Planning a career change - bookkeeping or accountancy?

[twooter]

I've decided to go for a complete change of career, and always seem to come back to this area. My plan is to do an online/distance course ( have looked at the Home Learning College) but am finding it hard to decide which qualification to take. A I see it, the bookkeeping would be simpler and less stressful, but less well paid and potentially boring long term. But, I assume I could get a paid job sooner and with more flexibility than would be likely if I went the accounting route.

Would there be any benefit of doing AAT over bookkeeping? Or again, should I be looking more at ACCA?

If you do AAT you can start work quicker ad each part can be done in6 months if you really want. If you complete all 3 levels it can then be counted as exmption against first level of CIMA, not sure about ACCA.