Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

System
System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
edited June 18 in AAT student discussion
Hi

I dropped out of studying intermediate AAT earlier this year due to personal problems, but now, although i had no choice in the decision, i really regret it.

Now in a different situation, i am thinking of starting this year again.

I don't work in accounts, but feel i could really do with completeing the course (upto technician level) and then applying for my first accounts job.

Does anyone have any oppinions on this - whether i should try and find work now as well as study, or whether i would be ok to complete study and then find work?

Any suggestions welcomed.
Many Thanks.

Comments

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    I know some one who had no accouting experience and starting studying and found it difficult, if you could study first then apply for a job you would have the upper hand with qualifications, but its swings and round abouts as some employees ask for experience ..!!..... ever thought about studying and applying to a charity then at least you can say you have both the qualifications and the experience ?
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    This is purely only my opinion, but I would continue studying as this is something that you can do starting again straight away, once you get back into the swing of things, I'd draw up a CV, state that you are studying and you might get a job that will support you in your study and perhaps even pay for you to do your technician level !

    I see loads of jobs advertisied where they want applicants who are currently studying AAT or studying towards completing their technician level, about 95% of them state that they will give study support. By going back to studying off your own back I would think that would like quite good to an employer as it shows self-motivation :)

    Good luck with whatever you do ! :D
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    Many Thanks for your replies.

    I'm still not sure which way to go, I think I may contact some agencies and see if they think I would be employable now - maybe temping, and then once i've got 6 months or more under my belt, I may be able to apply for a job that will pay for my AAT.

    This year my college fees have jumped up an extra £200 more than previous years fees due to the college funding for part time courses, so i can't really afford to pay for the course at present.

    I'm feeling alot more positive about my future now, thanks for your help.KJL.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    Hi KJL.

    If you are on a means tested benefit the college will waive your tuition fee, although you will have to pay for everything else.

    If you are young enough, you would be eligible for a Modern Apprenticeship Programme, where all costs will be met for you.

    Scott.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    Have you got child care responsibilities? I found not putting too much pressure on yourself, i.e. studying and working made me enjoy the intermediate course more. I paid £10 college fees, £29 books, £95 AAT membership I think and then £65 exam fees. I'm on Income Support and managed it, it depends on what priorities you have. I won't know until next week if I have passed or not but I would have found it very difficult trying to keep a job down as well. I can confidently say I did my best and that is all anyone of us can do.
    Best of luck but don't put too much pressure on yourself!!!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    Hi

    Yes, I think i've looked into all options re trying to get the fees cheaper but i don't qualify for any of the options. I do have children and I'm too old for the modern apprentiships and work based learning.

    Good news though, I've seen a job in a finance department of a school, (so term time only) which i'm going to apply for - I may not get anywhere as i don't have the experience yet, but i'm going to give it my best shot. If I am successful, then I will definately look into studying part time in the evening. Fingers crossed :thumbup:
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    Go for it KJL - sometimes employers prefer people with no experience - they are like a blank canvas :-)

    Scott.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    Thanks for that :lol:

    Just another query - Does anyone know if the same osbourne books will be used for 2006/07 intermediate course as were for 2005/06 course? Hope so, because then thats one less thing to pay out for!!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    I tried studying without working in the right field, and found it difficult. he course I am following seems to assume you are already working in accounts, and it becomes quite frustrating. I have just got a job wwhich I wish I had when I was studying foundation because things are suddenly starting to click into place. Try and get a job now if I were you because at least then by the time you have passed technician you will have a couple years experience which is what most employers want.
    Good luck!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    My advice is keep going......i still don't work in an accountancy job and am just to start technican i have had no resits and passed all exams first time you really can learn directly from text books without having the practical to go with it.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    Our college tutors told us that for foundation stage, you didn't need to be in an accounts job. However, towards the end of intermediate stage, it is a good idea to be considering one. And apparently for technician stage, although you can still theoretically pass it without working in an accounts role, it will be very very difficult. Being able to put some of your knowledge into practical use is vital in order to help you better understand it.

    Also, bear in mind that these are NVQ's and are ideally meant to be studied in conjunction with your accounts role, or at least towards the higher stages of the qualification.

