Changing Career to Accounting

Hi Seascape,

I'm 44 and was looking for a career change too and started AAT last June 2018.. It took me about 9 months to complete levels 2 and 3, and then I felt ready to look for a job.. I found a job and have started level 4. My honest opinion is that Level 2 is better than nothing, but I don't think it will make a huge difference to your job search, but you never know. I think if you're going to do AAT, I would suggest at least committing to doing level 2 and 3. Together, they really do teach you the basic fundamentals of accounting and if you complete level 3, you are eligible for AATQB status, meaning you're a qualified Bookkeeper. With some formal experience under your belt (1 year i think), you can even start your own bookkeeping business with that qualification. Or, you could go on to AAT level 4, which qualifies you as an Accounting Technician which opens up more doors. This qualification is actually more than a lot of people already working in finance have, and it's a good level to get to if you want to really get into accounting (as opposed to bookkeeping). Beyond AAT, the next level is a chartered accountant, but you don't necessarily need to do this to have a good career in finance.. if you decide to go in this direction, you need to study ACA, ACCA or CIMA which each take about 3 years if you have already done AAT (4 years without AAT).

That's all the technical info I wish I knew a year ago! The other thing I want to say is that I'm really glad I took the leap and started AAT. I just started it and thought i'll see how it goes.. a year later, Im in a new career as a trainee accountant. Doing AAT helped me get my head around what accounting is, and what sort of jobs are out there (there are lots of options! 'Accountant' is quite a broad term e.g. you can work in an accounting practice (Financial Accountant) or in-house in a business (Management Accountant).

To sum up, I know your question is more about how can you get a job now, but if you're prepared to stick it out for a year, I think AAT Level 2 and 3 are actually quite interesting and very satisfying.. and I've seen a lot of other people get the same buzz from it.. challenging at times, but very satisfying. Level 2 and 3, (and ideally level 4) will set you up for a decent job in finance. If you want to keep knocking on doors without AAT, teaching experience and excel knowledge are good assets to focus on with your CV etc. If you keep pushing, you will eventually get something, but without a qualification it might start as more of an admin job with a bit of basic accounts, which could lead to more account down the line. But if you can stick out teaching for one more year while studying AAT on the side (it will make you feel like you're moving in a new direction), you'll be in a good position to really get into accounting this time next year! if you have any questions, feel free to ask..

I have got one more exam to go at level 4 (Providing I passed the other ones)… During the last week or so, I am actually getting some interest and possible interviews, so fingers crossed. I'm found with level 3 and applying I have had no luck getting into accounts. With level 4 nearly finished, things are possibly looking better! Hope that helps.