I have a 1st class Degree in design and very poor A-levels and GCSEs. Ive recently started studding ACCA and have encountered a problem.
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Solid bookkeeping will pay you back
Hi
A year or so of solid bookkeeping will pay you back, whether you go into industry or practice.
You will really see how things are put together in the accounting systems. I understand your frustrations, but it is better to walk before you can run,
Stick with ACCA
I would stick with ACCA, combine it with whatever accounts work you are able to obtain, and look to move on once you have a few initial exam passes under your belt.
Nothing wrong with AAT (I did the final level after my university degree), and you may wish to consider doing it first if you are looking to gain confidence in exam passes whilst studying etc.
How are you studying at present? self funding from books, or is an employer funding the courses?
More haste less speed?
I did my AAT prior to my ACCA when I decided to change career having been a teacher. Currently, my assistant is battling through the early stages of ACCA without having studied AAT - she is finding the solitary study route very difficult and despite having worked in finance for 5 years cannot get to grips with some of the basic concepts which are calculated automatically by our fantastic finance system. I would whole-heartedly recommend going to study AAT at your local FE college - you will have a tutor available to help with any questions and passing your AAT exempts you from the early stages of ACCA exams. It may seem like a bit of a diversion but I can honestly say that the solid skills I learned in AAT helped me succeed with my ACCA exams. Self-studying is difficult. Whilst I studied AAT at an evening class, I worked in accounts payable, accounts receivable and as a management accounts assistant and gained valuable entry level experience on about £18-22k pa. I was able to get a feel for accountancy and was able to get an assistant accountant's role part way through my ACCA study.
Hi,
just came across this and was wondering what you did at the end.. I am in the exact same position and not sure where to start, AAT or ACCA with no relevant experience..
Hi,
just came across this and was wondering what you did at the end..
At the end they died, just like you and I will. Why don't you start a new thread?
Possibly
ACCA brushes over some of the detail - it's your call. I can only advise from experience.
The problem is.....
You are competing with apprentices who will have the same accounts experience as you - none - but can be paid an apprentice wage while they learn, making it a lot easier for companies to spend time training. Make sure your CV is strong on what other skills you have that you can offer to a prospective employer.
I wouldn't be surprised if you had to take a 50% pay cut initially to get where you want to be
AAT would be a good start and will give you the basics to build on, I think you will struggle to do it all in 1 year though. I worked full time while I studied ACCA and it is hard work.
There are loads of people out there looking for similar roles to you. We recently advertised for an apprentice and had over 50 replies - many were people your age looking to get into accounts
Good luck with whatever route you decide on