Picking up level 3

gingervicki

Hi just wanted to touch base with you all, i did level 2 3 yrs ago and have decided to finish level 3 off now.

How is everyone finding it, anything i need to know/look out for?

Thanks

Vicki :001_smile:

payrollpro

Hi,

No one replied so far?

I'm not studying but I do know about the different standards and levels and I know that there is quite a jump from level 2 to level 3 becasue you learn about running and managing payrolls and the whole year end process, including benefits in kind which is unusual for a level 3 qualification.

Might be worth speaking to someone about the standards because they are changing dramatically with studies under the current standards coming to and end fairly quickly, probably by the end of 2010.

Payrollpro

MOHMEDSALIM PATEL

That comment :

I am horrified by the comment eventhough i have finished my technician level with both tax papers. Because the only reason is, we have been told that level 3 will be finishing in december.how on earth it is possible if that is the syllabus for level 3.

payrollpro

Not sure I understand your comment Mohmedsalim, will you clarify what you mean by horrified by the comment and who said level 3 will finish in December?

MOHMEDSALIM PATEL

sorry if

I do not want to offend anyone. I sorry if you think my comment is rude.

I am at college and been told on the last day of the level 2 that level 3 must be finished by december 2009.

Now if the level 3 syllabus is hard and if it is not enough time to cover whole syllabus it is a big task for students.

i do not know why tutor said? she teachs 4 differant groups and it might be ok for her to cover but what about students.

sorry once again if my comment made you upset.

payrollpro

I was not offended at all, I just wanted to answer your query and was unsure how to proceed, thats all. In truth I am actually completely unoffendable and personally cannot see the point in ever being so.

Your tutor may be unsure about the validity of the current standards but as far as I am aware level 3 exams and simulations will be available throughout 2010 so there is no need to complete the whole thing by December 2009.

She could be concerned about your college continuing to teach payroll levels 2 and 3 after December 2009, but even if that is the case they must have facilities for students to defer their exams until one of the 2010 sittings or where they need a re-sit.

I would say that a student starting level 3 now ought to be able to complete the studies in time to sit the December 2009 exam, but it would need some very hard work and a lot of dedication to do so. Anyone not sure of themselves, or who is not currently working on all of the subjects being studied may be better aiming at June 2010 for their exam, but it all depends on the person, we are all different.

Payrollpro

MOHMEDSALIM PATEL

I do not work in

Thanks for your reply.
Now if you can suggest any idea will be appreciated.
I do not work in either payroll or accountacy, howver with the aim that i might find work in accountacy enviroment i worked hard and completed my technician level and payroll l/2.
Is it possible to get a job in payroll after l/3 or just the qualification which might help or might not.
What is your view for students like me who just study and do not have any experience. Is it worth doing it or leave it.
Do you think it is a waste of time and money.

If you have time to reply will be greatly appreciated.

gingervicki

Well hello there, well i'm doing this at college via distance learning , my technician tutor is also my help for this level3.

In dec there is an exam,(unit 75 i believe) of which i am doing then. From Dec to Jun we have only simmulations so i'm doing it for a whole school year.

V X

payrollpro

Mohmedsalim,

I think you are right to acheive a qualification in this area of work before attempting to obtain employment. Whether it will help depends on many factors, luck being the main one!

We all have to recognise that employers can pick and choose their recruits at the moment and all professions are noticing some really insulting pay rates being offered by agencies. One I saw in Essex was for a payroll manager, reasonable sized company, several staff, complex payroll and including year end, benefits in kind and systems management, the lot, effectively a level 5+ manager and all for £8.50 to £10 an hour!

Clearly, holding a qualification gives you an edge over those who do not and ought to be highlighted in your applications. The one thing you have to overcome is lack of practical experience so do not hesitate to take on a role, even as a temp, which is less than your qualification might suggest in order to gain actual experience.

There are no guarantees that the quals will get you the job, nor get the job you actually seek but they will help.

Payrollpro

MOHMEDSALIM PATEL

I really appreaciate

Payrollpro

Thank you very much for your reply.

I am employed but not in accounting environment or Payroll. This is my weakness and I am doing whatever I can to overcome.

But can not see its happening.

Now if you can advise me, I will take on board.

I have applied countless jobs, ask for feedback and as above mentioned, and apply for voluntary work but nothing happening.

Is there anything else I can do to overcome that weakness ?

Once again Thank you very much for your reply.

payrollpro

Hi again,

I really ought to log into here more often so that I can pick up on such comments.

I feel you are doing all you can and if there is no luck to keep at it. The fact that you are employed is good, at least you have an income but, as I mentioned, there is never a guarantee that you can obtain any employment in accounting or payroll with or without qualifications.

The key is obtaining something so that you can add the physical experience to the qualifications and overcome a potential employers reluctance but its never going to be easy. I have over 30 years experience in payroll and have the qualifications to go with it but employers dont want such a level of experience and then wont consider me for routine work because I am too skilled. The problems occur at both ends of the spectrum I'm afraid.

Payrollpro