So how do I go about getting a job in bookkeeping

[quint]

Can someone please offer me advice

I'm currently studying Foundation in Finance with Pitman training andhave started applying for jobs. I have never worked in Finance before (the last few years have been in admin but I took my mat leave with DD2 to retrain).

Should I go to companies directly or is it worth going through agancies?

Or would I be better setting up something by myself? The thing is I want to go on and do ACCA, so I was hoping to get in somewhere where I could be sponsered.

TIA

DOn't do it choose another job!!!! I'm in it and want to get out you can have my job if you want!!! All the jobs I've had I've sent my CV to all the accountants in the town I wanted a job in but my current firm have also recruited from agencies so I guess both ways work.

Why don't you like it?! What else do you want to do?

If you are confident that you know exactly what needs to be done, and can handle payroll too, I would say send your CV to lots of small businesses (builders, plumbers, that sort of thing) to sort out their books. Then when you have built up a bit of experience as well as the qualifications, then you might be able to get in with a larger firm to go on and do ACCA.

I would go through agencies as they are widely used by businesses recruiting for accounting jobs with lots of specialist agencies.

I must admit I agree with Sunshine78. Not 'people' focussed enough for me. I left when I had DS1, 7 years ago, and don't intend to go back. On the other hand DH loves it and has his own practice (he's FCCA) so each to his own.

Thanks everyone. So far not had much luck with agencies (having worked in an agency before I know why lack of actual experience), however I have an interview on Friday so heres hoping.

Good luck with your interview. I hope this is the first step to a really enjoyable career for you.

Hi quint,
I work in finance, and for me if you want to get a lot of experience and sponsor for your ACCA, the best place is an accounts practice. I would get a list off the yellow pages in your area and start sending your CV. This is how a found my first job in accounts. "Accountants practices" ussually are more than happy to sponsor their staff, by paying the courses fees (which with ACCa are not that cheap) and giving you Paid leave for exams. I am trying to pass ACCA, but with a F/T job and 2 kids is not easy.
The best of luck!!!

Thanks guys

Had the interview this morning - seemed to go well, I was there for about 1.5 hours and have taken that as a good sign, hopefully they wll get back to me with a yes and a salary that makes it worth my while!

In the mean time I will send my CVs out thanks CeciC - have you enjoyed the studying? How long has it taken you?

Hi quint,
I like the subjects, but all the ones I have done so far have been essay type exams. The subjects as Managing People, Law, so not really exams with calculations to do. I found difficult these type exams, as I am Spanish, so writing long answers in English is not my forte, as some times I know what I want to say, is just I am not sure how to say it in English, and you need to be very "organised" and unfortunately I am not. It's taken longer than expected, but I am not putting any pressure on doing the exams, if I qualify fine, if not well, I might do a cookery course instead.
Do you live anywhere near London? We could study together!
Best of luck and keep us posted!!

I got the job! THen had a nightmare as the cm let me down, however I've found someone even better and I start next Monday, wish me luck!

Hi quint,
Congratulations!!!. I wish you the best of luck in your new job.
I have been working 9 years for the same company, and I feel it's time to move to a new job, but I think I will wait until my DD2 starts full time school ( that is in 2 years time, if I can last that long)
Have you registered for ACCA?

Yes I've registered with them but held off doing anything for now. I've nearly completed a Foundation in finance with Pitman Training - the plan being that I would then try and get a job with a company that would sponser me, however without any actual experience that's quite tough so this job will hopefully get me the experience so I can go on to other things later - or you never knwo i might just thoroughly enjoy this job and decide to carry on with bookkeeping - thanks for your advice though.