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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to finish my accountancy training and degree in my late forties?

107 replies

Merryoldgoat · 01/07/2026 10:34

Am I too old to finish my training? I’ve been a PQ accountant for years and earn decent money for my level of qualification - about £67k fte (but I only work PT so actually earn nearly £50k). I’m 48 and after tricky times with my boys life is a bit more settled.

I have the opportunity to do a degree apprenticeship at work and could start in Y2. I don’t have a degree but my qualification is equivalent to Y1 of a degree so with the on the job training I’d end with a degree from an RG university and exemptions from most professional accounting qualifications. I could add another year of study and be fully qualified and with my experience likely get a role paying significantly more than I earn now - I’m regularly approached for roles paying £80k - £100k based on my experience but once they find I’m not fully qualified I don’t get any further so I’ve reached my ceiling I think.

I just don’t know if I’m mad to do this. I feel like I’ve lost quite a lot of confidence professionally even though I’m good at my job - the next step is quite daunting.

I feel old but, in reality if I come out fully qualified at 51/52 I have another 12-15 years of work ahead of me so doesn’t seem that mad.

Any thoughts?

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 09/08/2026 18:47

Reality26 · 09/08/2026 16:32

Employers are now asking CIMA qualifiers to show them their exam dashboards to prove they didn’t take FLP.

Show quote history

I see thank you.

OP posts:
Reality26 · 09/08/2026 16:32

Merryoldgoat · 08/08/2026 22:01

My understanding was that you get the same qualification. How would people know?

I’m not planning to go that route so I’m just asking out of curiosity.

Show quote history

Employers are now asking CIMA qualifiers to show them their exam dashboards to prove they didn’t take FLP.

Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 08/08/2026 22:01

Reality26 · 08/08/2026 14:12

In response to some of the comments suggesting CIMA FLP - this qualification is essentially seen as a complete joke by real accountants. Avoid it at all costs. Either do CIMA properly or do ACCA. Nobody wants someone who’s paid to cheat past all the important exams (this is what FLP is.)

My understanding was that you get the same qualification. How would people know?

I’m not planning to go that route so I’m just asking out of curiosity.

OP posts:
Swiftie1878 · 08/08/2026 15:19

Merryoldgoat · 04/08/2026 17:05

Small update: I had my acceptance from Exeter today and I’ve officially been accepted ok to Year 2 of the 3 year DA.

I’m actually quite excited to get started! Also I can’t lie - if I have to go to Exeter for a few days that would be like a holiday 🤣🤣

Wonderful update! Congratulations and good luck!! 🩵

Reality26 · 08/08/2026 14:12

In response to some of the comments suggesting CIMA FLP - this qualification is essentially seen as a complete joke by real accountants. Avoid it at all costs. Either do CIMA properly or do ACCA. Nobody wants someone who’s paid to cheat past all the important exams (this is what FLP is.)

BCBird · 06/08/2026 20:18

Great news. If things need to change around home, to facilitate this e.g. other people doing more then make sure you get the support you need OP.

BCBird · 06/08/2026 20:17

If you want to do it then do OP.

Comtesse · 06/08/2026 18:24

Delighted for you - it’s never too late to learn and find talents you didn’t know you had!

Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 06/08/2026 17:32

Thank you. Feeling quite anxious but also excited. I completely fucked up University first time round but am hoping 30 years of life experience might help this time.

OP posts:
ForeverTheOptomist · 05/08/2026 18:24

Merryoldgoat · 04/08/2026 17:05

Small update: I had my acceptance from Exeter today and I’ve officially been accepted ok to Year 2 of the 3 year DA.

I’m actually quite excited to get started! Also I can’t lie - if I have to go to Exeter for a few days that would be like a holiday 🤣🤣

Hoorah! That's great news.

... Great shopping in Exeter if I remember correctly ...

OneNewLeader · 04/08/2026 17:07

Do it. Good luck.

Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 04/08/2026 17:05

Small update: I had my acceptance from Exeter today and I’ve officially been accepted ok to Year 2 of the 3 year DA.

I’m actually quite excited to get started! Also I can’t lie - if I have to go to Exeter for a few days that would be like a holiday 🤣🤣

OP posts:
Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 09/07/2026 23:27

Namechangee11 · 09/07/2026 20:57

I have just started training to be a Chartered Accountant and I'm 56.....

Yay! How are you finding it? Are you new to accountancy in general or is this a career change?

Study buddy (ish) - good luck x

OP posts:
Numbersaremything · 09/07/2026 21:51

Namechangee11 · 09/07/2026 20:57

I have just started training to be a Chartered Accountant and I'm 56.....

I'm sorry, but you are a mere babe compared to some I teach. Good luck!

Namechangee11 · 09/07/2026 20:57

I have just started training to be a Chartered Accountant and I'm 56.....

