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Guide to becoming an accounting professional

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24th May 2012
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The accountancy profession can be “mystifying” from the outside, according to distant learning provider Home Learning College.

In an attempt to clear up any confusion around this the college has put together a free guide debunking some common myths for people at the start of their career.

It aims to add value and encourage those in the sector to think bigger than they may otherwise have done.

Home Learning College claims it has five “secrets” most people don’t know about breaking into the profession and the opportunities for progression.

They are:

  • You don’t need to be a mathematical genius
  • You can become an accounting professional without a degree
  • Non-related experience can make you a better accountant
  • Experience is as valuable as qualifications
  • Not all accounting roles are the same - choose the specialism that suits you best

On becoming an accounting professional without a degree, the guide explains there are alternative routes into chartered accountancy for those without existing financial qualifications or experience.

One example it highlights is the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) accreditation pathway, which is recognised by all UK chartered accountancy bodies.

Dave Snow, academic director at Home Learning College, said: “The AAT pathway is one example of a highly respected, accessible route which is open to anyone with a certain level of numerical competence. If you’ve been considering a career in accounting, but haven’t been sure where to turn, then our guide will help you take that next step.”

“Our aim in producing this guide is to show that it’s never too late to fulfil an ambition of working in finance and progress to senior roles within this industry.

Click here to download ‘Why Becoming an Accounting Professional is Easier than You Think – 5 Secrets Revealed’.

Join the AccountingWEB Student discussion group for further information and discussions.

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By esimps
24th May 2012 16:31

This is good advice. I'm a qualified accountant and everyone I meet expects me to a human calculator, which I'm certainly not. You're also very right about experience, this is what makes you a good accountant.

Emma // cheap accountant

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By David Lockett
25th May 2012 11:25

You're never too old (ish)

 

In my mid thirty's I was made redundant (again) and having done a number of jobs for Multinational companies I decided that it was time to work for myself. Well to cut a long story short, a few years later and after various successful and definitely not successful business, I discovered that I had found a passion for numbers and helping businesses.  I made the decision to become an accountant!   I cast around for the best route and was recommended to look at the AAT.  This was the best decision I have ever made.  I will not go through exactly what has happened over the last few years but I am now in my mid 40’s working in my own practice which has doubled in size for each of the last 3 years.  One of the benefits to my clients is that I have been there, got the tee shirt etc. and can talk to them about their business and their problems because my experience has been similar to theirs.  I am not sure how an accountant who went to school, college and straight into a big accounting firm can possible empathise with a small business owner who is struggling to understand how is limited company works or how on earth he is going to pay the tax bill or his wages bill next month.  And by the way, I tried to progress to become chartered/certified but got made redundant (again) before I completed my exams and not one of my clients is worried about it, nor have I ever lost a prospect because of it.  If you provide a good service, are honest and professional, in my experience, within my market place of small businesses, no one cares if you are chartered or not.

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