So what do we do all day?

System
System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
edited June 18 in AAT student discussion
I have been in my job for a little over two years, and have completed the AAT Intermediate (subject to exam results, of course!). I work in the accounts department of a moderately successful AIM-listed company, officially as an accounts assistant (the youngest and least experienced of three)

I feel frustrated that I have not been able to take on anything other than the most banal data-entry duties- generating invoices, posting purchase invoices.

Without wanting to sound big-headed, I believe that I am more than capable of completing the AAT, then ACCA/CIMA/ICAS. However, I worry that I am not earning the relevant experience that others working in industry are generating.

My question is this:
What duties do other AAT students in similar situations perform?

Comments

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    Can't really help because I've done it back to front - worked in accounts for 25 years and am now studying Technician.

    However, I am interested in the question because experience (or lack of) crops up time and time again on this Forum.

    It's a real chicken and egg problem.

    What I would say to you though, is that everyone is different. You obviously want more challenging work and sound capable of doing it. It's no so much what is everyone else doing, it's what do you want to do?

    Keep at it!

    8)



  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    I am pretty much in the same boat as you. I too am coming to the end of my intermediate. I work in a 3 man accounts dept, where we are currently doing our year end. Despite all that i have learnt so far, I am not involved with any of the year end accounts. My job is mainly data entry, ie posting invoices, paying invoices, bank recs etc. I too am getting bored/frustrated, and often wonder if moving job will bring anything new, until i start a higher level. This could be a few years away!

    Carl
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    I've almost always worked for companies where I could do the whole package. I hate being a cog.

    The only exception was when I worked as a management accountant for part of the Granada Group. But even there, I produced the monthly and annual accounts which then went off to be included in the national consolidation.

    You may not receive some of the perks when you work for smaller companies, but if you're keen on getting the experience, it's hard to beat.

    If you look at your career long-term, it's worthwhile considering maximising your experience across the variety of jobs called 'accounting'.

    You may not want to do some of them forever, but knowledge and experience are the key.

    8)

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    You mean besides smoking fags, drinking coffee and posting on here :)
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    Shhh. You're not supposed to tell on us!

    8)
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    So what do we do all day?
    GJP104 wrote:
    I have been in my job for a little over two years, and have completed the AAT Intermediate (subject to exam results, of course!). I work in the accounts department of a moderately successful AIM-listed company, officially as an accounts assistant (the youngest and least experienced of three)

    I feel frustrated that I have not been able to take on anything other than the most banal data-entry duties- generating invoices, posting purchase invoices.

    I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels like this ! I thought it was just me :shock:

    I seem to only enter invoices, pay them and do a bit of adhoc reporting and I'd say 90% of my job is data entry, I'm the youngest and the least experienced, at the same level of study as you. I've asked for more responsiblity but I've been told No as that would mean they'd have to pay me more !:evil:

    My title is an Accounts Clerk, so I'm not sure what the difference is between an Assistant and and a Clerk is ?
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    I started working for a top 20 chartered accountants in March and spend the majority of my time preparing year-end accounts. Small partnerships and sole traders without any complications I can now do with very little help. This includes putting the working papers file together and posting onto SAPA. For larger companies I usually start the job and then either have help in completeing it or pass it on to someone with more experience.

    Sometimes I do a bit of bookkeeping on Sage and other date-entry tasks, but only when I run out of accounts jobs!

    I have not worked in an accounting role before and an currently waiting for the result of my unit 30 certificate exam (diploma route).
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    I felt exactly the same. My manager knows how bored I am with my current position so she has offered me a promotion. It's not exactly official yet as it is a couple of months away, but it couldn't have come at a better time.

    I'm about to buy my first house and I was also contemplating leaving to find a job where I was "challenged" and not completing mind-numbing tasks, especially as I am half way through technician now!

    So glad I don't have to go through that now as I love where I work and the people I work with.

    Kelly
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    GJP,

    You sound like an intellegent young chap. Try not to get disheartened. It's human nature to want what others are getting (experience in tax, accounts prep...etc) But I assure you, any experience is good experience. The more you can be proactive and take on more jobs off your own back you will naturally progress.

    Think of all those studying who arent even employed, or employed in a completely different trade. Also, dont under estimate processing invoices - its hard to find someone who does it right!

    David
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    I had similar problems...
    I chose to study accounting open distance after the birth of my second daughter because i wanted to make good use of the time spent at home. I ended up having to get a little bar job to help pay for the course & fees and ended up getting stuck in that job for nearly two years because nobody would look twice at me for an accounts job because I lacked recent relevant work experience.
    I have finally got a break, and just started a new job two weeks ago. I am the only person doing my job which is working in the office of a charity. I am being trained on Sage and getting my first taste of accounts work aswell as a bit of general office work. Although it is not purely accounts work and I am not getting too indepth just yet, I am just grateful that I have the position because its going to look better on my CV than barmaid did!
    I suggest if you ar not happy doing the job you do, ask for more responsibility or look for a new job. But hey we all have to start somewhere and if you look at the big picture your current job is just one step of the ladder.
    Good Luck!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    I am 50 and have just passed Intermediate. I have over 15 years accounts experience but have not worked for 15 years. I am answering anything I find interesting and offering to do voluntary work. All my applications have been acknowledged. I'm going to go to all the interviews and explain what I am looking for. I have very little confidence but passing this exam has given me back my confidence. The moral of the story is get your leg in the door, prove yourself, if it's not what you feel is right for you don't waste your time. Don't let the salary issue be your main goal, that will come in time. If you feel you can do better, go for it.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    I'm 40 and just passed Intermediate! I have worked in Management Accounts for 15 years and I asked my employer to do AAT as personal development. I am the only one in our team who is studying and they have all been there over 20 years so it's a bit like shutting the stable door and all that. We were given the chance in the beginning to prove ourselves with experience so there are some employers out there who will be willing to take you on initially without having AAT etc. My employer has suddenly realised that now I am getting myself qualified, I could be off at the drop of a hat and is treating me very well......... Stick with it, you will benefit.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    This is how it was explained to me. Passing intermediate will make us pretty good book keepers, however passing technician will (help) make us more into proper accountants. Don't run before you can walk!

