**Advice Required** Employment Opportunities for Part Qualified AAT Students

GJS77

Hello All,

I have almost completed Diploma AAT Level 3, just a few simulations to go, I will shortly be starting QCF Level 4. From an employment point of view what would be a good starting position for someone with limited experience who is Part AAT Qualified? The sort of jobs I am considering applying for are Accounts Assistant, Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk and Bookkeeper. What is a realistic starting position and salary in London?

My main concern is the lack of experience I have, compared to the competition I will be up against. I have been in the Army for 7 years as a HR/Administrator and am leaving in February to pursue a career in accounting. There is a small amount of finance involved in my job but it’s limited to pay queries and allowances.

Now although I lack experience, I have developed throughout my 7 years in the Army, key attributes I think will be valuable to any empoloyer.

Good communication and time management skills
Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
Determination & self motivation (studying AAT off my own back whilst carrying out a very demanding full time job)
A team player with a 'can do' attitude.

My next question is, how will an employer view these attributes over lack of experience?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Gav

Vince22

I am in the same position as you. I'm looking out for voluntary work. There's a good website called do-it-all.org. Once I get the level 3 I will sign up with job agencies and see what happens. Once I pass technician level I will be looking for private practice work.

I believe you can improve your chances if you have some big 'weapons'. Hence, technician level is better than level 3. After technician you could try specialising. I'm quite interested in tax, so will probably study for att. That would be a big weapon to bring to the job markets.

Whatever you decide to do, remember, every business and everyone in business needs accountants, and your work is literally all around you. Every time you see a builders van, think 'there goes a potential client'!

Good luck.

torresgbr

Hello Gav
I am in the same position as you experience wise. I have completed Level 2 and am studying Level 3. I used volunteering.org and am now the Book Keeper at a Charitable Village Hall. They used a very basic single page excel sheet for In's and Out's. I have transfered this all onto double entry. I have met a Chartered Accountant paid for by VISTA (Free Bookkeeping Training for Charities) so thats helped Networking. Through this meeting I am in the process of contacting the Accounting Firm who completed the Hall's Accounts this year.
Very Interesting and looks great on the CV. I spend 4-5 Hours a week, turnover of £15000 a year. So quite a few transactions.

Hope that Helps
Karen

GJS77

Vince, Karen

Thankyou both for the comments. I am currently registering with as many agents in London as possible. Some have said my lack of experience won't help me but others have remained positive. It appears some employers will look strongly at my Military background and will see my transferable skills as a bonus despite my lack of experience.

Im just going to keep applying for jobs and get my CV out to all the agencies. One agent did suggest doing an intermediate/advance excel course as it would definately boost my employment potential and look good on my CV.

Fingers crossed something comes along soon, I think persistance is the key.

Gav

GJS77

I think I will also look at doing some volunteering work. It certainly seems a great way to get that experience.

Gav

taskey

Gav

My hubby is ex army and he applied for loads of positions whilst on gardening leave. he was really lucky as one of the interviews he attended, the guy interviewing him was ex army and even before my hubby sat down, he got offered the job.

I am a volunteer treasurer at my local scout group and i do feel that groups like this benefit from our expertise. it is a little bit of time i give up each week, but it is always good for experience.

An ECDL course would also look good on a cv.

Good luck and i hope you find something soon.

Tracy

amyjayne27

Hi Tracy,

You say you are a treasurer for your local scout group. Do you enjoy this? Could you tell me what sort of responsibilty is involved? As I am looking at doing this for Dogs For The Blind, but I am not sure if I would be able to do it. I am currently studying Imtermediate level of AAT and I am not in an accounting role at work.

Many thanks,

Amy

taskey

Hi Amy

yes i do enjoy it. i mainly sit there and take the subs from the kids. i also put through any badge orders and make the payments to and from the bank. once a year i pass the accounts to be audited by the military and i also prepare statements for the group on their meetings.

when i started, i was handed a bank card and a tin of money and have had to work it from there. hopefully it will all be set up for you if you take it on.

i would say go for it as it is all experience and i get a good feeling as i am helping the community.

pm me if you need any info

tracy

torresgbr

Amy
Sorry to jump in here. But I say go for it. As I posted I'm the Treasurer for a Charitable Village Hall. Up until December I worked in retail for 22 years. I applied for this role whilst studying Level 2. I bet they will bit your hand off, as you are training in this field.
In my role I am responsible for all the In's and Out's. Authorise all quotes, payments and liase with the comittee with regards to finances.
I am having a blast

Karen

amyjayne27

Hi to both of you,

Thanks for your comments its made me feel really positive about volunteering now. I am still slightly worried though that I really wont have a clue what I am doing?! I am studying at home in my spare time and do not work in accounts so I would hate to say I will help but then will not be competant to.

Also how much time does it take up? As I am pretty chock a block with full time work and the course, but I think this volunteering would be a really good thing to do.

Many thanks,

Amy