Finding first accounting job?

Pursuing a career in accounting after spending 5 years teaching abroad.

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I'm currently teaching English at the college level in China but would like to transition to accounting after moving back to the UK. My work experience before teaching is admin and recruitment related, so I don't have any accounting experience at all. My concern is that being 32 years old without prior experience will prove to be a stumbling block for me.

I'd like to begin studying for the ACCA qualification, but I don't want to take the leap before having a better understanding of the potential job prospects at the end of it. I'd be entitled to one exam exemption as I have an undergraduate degree in business management. I know that passing the exams is no easy task, however, I feel as though gaining experience may be the most difficult task for someone in my position. 

I'd appreciate any suggestions or advice which may offer some guidance.
 

Replies (7)

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Replying to Anonymous.:
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By Lewis M
13th Aug 2020 06:19

Thank you for your reply. I've read through the first few links you've sent me and they have provided some useful insight. It seems many people who are looking to change careers have similar concerns to mine.

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By paul.benny
12th Aug 2020 21:38

It's not so much your age as your motivation.

Why accountancy - rather than just it being Not Teaching? You need to be clear about that and able to convince someone hiring you of your commitment.

And are you so committed to it that you're happy to start at the bottom, being junior to people younger than you, studying 10-15 hours a week?

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Replying to paul.benny:
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By Lewis M
13th Aug 2020 07:14

Thanks for your reply, Paul.

Your questions have pushed me to think more about why I want to do this.

I think I'm attracted to accounting by the variety of roles that it can offer and the opportunities for progression.

I'm obviously lacking in experience but have a knack for communicating information and ideas which may be difficult to grasp (maybe developed through teaching). I'm also goal-orientated which may suit accounting.

I've no problem with starting at the bottom and the effort/ time required to study, as I expect this when transitioning through a career change.

Thanks again...

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Replying to Lewis M:
Ivor Windybottom
By Ivor Windybottom
13th Aug 2020 10:29

If you are good at communicating information then you may want to look outside the pure accountancy roles and look at tax.

Tax roles are often less about spreadsheets/bean counting and more about explaining complex ideas to clients in a way they can understand.

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Replying to Ivor Windybottom:
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By Lewis M
14th Aug 2020 06:53

Thank you for the suggestion, Ivor.

I'll definitely take a look as it could be an area I'm well-suited to. If I was to do that, would you still suggest going the ACCA route, or is there another qualification you would recommend?

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By paul.benny
12th Aug 2020 21:39

Duplicate deleted

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