Back to Studying after 20 years - which course suits me best?
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BookofStam
Posts: 1 New contributor 🐸
I qualified in 2004 in IATI (Accounting Technicians Ireland). I then completed 2 modules in CIMA managerial level while working as an assistant management accountant until 2007 when my daughter was born and have been out of work due to disability. For the past 3 years I have been volunteering as a bookkeeper for a social club, completing sales/purchase ledgers, bank reconciliations & VAT returns. I have built my own spreadsheets for these. I have no recent accounting software training but was trained in SAP when working. I feel that I would easily grasp modern software.
I would like to get back into the workplace, working from home so feel that online learning would suit me to enable me to gain confidence. I have many hours to spare for studying.
My dilemma is, which online AAT level would I be able to study and would appreciate some advice.
I have booked a call with an AAT advisor but would be grateful of any advice from the community.
I would like to get back into the workplace, working from home so feel that online learning would suit me to enable me to gain confidence. I have many hours to spare for studying.
My dilemma is, which online AAT level would I be able to study and would appreciate some advice.
I have booked a call with an AAT advisor but would be grateful of any advice from the community.
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Comments
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Hi @BookofStam, welcome to the communtiy forums!
Take a look at the AAT Skillcheck which will help you identify where to start.0 -
You should start from AAT level 4 with your experience you should be able to get a job very quickly. But if you haven't studied for a long time then maybe opting for Level 3 or Level 2 if you really struggle with studying materials.
Are you good at financial accounting? Double entry? VAT? Wages journals? Then you could do what I did and do AAT bookkeeping qualification get the qualification quickly within 6 months and then move onto AAT Level 4 accounting.
Most importantly you have practical experience which is what 99% of employers want now. You need a minimum of 2 years experience which sadly I don't have. Currently doing AAT level 4 accounting, I completed the AAT level 3 bookkeeping qualification in April but have been struggling to find work. And it's been a struggle to find unpaid, voluntary work experience as well. Most employers don't have time to train staff. Haven't managed to find anything so far so I have been focusing hard on completing AAT level 4.
You can get Xero and Quickbooks certification and sign up for free trials, most accounting software are essentially the same. Recently I have been using free trials for Taxcal and Iris element practicing dummy accounts and how to file tax returns SA100s and CT600. My recent employment history has been retail and warehouse work so it's been very hard to find a job without accounting work experience. You have years and years of experience you should be fine.
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