AdultCareersAdvice.co.uk

Financial & Accounting Careers (AAT Courses)

Re-training for a new career can be an excellent move. Instead of wasting our lives in an un-fulfilling job that doesn't inspire or motivate us, we can take control and spend our time working on projects that captivate our interest and stimulate our minds.

What Career Options Do I Have?

It can be a problem though working out where to begin. We've already made one career mistake - what we don't want to do is make another. How do we know what will suit us?

A solid and interesting career can be built taking care of accounts - you might consider training in this area. You'll be considered professionally competent by others, and be recompensed accordingly for your efforts. Naturally there isn't just one course or training programme for everybody - don't get overwhelmed, simply work out the job roles that interest you and then find which companies train for those roles.

You can enter the industry working as a finance clerk, or in the book-keeping department. As your knowledge and working experience builds, with application you could become a Finance Team Leader or Manager. You can use a shortcut to add this page to your favourites - Ctrl D. Visit us often and you'll see a good assortment of training colleges are featured. Assess the good points and bad points of each one you look at. Consider things like course content, support, material and training methods, duration and of course cost. Confirm that the training you settle on can take you through everything you need. It's crucial that your hard-earned qualifications will get you through to interview.

Which Subjects Are Taught?

If you're looking to enter the Finance and Accounting industry for the first time, you'll need to learn a variety of practical skills to be considered employable. These will include knowing how to work with computerised accounting systems, VAT, Double Entry, Cash Books, understanding the Banking System, Reconciliations and Credit Control.

When you're ready to enhance your skills further, there are more complex procedures to tackle. For example - creating accounts from incomplete records, preparing final accounts vertically and horizontally, Ltd companies, operating accounting systems etc.

Who Would Employ Me?

Once you've done your training and received your certifications, you can apply to work in any area of industry that appeals to you. Since each and every trading entity must keep accounting records, the world's your oyster! Those who work in small to medium sized companies may be in charge of all accounts-related work. On the other hand, those in large ones might handle one small area. Many company directors once had jobs in accountancy or finance, and progressed to the top through diligence and hard work. Or of course you could choose to start your own small business and look after a handful of clients, either full-time or part-time.

Will This Type Of Work Suit My Personality?

Naturally you must have competent maths skills to do this sort of work. The work demands patience and thoroughness as well, so if you see yourself as the type of person who can be left to work through the nitty gritty you'll doubtless get on well. Working in accounts requires good logic and a diligent attitude. And ultimately companies need loyalty from their accounts workers, so they expect you to be able to keep the work you do in confidence.

"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living."
- Gail Sheehy.

Investigate Your Options

A vast number of training providers and colleges offer various accounting study programmes. You must take time to do your research to find the one that's best for you.

It's a mistake to look at one and think you know enough - you'll get to know about things you hadn't previously considered if you familiarise yourself with a good number of trainers. Whereas some trainers offer courses to study entirely at home, others expect you to attend tutorials from time to time.

Your preference will depend on how you're going to fit studying into your existing lifestyle, and how you feel about learning alongside other people. Once you've got it down to a handful, get in touch and ask for some training samples so that you can visualise how you'd relate to the format. But ultimately the thing to do is to get on with it. The sooner you do, the sooner you'll be looking forward to getting up and going to work every morning. All the Best!