The Future

Treena91

Hi everyone,

I am currently in a book keeping role for a moderately small business. I have also nearly completed my level 2 AAT certificate, all I have left is computerised accounting and WEAF. However, I am concerned by looking through the forums, everyone seems to know what direction they are heading in and what they wish to do once they have completed their studies, whereas I haven't got a clue!

I would obviously like to progress in my career, moving up the ladder so to speak (which isn't possible in my present workplace), but don't know which is the most suitable move i.e. ACCA, CIMA etc etc.

Has anyone got any good advice or ways of helping you decide where to go next??:confused1:

Thank you!

Catriona

E Storey

There are so many different things you could do.

I don't think you need to decide between CIMA ACCA CTA just yet, there are 2 more levels of AAT to go. Level 4 AAT gives exemptions to many higher level papers.

You could stick with bookkeeping and start your own business, apply for a trainee role or move to a job where you are dealing wih more managerial aspects of the business.

When I was temping a lot of places looked for specific AP and AR work as well as payroll. Spending a couple of years building up experience in these areas might be good.

I looked at the main chartered qualifications but decided they weren't for me as I work alone mainly unsupervised. I also felt they covered alot of areas I would not need if I followed my desire to specialise in small businesses.

Insolvency practitioner looked really interesting as did "business consultancy" as I touch on both of these in my current role, the former requires exams that don't look too drastic, but quite a bit of experience. The latter could mean just about anything!

Treena91

Thank you very much for your advice E Story,

I don't mean to come across dumb, but AP and AR? I'm not very up to date with all these acronyms (there are soooo many!). Luckily in our next financial year the business I work for will be instigating the use of payroll so I will have experience of using it soon.

I am the only one who deals with the accounts where I am employed, so I do everything. Before myself my boss did it all himself, so he has taught me most of what I know untill I started my qualifications. I think I would like to specialise in small businesses though, especially considering the sheer number of them in the area that I reside I don't think that it would be massively difficult to build up a client base once I am qualified... Also, are you aware if the business consultancy would cover self-employed people, because I believe I would have massive scope for business in this area as well...

I understand I have a long way to go yet but I would like to have a bit of a plan for my future! #panic!

Thanks again for your reply!

aaron0121

Hi Catrinoa,

My advise would be to stay at your current work place and get your AAT level 3 and AAT level 4 completed. As
experience in an actual working environment is key these days and the more experience you have, the better it
looks on your c.v! As you work in a small accounts practice once it starts to grow, your boss may start giving you
different tasks to complete which you may find more interesting, e.g doing financial year end accounts for clients
when you have passed your AAT level 4.
With regards to ACCA or CIMA, when you have smashed AAT level 4 you will learn a lot lot more on which is the best
option for you. If you enjoy the financial side to accounting (financial statements AAT level 4) then ACCA is more
suited to you or if you prefer the management side to accounting (budgeting and financial performance in AAT
level 4) than CIMA is the better option.

There's no need to panic, you're doing absolutely fine!

Hope this helps a bit

Aaron

Treena91

Thank you for your reply Aaron,

Your advise has been very helpful, I'll do my best to stop panicking! :laugh:

Catriona

aaron0121

No worries Catriona

If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

Aaron

omega man

Catriona- AR=accounts receivable and AP=accounts payable,now you can kick yourself.
I have almost completed AAT level 4 just 3 exams and a project left,i would like to do CIMA but the jobs are few and far between and at 51 i think i may have to take the ACCA route to get into work quicker.