Finding a job for career changers

rakeshsuwal

I am 28 years old, english as a 2nd main language. I have had good career experience in Retail management. But as a long term goal of being a chartered accountant I am desperately looking for a change in job. I see many vacancy and training program but i rarely get selected to 2nd stage. Once I was through to the last stage but got unsuccessful and was a sad moment for me. I also don't want to apply for the jobs below 18K even I am new to accounting role. I have a family to look after and below 18K is absolutely impossible to run a family. I know I can do a lot better in real accounting work field. I have had good studies. I studied accounting in my A level equivalent and doing Level 3 AAT now.
Is there anyone here with similar issues to share with and to share your any achievements or how you overcame your situations?

Nps

You may have to re-look at your salary expectations. Depending on where you are in the country, £18k for someone with no accounting experience may be optimistic (it is also perfectly reasonable in other parts of the country though).

Also, as English is not your first language, I would ask someone to proof read your CV and covering letters as grammatical errors are likely to count against you if there is competition for a role.

Finally, I would advise that you look at doing some voluntary work to show commitment and to gain some relevant experience.

rakeshsuwal

I am from London. I don't have problem with normal English. I do have accent of my own language. I have worked in retail management earning good experience and good income but of my desired qualification I am changing my career.
Thanks for your advice though Nps. Cheers.

rakeshsuwal

I am ready to do voluntary part time if I get any chances. But its really had to find one.

PeterC

Do you have any entrepreneurial skills? Some AAT students in similar circumstances have successfully built up their own practices in their spare time.

rakeshsuwal

Peter, are studying students allowed to open our own firm? Also thanks for the suggestion.

Adele69

If you pass level 3 wouldn't you have enough knowledge to do the bookkeeping and financial statements for Sole Traders?

I've mainly worked in local government for 20 years and there are a lot of AAT and part qualified staff, some who got funded at work, others who did it in their own time alongside a full time accounts or admin role. I've noticed most of the colleges' accounts assistant staff are AAT part/qualified, and these are from 18-24k

There is more for qualified and experienced people, HR and Payroll also has a premium, some software packages (we're at the end of an Oracle contract, the University main depts also use Oracle).