Career Advice!

System

Help!!!!

I have nearly finished the AAT course now, just two more exams in June. My current employment contract runs out in September but my employer has recently said they are keen to keep me on.

This is where my dilemma begins!

I have always planned on doing the Chartered Accountancy qualification and only really got into AAT when I struggled to get onto graduate courses. My employer has suggested I continue studying for a trust qualification, STEP, after my AAT is complete. They have indicated that there would be a decent opening available after I complete this course, which is distance learning over roughly two years.

I don't know what to do! Ideally I'd want to do chartered but then I want a family in about three years so don't know if I should put myself through stressful exams if I'm not going to use the chartered qualification for too long. When I have a family I'd love to work part time and its been suggested that trust work could be completed at home.

Theres lots to consider and I really cant decide at the moment, I keep changing my mind!

Any independent thoughts would be really appreciated!

Thanks guys,

Laura

System

Re:Career Advice!

Hi Laura

Without actual written confirmation from your employer to say that they are keen to keep you, I would take what they say with a pinch of salt personally.

If you have a dream to get into Chartered Accountancy, follow your dream. If you don't, you may regret it and you always be left to wonder "what if".

I haven't heard of STEP although again, if they have indicated a position available after two years, get written confirmation as two years is quite a long time and a lot can happen in that time.

Having completed AAT you can get exemptions from various chartered qualifications. I know with CIMA you'd get exempt from the entire Foundation level and if you really get stuck into studying you could complete CIMA over 2 years (doing 3 exams at each sitting). That gives you a year left to get qulaified experience under your belt, possibly at managerial level as well. I know a lot of companies who have qualified accountants working part time, they also in fact do freelance work at home (for when the kids are at school) so they barely lose out on their income when going part time.

I know how difficult it can be, it's quite daunting trying to decide a career path right for you!

I would say to follow your dream, you'll never lose out if you do!

Good luck with it and I hope it works out which ever path you choose!

Good luck with your exams as well!

Shona

System

Re:Career Advice!

Hi

I’d go with what Shona suggested and do what you what to do. I've heard of STEP (although I don’t really know anything about it) but what ever further qualification you take, you will need to want to actually do it (and in manner you are happy with) or you will resent it and not put the effort in which may lead you to not performing well and resent it even more for not bringing you any rewards.

Also, would you like in a long term career? I think accounting is a much more versatile profession/qualification than estate and trust management (not sure about earning potential fro estate and trust management though!).

Neil