Having an AAT qualification

[geek84]

Hi Folks

I have over 10 years' experience of credit control, and while working, I managed to complete my AAT qualification.

I would now like to come away from credit control and go into other job roles such as accounts assistant or assistant accountant. However, I do not have the relevant work experience.

Could someone kindly let me know the best way to develop my career?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[Countdown]

Congrats on completing the AAT.

A few places like ours offer "Apprenticeship" vacancies where you would start in a junior Finance role and sit your professional exams at the same time (fully funded). I would suggest looking at those (although the salary might be quite low)

Another option might be to try and move across at your current workplace, or at the very least, ask if you can shadow somebody?

A 3rd option is to sign up with some revruitment agencies and try getting some temp experience. That would help you secure a permanent role.

[geek84]

Good Afternoon countdown

Many thanks indeed for your reply.

Would I qualify for 'apprenticeship' places since I have already completed my AAT?

I have already signed up to some recruitment agenices but they only offer me credit control roles. They said they are unable to place me in any other roles since I do not have the relevant work experience.

[Countdown]

You'd qualify for a Level 3 Apprenticeship (which would enable you to study ACCA or CIMA).

In terms of experience, the first role is always the hardest and (as you've found) a lot of places won't take on anybody with at least a bit of experience. hence my suggestion that you try to get some at your current workplace by shadowing somebody?

Good luck.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

In many smaller companies the credit controller takes on other accounts office tasks. Might that be an avenue to broaden your experience?

Are there any networking meetings (when we can) whereby you can meet folk?

I'd keep on applying too. If you've "something about you" somebody will see past your lack of experience.

If you've got AAT, is that a route to continue your studies to ACCA or ACMA?

Just some food for thought.

[geek84]

Once again, many thanks indeed for you reply countdown.

I was thinking of going on to study ACCA, but I am over 50 years of age with 2 teenage kids, and thinking is it worth studying further !!

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

I've often taken on people with no experience because I like the cut of their jib.

[geek84]

Thanks 2 sMoKiN bArReLs

At present I work for a large law firm in the finance dept.

I do go to some networking events but no success as the moment. However, ths is difficult in the current climate.

[geek84]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs - what do you mean by cut of the jib??

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

geek84 said:

Thanks 2 sMoKiN bArReLs

At present I work for a large law firm in the finance dept.

I do go to some networking events but no success as the moment. However, ths is difficult in the current climate.

So, have you asked your current firm if there's any chance of change/advancement?

[Countdown]

geek84 said:

Once again, many thanks indeed for you reply countdown.

I was thinking of going on to study ACCA, but I am over 50 years of age with 2 teenage kids, and thinking is it worth studying further !!

Hmmm.....

How much spare time do you have? I remember back to my studying days and it was a lot of evenings/weekends. It didn't leave a lot of time for the wife and kids...I think studying is always good as it keeps the grey matter active but the older you get the less remaining career time you have to benefit from it.

[geek84]

Yes but their main finance functions are based in their Bristol office (H/O) which is miles away from where I live !!

Plus they are downsizing and things are going to change greaty after the lockdown period is over.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

geek84 said:

Yes but their main finance functions are based in their Bristol office (H/O) which is miles away from where I live !!

Plus they are downsizing and things are going to change greaty after the lockdown period is over.

OK, well good luck

[CourtAgain]

geek84 said:

Once again, many thanks indeed for you reply countdown.

I was thinking of going on to study ACCA, but I am over 50 years of age with 2 teenage kids, and thinking is it worth studying further !!

My Mrs is a fully qualified AAT Technician and recently became an Assistant Management Accountant. Her employers have enrolled her on ACCA training which is online. She does her training via a classroom every week. If you miss a week, it is all online with links to catch up. There are even tutors arranged by the course who can assist you further.

Joining Hays or Government Jobs Online might be worth a punt, or look for private sector as well HTH

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

geek84 said:

2 sMoKiN bArReLs - what do you mean by cut of the jib??

I like them, enthusiasm or something

[MOBB]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

I've often taken on people with no experience because I like the cut of their jib.

I recently did that when I recruited my number 2, no exams or qualifications, just liked her

And she’s the best I’ve worked with, a real star held back by people not prepared to give her a break

[geek84]

Thanks for your replies.
I am over 50 years of age, so do you really think it's worth me studying for chartered accountancy,

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

geek84 said:

Thanks for your replies.
I am over 50 years of age, so do you really think it's worth me studying for chartered accountancy,

You might have left it a bit late, but people do.