Bookkeeper / Accounts - worthwhile career?

[Whyyougottobeanonymous]

Hi ladies

I recently became a single parent. Have been in customer service all my life and was working as a line manager before going on maternity.

on returning I can’t do the role - I can’t give full time hours due to childcare with DD and they can’t accommodate PT work which is fine. They’re helping me to find something else in the company.

howevrr I really want to make something of myself for DD to give her a nice life and I also want to have security under my belt.

i was thinking of doing one of the AAT courses and then doing the bookkeeping / payroll course too.

but I know people have said to me in the past that the job market is really saturated when it comes to anything to do with payroll, accounts, bookkeeping and that most organisations look for someone experienced so will be pretty unlikely that I’ll be able to find a role once completing the course.

I just wanted to hear from those who have either studied as one or thought about and changed their minds. Is this worth while or am I really just going to waste a lot of time and money?

I did this but went in to industry accounting. I initially worked part time and went full time once the kids were older. It isn’t especially well paid until later on, and with chartered exams ideally. You can earn well working for yourself as a bookkeeper, but it’s about building a client base. Starting off in practice is an option to get experience. It can be low paid initially.

If you are smart and find it naturally easy, you can skip to AAT L3 and just dip into L2 books for the background. No need to sit L2 exams. No need for tuition either. Just buy the textbooks and book your exams once ready. AAT is quite nice but chartered exams are tough, you’d need support from family unless blessed with a super easy child.

@Sparla thank you so much for replying and with helpful information too
would you say in your experience that it’s easy to break into the bookkeeping / accounting field job wise? Or am I best off trying to secure a job in that field and then study?

Hi,

I’d whizz through AAT L2 bookkeeping. If you enjoy it then start L3 and you can apply for roles alongside. It’s about demonstrating you are keen, have a good grasp of the basics and you have enough knowledge to know it’s what you want to do and you are capable. You need to want it too.

Entry level roles in industry are plentiful but I’m unsure about practice roles. Look for accounts assistant roles or accounts payable clerk type positions. After a year or so try to build your role or move on to practice or a higher role in industry.