    Inputting invoices may be mundane but it is essential to understand the beginning of a process to know how to get to the end. All experience is vital, especially if at some point you choose to change jobs, and such skills are easily transferable.

    I work in manufacturing and always love the opportunity to put my cost accounting skills into practice as I find it far more stimulating than the financial side. Perhaps you could consider going into this side in the future?
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    It's only when you work your way up the ladder that you realise how important the mundane work is.

    Trying to sort out problems caused by someone's input errors is a real pain.

    Every job has a value (but it's not necessarily matched by interest levels!). You could produce the most accurate accounts in the world, but if the original data was incorrect, what's the point?

    8)

    PS blobbyh - that's an amazing picture!



  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    Hiya

    I work for a local authority as accountancy assistant, which is brilliant if you want to go through the CIPFA route.

    I do all sorts relating to budgets, virements, journals, reports, monitoring etc etc.

    It also gives you the opportunity to meet lots of different people for meetings and also getting out of the office and going to various council run projects.

    If you want a fulfilling job, although at times it can be a bit frustrating, then try get it with your local authority. :-o
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    Thanks Baggy!

    I took my pic last November - using my camera phone - with my back to a very bright and sunny window. As you can see, it came out quite accidentally - but very brilliantly - ultra backlit! Try it next time when there's a really sunny day!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    :roll: i am unemployed but looking for part time work
    which is hard i want to work in an accountancy firm but they dont seem to take on partimers,right now id love to be doing data entry!!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?


    All of these responses make very interesting reading! Was wondering why the majority read along the lines of be greatfull with what you've got, and walk before you can run. I myself am in a very similar posistion, using little if any of my potential doing meanial task's of which most have no relation to any of the exam syllabus. What's wrong with trying to push yourself and is it such a bad thing to push on when you feel you have more to offer? Staying put in such a situation, i feel only distracts from the reel reasons we all chose this career path. To gain some qualifications, perhaps some confidence and a whole range of general business accumen! Any thoughts?
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    Hiya

    I was in a similar situation. I have worked in Accounts for a charity for 2 years now and I was keen to use the experience I had learnt on paper, to the office environment.

    My word of advice, is push for it. I approached the financial controller and asked for a training plan to be put in place and roles available to me after each year. This has now been done but if it weren't for me, I'd be sitting just doing data entry. Don't get me wrong my title is not glamorous - infact its just an accounting clerk but the experience that I will gain along the way is fantastic and varied so I am never bored. I always keep on top of my plan and if I feel its lacking somewhere, I arrange a meeting.

    At the end of the day, if they are paying you to study and you feel like you are not being used to your best ability, then they are at fault - you must speak out and tell them how they can help you. Afterall, you are the asset to the company.

    I hope these are some words of encouragement and don't think your in-experienced as I have learnt throughout my time that the best ideas sometimes comes from those who have little knowledge!!!

    Good Luck

    Lou x
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    Hello Hondastar,

    No there's nothing wrong with wanting more for yourself - that's why we're all studying - but you also have to be pretty realistic. Passing intermediate stage doesn't mean we can now be let loose on a major PLC's final accounts! If we were that good at this early stage then the degree standard qualifications wouldn't be required. My point is, although we are currently elated from exam successes, we just need to remain level headed and not get too far in front of ourselves before we are properly ready.

    The learning of mundane tasks and low earnings is a dull but necessary step in order to get to the interesting stuff and hopefully higher salaries further down the line. And LouLou made the very good point, that if you don't ask, the chances are you won't get! If people are unhappy with their roles, they owe it to themselves to mention it to their supervisor or leave to go somewhere else. If you sit and say nothing, then ultimately, you only ever have yourself to blame. Employers aren't psychic and will assume (often incorrectly!) that a silent workforce is a contented workforce.

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:So what do we do all day?

    Thanks for your thought's LouLou. It's good to hear from people who feel like i do but have actively gone and done something positive about it!
    Blobbyh, i was afraid my post would come across a bit like that! You are correct i am elated at my exam success so far. (long may it continue!) I can honestly say however that isn't the main emphasis towards how i feel. As i say what i am currently responsible for at work is completly unrelated to the course. Would simply love the chance to get more involved, roll my sleeves up so to speak and start learning some real-world accounting. After all the intermediate qualification we have just achieved covers a hell of a lot more than numbering, posting and reconcilling invoices etc!
    Thanks for the comments guy's certainly given me more to think about, especially in terms of how i approach my superior's and make my feeling's known. Definatly better to approach it like LouLou than going in 'all gun's blazing' as i would normally. Somehow i think your approach will be much more successful if not less confrontational!
    Cheers

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