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

[Merryoldgoat]

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?

If you want to do it then do OP.

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.

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.)

Wonderful update! Congratulations and good luck!! 🩵

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.

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

I see thank you.