success with applying direct not only to accountancy firms but also for positions in the accounts departments of large firms and local authority. However dont email a dear sir / madam letter/email these dont work. You need to research each company and find out who runs the various departments. Dont forget to include more than a CV but a bit about your human side. Despite what others say I would suggest you include your age.

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By paddy55
14th May 2016 02:06

Hi Veena,
Why not take the bull by the horns and advertise your services as a self-employed bookkeeper? With your qualifications, it should not present and difficulties.

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