TrixieMixie · 09/07/2026 18:42

Go for it! You’re not old. I started a business in my mid 60s, I’m loving it and making six figures. Never too late x

HAPPYBRIT · 09/07/2026 18:29

Merryoldgoat · 01/07/2026 10:34

Am I too old to finish my training? I’ve been a PQ accountant for years and earn decent money for my level of qualification - about £67k fte (but I only work PT so actually earn nearly £50k). I’m 48 and after tricky times with my boys life is a bit more settled.

I have the opportunity to do a degree apprenticeship at work and could start in Y2. I don’t have a degree but my qualification is equivalent to Y1 of a degree so with the on the job training I’d end with a degree from an RG university and exemptions from most professional accounting qualifications. I could add another year of study and be fully qualified and with my experience likely get a role paying significantly more than I earn now - I’m regularly approached for roles paying £80k - £100k based on my experience but once they find I’m not fully qualified I don’t get any further so I’ve reached my ceiling I think.

I just don’t know if I’m mad to do this. I feel like I’ve lost quite a lot of confidence professionally even though I’m good at my job - the next step is quite daunting.

I feel old but, in reality if I come out fully qualified at 51/52 I have another 12-15 years of work ahead of me so doesn’t seem that mad.

Any thoughts?

Get on and do it. i qualified at 44. It's never too late to improve your education, career opportunities and lifestyle.

Good luck. You will be so happy when you qualify that you took the chance.

Sparkysmum · 08/07/2026 19:54

I believe in life long learning, so go for what you want. Age is no barrier to learning. X

AlliWantIsARoomSomewheeeere · 08/07/2026 18:49

I've just finished a degree at 44, took 5 years. And like others said the 5 years have passed anyway. At the start of it, the end seemed ages away, but here I am and it flown past! And for the role I want i have to do another year, but I am taking a year out before I tackle that one!

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 08/07/2026 18:37

Oh course you should.

Bikergran · 08/07/2026 18:08

Life is a lot longer than you think. Go for it.

DopamineDeficient · 08/07/2026 13:04

Merryoldgoat · 07/07/2026 00:11

@DopamineDeficient the level of study is just too much to do the professional quals that fast, plus the cost is prohibitive for work at the moment.

Thus, if I start at Y2. Exempts me from all but the last three ACCA exams (which will be three after the syllabus revisions).

I cannot imagine how much study it must’ve taken to do 13 exams and 3 case studies in 18 months 😱

It was hard going at times but I am 40 myself and just wanted to get through it.

Good luck with whatever route you choose.

ChessAndCoffee · 08/07/2026 12:47

Ageism definitely exists.

One antidote I've heard suggested is to be super visible. Use LinkedIn like a weirdo to actively post career pop-psychology and network regularly.

Even if you feel silly or haven't got the qualifications, just do it over 3-4 years. Send shameless ego-stroking requests to all the senior people.

I've had a "build behind the scenes and tick the boxes and only appear when I'm done" personality.

Which has massively tripped me up at this career stage. I'll catch up but I wish I'd got my face out there more!

I think that's more common in women.

Interestingly when I was younger and genuinely mentally unstable (so less self-conscious about being cringe) I often found myself being nudged into great roles!

I was useless compared to my work ethos now, underqualified for everything...but always around and visible.

The hack - You have to make yourself a FAMILIAR face in the job market you're entering, rather than perfect and impressive.

People tend to give opportunities to someone they kind of recognise from around somewhere. Rather than a technically qualified perfect stranger.

ForeverTheOptomist · 08/07/2026 12:18

Merryoldgoat · 01/07/2026 10:34

Am I too old to finish my training? I’ve been a PQ accountant for years and earn decent money for my level of qualification - about £67k fte (but I only work PT so actually earn nearly £50k). I’m 48 and after tricky times with my boys life is a bit more settled.

I have the opportunity to do a degree apprenticeship at work and could start in Y2. I don’t have a degree but my qualification is equivalent to Y1 of a degree so with the on the job training I’d end with a degree from an RG university and exemptions from most professional accounting qualifications. I could add another year of study and be fully qualified and with my experience likely get a role paying significantly more than I earn now - I’m regularly approached for roles paying £80k - £100k based on my experience but once they find I’m not fully qualified I don’t get any further so I’ve reached my ceiling I think.

I just don’t know if I’m mad to do this. I feel like I’ve lost quite a lot of confidence professionally even though I’m good at my job - the next step is quite daunting.

I feel old but, in reality if I come out fully qualified at 51/52 I have another 12-15 years of work ahead of me so doesn’t seem that mad.

Any thoughts?

Yes, pick up the gauntlet. I started my BA early 40s with a young family. It wasn't always easy logistically but was categorically the best thing I ever did for myself, and indeed my children.

Be brave!

BoilingHotand50something · 08/07/2026 10:38

Merryoldgoat · 08/07/2026 10:04

Do you not just leave the older jobs off? When we recruit we get rid of dates etc so whilst we have an idea it’s not a given.

Show quote history

I guess it depends whether you have relevant experience in earlier years. I have changed roles a lot so some of my core experience is earlier on in my career. You can try and hide your age on your CV but at some point they will work it out. Anyway feel free to ignore but if you do some research, you will find it is a real issue. Was just trying to help.