New career in Accountancy:Need some guidance....

deens7881

Hi all,
I have been working in hotels and customer care for the last 10 years, now I would like to start a career in accountancy. I joined ACCA and passed F1. Is there anyway I can get an Accountancy related job before completing ACCA ?
Can anyone recommend any crash course or an accountancy software course just to get into the industry ? or is it better to continue with ACCA and then look for a job later..I m 32 already so dont want to waste much time..plz give some guidelines

thanks....

Cookie_Monster

should be fairly handy to get a low level account position somewhere before qualification and study while working. Obviously will be more difficult in the current climate but you have ten years experience working with people which is always good on a CV

deens7881

can anyone suggest any short courses in accountancy especially in computer accounting. Just to get a starting in the industry..

R0N BURGUNDY

http://www.sage.ie/store/training/upcoming-courses.aspx

djk1000

I was in a similar position as you, I found that there is nothing better than getting more ACCA exams under your belt. There are plenty of bookkeeping courses around, do one of those at the same time.

Look for opportunities to do the books for friends/charities to get some hands on experience.

As for jobs, don't hold your breath, but don't give up. Opportunities will arise as you get through the exams and can show some relevant experience on the CV.

Maybe you could talk to your boss in work and look for a move into accounts in your current workplace?

deens7881

Thanks friend sometime a little note can make big difference in others life. I was actually planning to drop ACCA and accountancy from my plans. Now I think I ll go ahead with it.Have you finished ACCA ?

djk1000

I haven't finished yet, I'm doing some P level exams in the next couple of weeks, I had the first 6 done along with about a year of experience doing bookkeeping for a friends business before I got a job in a practice. I had to move to a new city, but it was worth it!

To be honest, F1 is the easiest of the lot, so you'll have to think hard about whether you're willing to make a huge commitment. There is no comparison between say, F1 and F7 for example. If you get an accounting job, you'll probably be expected to do 2-3 at each sitting.

F1 doesn't give you a good feel for accounting, crack on with F2 and F3, aim to be getting 65%-70% plus in those. If you can manage that and you enjoyed the experience, then you'll have a good chance in the others.

An alternative to consider is starting out with CIMA (www.cimaglobal.com) that is another well respected accounting body with more of an industry focus. If you get through the first 5 of their exams, you'll get a certificate in business accounting which will be helpful in any management job in the future, even if you don't stick with accounting. Their first 5 exams are a broadly similar standard to F1-F3 in ACCA.

I hope that helped!

deens7881

Tanks again.........:)

I just finished F1 got 83%.Just had a luk at f2, it looks interesting.but with a full time job and a baby at home its not easy.As you said I will try the next two papers and then decide. just wondering if I could only finish till f3 can seek job on that basis, or if I managed to go through f9 does ACCA gives any certificate for that part?