Info on Accountancy as a career

across2587

Hi, I have been offered a grad job with a big 4 company in their advisory department but I don’t have an accounting background. I have an undergrad and masters in civil engineering along with a few years experience. Since there is no work in engineering any more I am looking to change career. I am really just wondering how difficult it would be to sit the accountancy exams coming from an engineering background and what are the job prospects like for chartered accounts after the 3.5 years training? Also what would a typical salary be for a chartered accountant after qualifying? Any info would be much appreciated.

Clanno

across2587 wrote: »

Hi, I have been offered a grad job with a big 4 company in their advisory department but I don’t have an accounting background. I have an undergrad and masters in civil engineering along with a few years experience. Since there is no work in engineering any more I am looking to change career. I am really just wondering how difficult it would be to sit the accountancy exams coming from an engineering background and what are the job prospects like for chartered accounts after the 3.5 years training? Also what would a typical salary be for a chartered accountant after qualifying? Any info would be much appreciated.

I you really sure you want to become a chartered accountant?

across2587

Yeah its a career route I want to take, I just wanted to know how difficult the exams would be coming from a non accounting background.

SBWife

Do the work and you'll get through them.

R0N BURGUNDY

It really isn't worth the hassle. All the other people I know are doing much better things whether it is through teaching, engineering etc. and we all are in agreement that the chartered route is such an effort for what you get. Therefore, unless you're strangely really passionate about it (which will be short lived I guarantee) I would recommend something else. But in response to your query about a non-accountancy backround; that isn't such a big deal from what I have seen results wise from people I know. Although it is probably still a wee bit more pain I imagine.

Dellboy2007

Congrats on being offered the job. You sound keen on pursuing it. Of course it's going to be hard, but you know that. The fact you've been offered a Big 4 job will look great on your cv when you do qualify which will mean enhanced prospects. Go for it if it's what you want.

LightningBolt

You're going into advisory so that's not too bad to be getting experience there whilst working away for your chartered, from experience those who've gone into audit from an engineering background wouldn't be the biggest fan so the fact that you're in advisory suits you well. I know a couple of people with similar backgrounds to yourself and find the exams doable, none having failed to the best of my knowledge.


If it were me I'd try it for a year and see how I get on. I'm guessing you're 26-28, you're still young. The only part I'll caution is if you end up in something like third party assurance in whatever firm you go into I'd assess whether or not you want to spend your time testing internal controls. I doubt you'd find it engaging.

Vaioer

LightningBolt wrote: »

If it were me I'd try it for a year and see how I get on. I'm guessing you're 26-28, you're still young. The only part I'll caution is if you end up in something like third party assurance in whatever firm you go into I'd assess whether or not you want to spend your time testing internal controls. I doubt you'd find it engaging.

This.

It might say Advisory on the tin, but you can end up doing IT audits, being seconded to an audit department for 6 months plus a year or just getting stuck reviewing a load of spreadsheets.

Plenty of non-accounting background people get the exams, if you are hard working and don't mind sacrificing your evenings and weekends for the guts of 3 years then you'll be grand.

kilburn

this kinda stuff just drives me demented

smcgiff

kilburn wrote: »

this kinda stuff just drives me demented

PM to be sent

across2587

Thanks very much for the reply’s. The general coconscious seems to be that they will no doubt be tough but that they are doable provided the work is put in, even for someone from a different background. Thanks

kilburn wrote: »

this kinda stuff just drives me demented

Any particular reason why “this stuff” drives you demented?!

daddydick

R0N BURGUNDY wrote: »

It really isn't worth the hassle. All the other people I know are doing much better things whether it is through teaching, engineering etc. and we all are in agreement that the chartered route is such an effort for what you get. Therefore, unless you're strangely really passionate about it (which will be short lived I guarantee) I would recommend something else. But in response to your query about a non-accountancy backround; that isn't such a big deal from what I have seen results wise from people I know. Although it is probably still a wee bit more pain I imagine.

To be honest I think that for an engineer it is a good route to go down. In my intake (2008) there was two of my close friends who came from Civil Eng in UCD. Both have flown through the first two sets of exams and are sitting the FAE this year.

In an advisory department in a big 4 company you will get a massive amount of exposure to some of Ireland's largest companies. This all looks great on CV. The exams are tough but looking at this year so far they seem to be getting easier again (70% pass rate for CAP 1 compared to 50% in 2009).

When you qualify you can travel with the qualification. I know a lot of former colleagues (i'm also advisory in Big 4) who are now living in Oz/Middle East etc earning €80-120k per year on contract work in their first jobs! In Irelan expect to earn €45k to €60k on coming out of contract (thats what former colleagues of mine are earning). If you can combine your engineering background with your accountancy qualification then you could be on to a real winner. It is crucial for an accountant to know his industry insode out, be it car distribution, software or healthcare. For yourself, having an engineering background will put you ahead of the game when it comes to looking for jobs post qualification.

One thing that I've learned is that those who are having trouble with the exams are the ones who will moan and give out about the qualification. To me, it is a great qualification, very hard work at times but 3 years of hardship is definitely, definitely worth it in the long term.

Best of luck woth your decision.

kilburn

Because they will give trainee positions to people with degrees in every area going but turn their noses up at people without degrees.

staticha

Personally I think you are in a great position. I myself am starting a training contract in the one of the big 4, and have been told by many people who have went through the process that its hard work but the qualification and experience is very worthwhile as regards the post contract opportunities. I also feel that a engineering degree would complement an accountancy qualification.

Daddydick- May I ask what advisory department your former colleagues were in??