Moving into accounts?

[Opara]

Hi, i'm 27 and after deciding that I didn't want to do my current job forever I decided I had to make a change.My original plan was to do an access to science course this September followed by a degree.As it draws closer i'm seeing this as a risky route to take as i'd be looking at 4 years minimum essentially putting my life on hold with no guarantee of a good job to follow.
I'm thinking i'd be better studying something more vocational where I could potentially work in the field alongside learning which is where accountancy comes in.I've been reading up on the AAT website and it does sound promising although i'd like some first hand impressions from people in the business.

Is AAT well thought of or do you really need to be graduate level to make any serious progress?

Have any of you gone this route, if so how has it worked out for you?

Are there any other areas of business where I could do follow a similar path, ie study,get foot in door,study more and move on?

Cheers for any advice

[Office_Monkey]

I don't have any experience of AAT directly, but am studying with CIMA. I don't currently work in a finance role (more MI/analysis) but am looking to move upon finishing my managerial level exams. I would suggest trying to get into a junior/assistant role and then trying to impress your employer to sponsor your studies, this will help you understand the basics, and save you forking out a fair sum to discover that you really don't want to work in accounts.

[Opara]

Cheers, I was thinking it would be best to study the foundation level off my own back and try use this as an in to get a job in accounts, hopefully receiving backing to do the advanced course.

How does this sound?

[Eric Mc]

It's possible, but not working in an accounting environment might prove a hamper in grasping some of the more escoteric concepts that underpin accountancy and book-keeping.

[pugwash4x4]

Eric Mc said:

It's possible, but not working in an accounting environment might prove a hamper in grasping some of the more escoteric concepts that underpin accountancy and book-keeping.

agree with this fully- many people find some of the concepts difficult unless youactually work in accounts- accruals and matching often seems to flummox people.

You also need to decide what sort of accounting you want to do- tax? audit? financial? practice? Managerial? etc etc

[Devilstreak]

Opara said:

Cheers, I was thinking it would be best to study the foundation level off my own back and try use this as an in to get a job in accounts, hopefully receiving backing to do the advanced course.

How does this sound?

The foundation level of AAT is very basic really, But as Eric says, Not working in an accountancy based workplace would hamper you as it wouldn't make much sense without doing the same things day in-day out. When I studied AAT there were around 15 people in the room. 13 from practice and 2 from other industries. The two from other industries dropped out pretty sharpish.

AAT is a good qualification to have. But it is there to be built upon. Whether it be ACCA/ACA/CIMA or Open uni courses to diversify your skill-set further.