Is it worth doing a degree in Accounting in my early 30s?

[ladylalatub]

A few years ago, I did AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting and got a Distinction. I enjoyed learning about the methodologies, balancing and double-entry aspects. I would like to do AAT Level 3 or progress in accounting through an apprenticeship, but I have found it hard to get my foot in the door with a trainee accounts position/school leaver programmes. I am 32 years old and I do not have much experience with Microsoft Excel: would going back to university to study for an undergraduate degree in Accounting be a good idea? I also only did Maths at GCSE getting an A*, but that was over a decade ago: would self-studying A-Level Maths be a good idea as well?

Probably crucial if you want to be an accountant!! Early 30s is a great time to go back to stuDy in my view - I’d say go for it. (Assuming you want to be an accountant)

If there was an option to do a one year course then maybe but I wouldn’t bother spending 3 years on it! Professional qualifications and experience are way more useful than a uni degree in my opinion. I work in accounting and don’t know many with actual accounting degrees!

My concern is that my Maths knowledge and Excel knowledge are not up to par. Some universities offer a foundation course leading to their Accounting degrees, if successfully passed- I'm thinking that this would help me improve my Maths and Excel skills.

No I wouldn’t do a degree in it in your circumstances. I’d get a job in a finance/accounting department and study professional qualifications while you work. It doesn’t have to be an actual traineeship or school leaver position, you can ask in the hiring process what support is given for studying qualifications and could even start it self-funded if you want.

I don't know many accountants who have a degree in accounting. I think there are probably better and more practical routes in.

But without Excel skills and previous relevant experience in accounting, I have found it very hard to get an entry-level job. I've only ever worked customer service/retail and cafe jobs beforehand so no administrative experience.

I don't think a degree would give you excel skills necessarily because they'd probably be assumed. I imagine there are short courses you could do that would be really useful. Are there any finance type jobs you could do related to where you've worked previously like helping with the money side of a cafe's business. I'm an accountant and my first accountjng job was doing the bank reconciliations and invoices for a fruit and veg stall.

Why have you replied when you clearly have zero clue about qualifying as an accountant?

You can do online training and certification for Excel.

https://www.coursera.org/articles/microsoft-excel-certification

Sorry op but it's an absolutely terrible idea.

Have you applied for accounts assistant / finance assistant / purchase ledger / sales ledger jobs?

You can teach yourself Excel at home for free.

"If you have two A Levels and three GCSEs in five separate subjects including English and maths (or equivalent qualifications), you can start your studies at the ACCA Qualification, which is ranked at Masters level and on completion you'll become an ACCA member."

https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/qualifications/accountancy-career.html

I wouldn't.
I'd rather take on professional stage trainees with non-relevant degrees, or non-graduates with good A-levels and AAT or to do AAT and then professional qualification.

I'd suggest doing level 3 AAT yourself and continuing to apply for apprenticeships.

(We've recently taken on a new apprenticeship in their 50s)

You don't learn excel skills at university. It's just something people pick up along the way. Like how to use word. It's very simple. Maybe try a udemy course and then use spreadsheets to calculate things.

DC started using spreadsheets from junior and I think it's part of ICT in Year 7 too.

There are some really great YouTube videos on Excel. There are a lot of us on MN who use it, so if you get stuck you can always ask for help here.

Have a look at this video:

Don't do a degree in accounting find a way to get qualifications while working or, I think, you may be able to sit ACCA exams privately and then do the practical part of the qualification when you get a job (you need both parts to qualify) at least then you'll have a professional qualification.

ACCA qualified accountant here. Similar age.

I'd say better off self funding for AAT level 3 or ACCA/CIMA if they'll take you. I don't think a degree is the right route.

A* GCSE maths is more than sufficient, the ability to think logically is important, but I have never used my A level maths professionally.

Excel is important. Teach yourself xlookups and pivot tables, and if you can honestly say you can do those that might help get you in the door. YouTube is a good resource for this.

Also look for admin temp jobs, AP and similar, it's related experience and much easier to come by than a trainee role.

I have applied for jobs like that (finance assistant etc), but in the area I live they all require previous experience. No one is willing to give you experience, but in order to get the job you need experience- can't win. I am on a very low income, I can't afford to pay for ACCA exams and the course materials myself, which is why I have been applying for apprenticeships and school leaver programmes but been getting nowhere.

Don't go to uni to do excel, you would do better either paying for office 365 package and go on you tube or linkedin.
Also finish AAT then do CIMA. As have done part of AAT you can apply for part qual roles.

I would pay myself to do AAT Level 3 through an online training provider (because I feel I need the support of a tutor) but I can't afford it plus paying for exams myself which is why I have been applying for apprenticeships/school leaver programmes. In the area I live, even for temp jobs like AP they require experience which I do not have.

???

You do not need a degree in accounting to be an accountant. You need professional accounting qualifications.

Have I misunderstood what you're saying? Because you sound very confident but are completely wrong.

OP, I would echo what others are saying. Carry on with your professional qualifications. Find an excel course if you want, because excel is very useful, but I doubt you'd learn much of it at uni. Or if you have a friend who's good at excel they could teach you the basics in an evening or two.

I feel for you, it sounds very frustrating.

It is the right way to do it though. A degree would be time consuming and probably still not help.

Also surely more expensive than AAT?

I think keep trying, even if it's dispiriting, it only takes one company to say yes and you're there.

OP you keep on countering all the advice you’re getting from many of us who are accountants and/or recruit accountants/trainees. An accounting degree won’t give you the things you feel you’re lacking.

It won’t make you proficient in Excel.
It won’t give you accounting/finance work experience.
It won’t magically enhance your maths.

Getting a job is really the only sensible way. So what other advice could we give to help you with that? Do you want to give more info about your experience or general location or something?

Try public sector. Lots of people doing accountancy qualifications in their 30s in local govt.

I would look for public sector roles. Like local government. If you can get your foot in the door for admin roles and show interest many councils would offer cima for.you.

Alternatively have you looked at your local chamber of commerce. In our region some of them organise and match employers and apprenticeship candidates.

Don't let the excel thing get in the way for you. This is absolutely something you can pick up self teaching or local short courses

Professional exams are better and your AAT is a good basis. Try temp agencies as well to get placements. Short courses ion excel online are good. You don't need a level maths.

Sorry, I appreciate the advice you have all given me- I apologize for being a downer. I've just started looking at online providers that offer payment plans for AAT Level 3- I'm just worried about finding the money for the exams.