To all employers (if there any here, TLG?)

System

My last request for this went unanswered maybe it was to long and waffly so ill keep this short.

How would you rate someone with a degree in accounting?

I will shortly have a degree in accounting and finance and already have the AAT, but little experince outside of the accounting software industry. I am a little worried that ill never get into the market.(undecided on practice or industry)

All comments appreciated.

PS sorry ive just noticed theres an employers forum.

System

To all employers (if there any here, TLG?)

lincs wrote:

PS sorry ive just noticed theres an employers forum.

LOL - I read this then checked to see if it had been posted on the Employer's Forum too (it hasn't else I'd have answered it there).

As someone who has recruited staff over quite a few years now (as well as one who has moved around companies and gained good interviewee experience too), I have to say that I don't believe accountancy is too industry specific.

Generally, employers in industry like someone who has had practice experience although I've had bad experiences of this and so tend not to put someone from practice too high on my list of positives unless they've had a lot of industry experience too.

Having moved in to, then quite quickly out of, insurance I can say that insurance is very different to mainstream industry and I would hesitate to employ someone who had mainly insurance accounting as their background.

If I was presented with a cv that had an AAT finalist and a degree in accountancy combined with good work experience (irrespective of industry) I would definitely put it high on my list of positives and almost certainly see the person. One of my interview questions would have to cover why the person had taken an accounting degree rather than go on to study for one of the main accounting bodies.

Hope this helps.

System

Re:To all employers (if there any here, TLG?)

Thanks TLG. I want to start CIMA as soon as ive finished so in the end I hope to have all three.

It is nice to hear the comment about accountancy not being to industry specific, if I understand your meaning correctly.

Im thinking im going to have start of as something pretty humble, but hoping to advance fairly quickly after passing a few CIMA exams.

Im not expecting to become Finance Director or anything just assistant accountant one day to a smallish firm would be nice.

System

Re:To all employers (if there any here, TLG?)

I have carried out accounts and management reporting for a brokerage company, a manufacturing company, a transport company, a software house, in insurance and currently am effectively the UK FD for a cargo handling company.

If changing jobs, I would recommend trying to avoid staying within the same industry if you can as that will help keep your options open.

With regards to your comment about starting as something pretty humble, I would recommend trying not to start too low as this could make it much harder for you to advance quickly. Look at your current experience and your accounting knowledge and aim for something that will recognise both.