ACCA and retraining as an accountant

[HattiesBackpack]

Hello all,

I would like to retrain as an accountant, (with a view to becoming a self employed accountant ideally).

I've had a look at the different paths and feel that the ACCA graduate path would be best for me. (quick background: have a management degree and worked in venue management prior to having kids, been a sahp for 7 years, i think I'm going to have to self fund the ACCA exams and registrations etc as I can only work within school times so getting a trainee position seems unlikely).

I'm just looking for any advice or tips (or reassurance!) from any accountants really !

If you want to be an.accountant in.practice.I would definitely consider. AAT before ACCA as you'll. Struggle being self employed without understanding accounts and tax returns, Vat returns and payroll etc from.the bottom up IMHO. I think AAT gives you a good grounding and also.allows you to practice before becoming a qualified accountant.

Just something to consider

Was going to suggest self study aat and then try and get a job that funds acca/aca. You'd be surprised how flexible some firms are.

Its a lot of money to spend to get a qualification which would not guarantee a job as you presumably wouldn't have any experience... If I recall correctly, you need a couple of years experience to be an acca accountant anyway.

I was in a similar position, started off self-funding acca exams, then got a job which paid for the rest. Took me 2 years to qualify. I personally prefer working for an industry rather than a practice so I am not contracting for retail companies.

Just to add to the above, we've taken people on who have self studied aat and then funded aca for them...

Aca/acca with no experience would be no more attractive than the above as we would still need to start you off on the same work and charge out rate as the juniors due to lack of practical experience....no point having great technical knowledge but not being able to reconcile the bank!

So from an employability point of view, aat would be equally as beneficial, save you a load of money and be a gentler introduction into studying!

I would add that I'm up north, and I suspect it may be different in say, London, but thougbt I'd add my perspective in case it helps.

thank you both for replying.

I will check out aat, looks like that would be a good route : )

AAT is a very well respected qualification, far more affordable than ACCA and more realistic to study via distance learning if you have no background in accountancy. There are many people who run their own businesses preparing accounts, tax returns, VAT returns with an AAT qualification, rather than a ACCA or equivalent.

I'd definitely recommend you look into AAT before making any decisions.

Re what ClashCityRocker has said, Om in the South East and it sounds as though the attitude is very similar here to the North. I agree it might be different if you want to work for one of the major Accountancy firms in London and really build a high flying career but that's not what you seem to be aiming for. And to be fair, AAT is still well respected in those firms, it's just that people join them via a different training route (ie, graduate recruitment programmes).

Thanks : )

(I knew asking on here would be a good idea!)

I've been looking a bit more at aat now, and i think I'm going to go for that route. I'm looking to be able to do accounts for mostly self employed people (in performing arts most likely as that's what I know and where most of my contacts are!) and just to be able to carve out a nice comfortable career for me, not a high flying work for the big 4 type thing.

Thanks everyone

I'm starting AAT level 2 in 3 weeks. I'm just coming to the end of mat leave. I do the book keeping for our family business but thought I should get a formal qualification so I'm more employable when the time comes that I want a proper job again. I'm doing it one day a week at my local college. I considered self study but thought I could use the support from the lecturers and class mates. I'm feeling a bit nervous but looking forward to getting stuck in!