AdultCareerChange.co.uk

Financial & Accounting Careers - AAT & ACCA Courses

Getting back into training for a new career could be just what we're looking for! Rather than trudging to the same old job that we've been frustrated with for ages, we could take charge of our lives and build a career that satisfies and rewards us.

Which Re-training Course Is Right For Me?

The difficulty is - which is the right new career to start training for? We've identified that a change of career is needed, but can we be sure that the one we have in mind will be any better than the one we're in now?

Many people find a new career in book-keeping or accountancy provides the answer - maybe this could be something for you? Colleagues usually have a high regard for accounting personnel, and salaries reflect the important work they do.

Obviously training programmes cover a diverse range of subjects; and so you should start by looking at the job you might get into, and then work backwards to see what training will be needed. When you first join a company, you might be a cashier or a purchase ledger clerk.

And then as time goes on, if you continue to up-grade your certifications you could reach the level of, say, Purchase Ledger Manager or Sales Ledger Manager. If you add this page to your Favourites, you can easily come back to it and refer to the different colleges and trainers who feature on this site. Use them to learn the different options that are available to you, and to compare the benefits offered by each of them. Be wary of courses that only offer college accreditations. You don't want to put effort in and find that employers don't value your certificates.

Which Skills Do I Need?

If this training is going to be your introduction to the industry, there will be certain essentials that you'll need to get to grips with. For example you'll need knowledge of how to operate computerised book-keeping records, the double-entry system, vat, payroll, reconciliations to name but a few. Higher grade subject matter is also available for more senior personnel in the industry. At this stage you can go into things like final accounts, accounting packages, calculating and interpreting accounting ratios partnerships and regulatory standards.

Who Might I Work For?

You can take your pick of the industry or government body you want to work in if you gain reputable certifications in accounts related subjects. You have plenty of scope as every company needs at least one person to deal with their finances. You could enjoy the cut and thrust of a big conglomerate, or prefer to be in a small team working locally. You could seek employment in either the public or the private sector - the chances for career progression are there in both sectors. Then again there's nothing to stop you from working for yourself once you've gained a bit of experience.

Is This The Right Work For Someone Like Me?

You'll plainly have to be good at maths if you want an accounting career. Plus you'll need to enjoy working through sometimes long and complex tasks with patience and tolerance - and stick with them until they're concluded. Figure work suits the person who is conscientious, orderly and logical.

The last vital quality you'll need to possess is an honest nature - because employers must be able to trust you implicitly.

"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together." - Vincent Van Gogh.

Research Your Training Alternatives

There really are a great number of options available with regard to training and certification. There's only one way to whittle it down, and that's with in-depth research. As we've already discussed, don't just opt for the first one you come across - the more different organisations you read about, the more you'll discover what you like or dislike about the courses they offer, and their back-up and support.

Whilst some colleges offer all home-based study with tutor support upon request, others are all class-based. A third category have a blend of both. You might feel more comfortable in a classroom with others, or you might prefer to dictate your own pace - plus geography and location will also come into it.

Finally, shortlist two or three and see if you can get hold of a taster of the coursework. Then you can see the standard of each. Then chose your training and get going. You'll wonder why you didn't change sooner when you're happily certified and enjoying work to the full. Here's to your success!