MidLifeCareerChange.co.uk

Accounting Careers - Try Learning Bookkeeping

Changing careers can lead to a much more positive life. Working in a less than satisfying job can be soul destroying. If we make the decision and do something about it now, we can look forward to many years building a rewarding career.

Which Direction Should I Take?

It can be a problem though working out where to begin. We've identified that a change of career is needed, but can we be sure that the one we have in mind will be any better than the one we're in now? It could be that a financial career of one sort or another is right up your street. Salaries are generally attractive, and you'd be able to command professional respect and recognition from your peers.

Of course there are many training options available - your first task is to pin-point your ideal job or career track, and then look at which colleges offer the appropriate certifications and training. There are jobs for Cashiers, Book-Keepers and Accounts Clerks at entry level. With the right qualifications and experience, you could achieve the role of Finance Manager in a small to medium sized company. You'll see a good range of training providers on this site (especially if you 'refresh' or come back to it frequently).

Make good use of them - by looking through a lot you can contrast and compare what each of them is offering. Confirm that the training you settle on can take you through everything you need. It's crucial that your hard-earned qualifications will get you through to interview.

Which Skills Do I Need?

If this is your first experience of learning anything about accounting practices, you'll be taken through a range of key skills and procedures. Such things as computerised and manual systems, VAT, cash books, credit control, trial balance, day books and payroll will be covered. Higher grade subject matter is also available for more senior personnel in the industry. For example - creating accounts from incomplete records, preparing final accounts vertically and horizontally, Ltd companies, operating accounting systems etc.

Where Would I Find Work?

After you've trained and qualified you'll have the opportunity to seek employment in whichever sector of industry or commerce you choose. Since each and every trading entity must keep accounting records, the world's your oyster! You might be expected to deal with all financial matters in a small business, or be part of a large team in a major corporation. Working in finance can be a very good way to move up the career ladder, as many top managers have come from accounting and finance backgrounds. On the other hand, why not consider becoming self-employed (maybe after a year or two in industry) and do the accounts for other self-employed people?

How Can I Be Sure It's For Me?

Of course you will have to demonstrate your ability in the maths department! But if you're also the sort of person who is very task-oriented, and can patiently and methodically work until the job's done then you'll do very well in this field. Figure work suits the person who is conscientious, orderly and logical. And ultimately companies need loyalty from their accounts workers, so they expect you to be able to keep the work you do in confidence.

"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living." - Gail Sheehy.

Do Your Research

There are a great number of training companies offering financial and accounting certifications. The only way to really find the right one for you is to thoroughly research the market. So as we mentioned earlier, don't just look at one or two - you need to read through several, look at testimonials and get an understanding of their teaching methods before you can decide. Whereas some trainers offer courses to study entirely at home, others expect you to attend tutorials from time to time.

Which will suit you best depends on what else is going on in your life at the same time - if you're studying alongside a full-time job, regular college attendance will prove difficult.

The final thing before you choose is to ask for a piece of the actual training material. That will tell you a lot about how the course will suit you. Then make your decision and get started. There's nothing better than being actively involved in the pursuit of your dreams and goals. Good Luck!