Changing career at 41 - from Education to accountancy
Discussion
Been thinking about a complete shift in career - i'm currently working in Education but have been thinking about accountancy...
What's the best route to do this? - How long does it take to become qualified enough to start working? ( what happens with the 9(?) different exam levels?) - at my age (41), is this a wise move? What are the employment prospects for me if I go ahead with this 'plan'
thank you in advance...
What's the best route to do this? - How long does it take to become qualified enough to start working? ( what happens with the 9(?) different exam levels?) - at my age (41), is this a wise move? What are the employment prospects for me if I go ahead with this 'plan'
thank you in advance...
Hi I had a similar thought a few years ago. I did AAT (Accounting Technicians Courses) for 2 years and then moved onto ACCA at my colleges suggestion. There are 14 exams in ACCA to be fully qualified, I now have 7, however, you also need 36 months practical experience to go with to be able to finally Practice as an Accountant.
I was 43 when I started and quickly noticed (surprsie surprise) that most of my college friends were about 20 years younger than me and generally being sponsored by their employers. To be honest that is the ideal situation, to be sponsored through so you gain the practical experience whilst studying.
I have found it very hard to "break into" and having spent about £6000 on courses am struggling to gain employment in that area. I don't know exactly what teachers earn but I am positive you would take quite a pay cut if you were able to gain a role and be sponsored through.
I don't want to pour cold water on your idea or sound sour grapes and maybe its just generally the state of the economy but it has been tough going at times.
I was 43 when I started and quickly noticed (surprsie surprise) that most of my college friends were about 20 years younger than me and generally being sponsored by their employers. To be honest that is the ideal situation, to be sponsored through so you gain the practical experience whilst studying.
I have found it very hard to "break into" and having spent about £6000 on courses am struggling to gain employment in that area. I don't know exactly what teachers earn but I am positive you would take quite a pay cut if you were able to gain a role and be sponsored through.
I don't want to pour cold water on your idea or sound sour grapes and maybe its just generally the state of the economy but it has been tough going at times.
What do you do in education?
AAT is the way in. You will have to start at the bottom though, and you'd be talking something around £15k a year which I'd imagine is a considerable drop in income from where your at now?
CIMA/ACCA are very expensive if self funding. You should try to find a job after/while completing AAT that will sponsor you for further study.
Recruitment agencies will be one of your best bets of finding employment I'd have thought.
AAT is the way in. You will have to start at the bottom though, and you'd be talking something around £15k a year which I'd imagine is a considerable drop in income from where your at now?
CIMA/ACCA are very expensive if self funding. You should try to find a job after/while completing AAT that will sponsor you for further study.
Recruitment agencies will be one of your best bets of finding employment I'd have thought.
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