    Look at it like this. In theory, you could learn to drive a car just from reading and studying without having any practical experience. However, in the real world it would be extremely difficult and you'd probably make an incredible amount of costly mistakes. Now, would you happily lend YOUR car to someone who'd only ever read about it?! And from an employers point of view, would they be willing to take a similar chance when millions of pounds could potentially be at risk?

    Just my opinion, but good luck with whatever you choose...
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    study and work...it's great if you get day release :lol:
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    Agreed. I do day release too...

    Further to my previous post, I think even if it was possible to pass technician stage without being in an accounts role, I'm not sure what your employment prospects would be like? Essentially you would just be a highly trained but very inexperienced novice. Working as an understudy to a real accountant also teaches you all the little tricks and things that the AAT would never dare tell you about! Say no more!

    Ultimately, I don't think many companies would be prepared to let someone with the right qualifications but no experience loose on their year end financial accounts or file a real life VAT return.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    I've passed Intermediate and have more or less decided to hold off on Technician until I get some practical experience working alongside my course work. I'm applying for anything I find interesting and it is interesting to seee the feedback. I'm doing things at my pace and hopefully will get called for some interviews. I'm not being cocky but I plan to be asking at interviews what the job entails, if it's relevant to my course work etc., what support I could get from my line manager and I am not talking about money but if I came across something I did not understand as I did while studying Intermediate would there be someone there who could clarify things better for me etc..If I don't get the job I am looking for, I'll keep applying and go voluntary with some company in order to get the experience I think I will need. The car analogy is a perfect example, knowing the stuff in your head is one thing but applying it is another.
    Passing has boosted my confidence, stay positive and be determined. Keep looking out for opportunities and talk to people, I'm feeling quite optimistic and know from sure perseverence I'll get what I am looking for eventually. The job won't come to anyone of us, we have to go out and look.
    Best of luck all
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    Can I just point out that it is not a major thing if you make a mistake on a VAT return...you can correct it next return!
    blobbyh wrote:
    Agreed. I do day release too...

    Further to my previous post, I think even if it was possible to pass technician stage without being in an accounts role, I'm not sure what your employment prospects would be like? Essentially you would just be a highly trained but very inexperienced novice. Working as an understudy to a real accountant also teaches you all the little tricks and things that the AAT would never dare tell you about! Say no more!

    Ultimately, I don't think many companies would be prepared to let someone with the right qualifications but no experience loose on their year end financial accounts or file a real life VAT return.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    Yes, you can but isn't it only up to a certain limit - £2,000 or something - without having to offer a formal explanation? Also, it's still not a good thing to annoy the VAT office too often as nobody in their right mind would welcome an HMRC investigation!

    I was just trying to say that you wouldn't normally let a novice complete something that could have such dire repercussions for the company if it was incorrect.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    Actually, I used to work for HMRC, they wouldn't be that bothered. The main thing they'd look at is a major variance over a period of time, which is automatically picked up by their system and flagged anyway. But you are right that the limit is £2000.

    Also, I had no accounting experience when I got my job in October and helped with the closedown period. So nerr :)
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    Oi!!! :evil: :evil:

    Anyway, if you previously worked for HMRC, then surely you already had experience in the VAT stuff?!

    While I may have passed the intermediate stage, I know my company wouldn't be happy to let me file VAT returns without the senior accountant checking them first! Assisted yes, completely unassisted - not yet!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    I've just finished Intermediate and have been filing VAT returns for the past 2 years. Its not always about the education unfortunatley employers usually want one or the other and usually the one you don't have as is the way of Sod.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    I suppose you're right about being assisted. My principal accountants give thinga a quick check over before sending off grant claims etc.

    When I worked for HMRC I worked at a VAT registration site detecting fraudulent registrations and activity, not really looking at returns in detail.

    :lol:
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Not sure whether to study, then find work, or to work and study at the same time

    Thanks for all the replies, some very useful hints. I agree you could pick up a lot more information from an Accounting practice than you'd ever learn from a text book. Ive more or less decided to start Technician in college and keep looking for 2/3 days voluntary work with an Accounting Practice. Will keep you posted.
    Paddy

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