Advanced Accounts

loubian

Hey, I know there have been a few threads on Pitman but they're old and I'd like some information. I'm looking into the above course. I talked to the college last night and they informed me that it's very practical - that's how you learn. They said it would be from €2000-€2500 which I think is quite expensive but they let you do in your own time when it suits you which would suit me as I am a single mother to a one year old.

Two thousand euro is a lot of money and I want to get some feedback before I sign up. My neighbour did a course with Pitman and I think she found it good.

Does anyone have any experience of the course itself, or even just attending the college on Pearse Street?

Would appreciate any feedback thanks

GR3YFOXXX

My first question would be why do you want to know this stuff? Bookkeeping for an existing business? A desire to qualify? Seeking to gain employment?

Secondly, what is your educational background?

loubian

I have worked in accounts office for the last three years but have no qualifications. I do book keeping and a small amount of accounts work for the company I am in now. I understand a lot but I feel a course would help me understand it better. I'm also looking for a pay rise or a new job and feel this will help me secure that because I have been looking for a new job for a good while now and have been unsuccessful due to my lack of experience (even though I have three years).

I have a Bachelors degree but in something completely different. I got a job here after leaving college and stayed as it was secure.

GR3YFOXXX

I would say aim for the accounting technicians course or en role in the Institute of Chartered Accountants or ACCA. Depending on your age and level of available free time consider applying for training contracts in Practice or Industry.

thomlin

Hi Loubian,

I did the Pitman course about 10 years ago and it was called the accounting technician diploma back then. The reason I did it (you're right it is expensive) was at the time I couldn't apply to do the accounting technician as I didn't work in accounting and had no formal education in that area either that's all changed now though.

After completing the Pitman course (I did it roughly in about 9 months due to work commitments but you could do it over a longer period or shorter) I then applied to the IATI now ATI to do their accounting technician course.

I was glad I did as ATI has a considerable drop out rate due to people taking the course and not realising that it is a high level course you need to have some understanding of basic accounting so you need to be able to keep up with the class or you wash out.

Having done the Pitman diploma I was able to keep up and pass the course but I will point out its not a walk in the park and you also have to dedicate yourself and your time to the course as you will be sitting 4 exams over 5 days at the end of the course.

The downside to Pitman is that it doesn't get the same recognition as the ATI or ACCA's accounting technician qualifications as they are higher level courses so don't expect your employment opportunities to increases. The other thing with Pitman was (maybe this has changed) some of the modules you have to do make no sense like a numeric accuracy speed test?

Hindsight is a great thing and I would say if you have the interest in accounting buy a decent book and practice the teachings from the book (personally I would recommend Frank Woods accounting books as a great starting point in accounting) save the money you are thinking of paying Pitman and practice when you feel comfortable with the techniques and have the time to commit then enrol in the ATI or ACCA professional course.

I'm not rubbishing Pitman they are excellent well written material and very friendly and helpful staff so if you prefer that type of learning environment than reading and learning it yourself then do enrol with them.

Best of luck

Tom