Open learning Accountant?
Thinking of taking an open learning course as an initial stage to becoming an accountant. Once qualified trying for an entry level job and doing the ACCA or similar. Has any one any taken a course? Is it a good starting point? Been looking at the OU and ICS. Any advice would be great thanks. Thanks Storm Rider and im an old man of 27
Financial Services - 3 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
It is a good option. You don't say how old you are but if you are in your 20s or younger go for a clerical or trainee place in a small / medium size accountant's office and they will probably pay for you to do day release for AAT or ATT. Then you can go on to do ACCA or whatever. Open learning is a very big commitment.
Answer 2 :
Hi, i'm currently studying towards computerised accounts level 2 (got my level 1) and then level 3. This is working on Sage line 50 which employers see as valuable, it's an evening class so i can do it after work. I'm also studying towards the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting - with the CIMA courses, after 3 and a half years or so you become and qualified chartered management accountant - this is good if you want to be more on the managerial side of accounting. This is a once a week class but you can also do it long distance learning. I'm finding the course really enjoyable because you study Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Business Maths, Economics and Law. Anyway a good starting point would be to get an apprenticeship on the AAT course for two years - you'll be well away with the grounding that course gives you. Or if not try the CIMA or ACCA courses (these can be expensive if you take these as long distance courses though)
Answer 3 :
If you have a degree even an unrelated one you may get access directly onto ACCA or CIMA with exceptions. Without this dependant on qualifications you can do a CIMA certificate which takes you directly onto their chartered qualification. AAT is good although it would take you longer to do that for access to charter than to sit the certificate level especially part time. I would stay away from Sage courses unless you plan to go into small businesses or practise as most larger companies will have Sun, Oracle or a privately written package it is only usually desirable in the smaller companies plus these are focused on their software whereas you are better getting a wider knowledge if you sit AAT there used to be a small module on it which is more than enough but not sure if that's still the case. As for work experience if you go to a practise expect dire pay until you are qualified but then you can become a partner to take the industry route you will get better pay while you study and I feel more options at the end as you can then move between industries. Depends really on whether your interest lies with financial/tax/audit or more management/reporting. Good Luck
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