Best way into accounting

BMF1

Hi. Bit of a long winded question here so bare with me. I've read some similar threads but havent got the answer Im looking for.

Basically I'm looking to change careers from construction to accountancy at 29yrs of age. So I have a degree from 6yrs ago in legal studies and taxation..After I finished my degree did a lot of travelling, worked exclusively in construction to pay the bills and all in all had a cracking time

However now I want to settle down into a career and accounting is the 1 for me. Now I know the taxation part sounds good but the problem is that was 6yrs ago..Apart from the fact that I can't remember jack s*** of what I studied it seems my degree is no longer relevant cause I cant get a look in at any sort of accounting role, or any finance role for that matter

So I'm figuring I need to do some course to show that I still know how to study etc etc..I will apply for the ACCAs but they aren't until June so that's too long a wait.
Basically I have a job in construction ATM but the pay isnt great and I live week to week with no savings so post grads are out the window, dont have the time or the money. also I work all over the country week to week so theres no way I could make evening classes in any 1 area

Also I dont know anything practical about accounting, so Id really be bluffing if I even got as far as interview stage, though there doesnt seem to be any fear of that happening.

There is a 2month distance learning accountancy diploma with Pittman which I am considering, but its 3000euro so I would have to take out a loan for this..But my thinking is it would give me a practical understanding of the industry while showing a recent qualification to any employer, and its the quickest way to get some qualification and actual practical knowledge while still working

so my question is, if anyone has read this far, is it worth it or is there any better or quicker route to take on this? I dont care about the money really but I just want to get into accounting as soon as possible.. Any advice would be much appreciated, and would help with the sleepless nights!!

ianuss

Quite a few of the early ACCA papers are computer based and can be sat all year round so you won't have to wait until June to get started. I wouldn't bother with any diploma tbh either.

ACCA revamped their syllabus a few years ago and now you get some basic qualifications (diploma is one of them) as you progress through the exams.

You should probably give their Dublin office a call and get all the relevant info off them. I've always found them helpful any time I contacted them.

marizpan

While you think June is a long way away, it isn't. It would give you time to apply and get exemptions, book and start your courses.

€3000 for a month distance course on basic accounting !?! Better spent on your acca exemptions and course IMHO.

If you could manage to get into a good firm, they would cover your exemption fees and tuition and give you paid study leave.
Where are you based? In Dublin ?
Did you try a recruitment agencies?
Have you applied for trainee accountant positions?

BMF1

Ok thanks for the advice il give them a call so..think I might knock that course on the head aswell!
Based in kerry but would move to dub in a second if an opportunity arose.
Ya iv applied for trainee roles but most need recent degrees, some experience and/or knowledge of excel in practice. .All of which I lack.
I would work for free but I need to eat too!..and accountancy firms seem to be closed on weekends for some strange reason
Need experience to get the , need job to get experience etc etc

marizpan

My 2 cents.

Move to Dublin or even Cork. Much better employment options. Strong demand in Dublin now.

I assume from your last post that you don't have much computer skills?
Acquire them, you would be expected to have good excel skills even as a junior.

Of course firms aren't open on weekends.

Contact acca or another body and get yourself registered and see what exemptions are available because of your degree.

Contact recruitment agencies specialising in placing accountants and get feedback from them such as barriers to entry and job prospects. Address any weaknesses.

Consider doing a masters part or full time to bring your qualifications up to date. Otherwise start your professional exams.

Are you aware of milk rounds for graduate entry?

If you were unemployed I would suggest jobbridge. Check if you can get any exemptions from the various accounting and tax institutes - sometimes they have a time limit.

Pick one that is active in your area and start registration, claiming whatever exemptions you can or want to (you don't have to accept them if you feel you are rusty - you can start the computer based exams any time usually and that will give you a qualification along the way)

3k seems a lot to spend.

Start networking and attend the meetings of whatever institute you pick.

Consider some CV and interview coaching to get you up to speed.

Join linkedin and complete your profile - find people you went to college with, they might be local and know who is hiring.

It is around this time of the year that smaller firms hire graduates for next - have a look on the careers website of your college and any local college for firms that are hiring. Also check the list on CAI / ACCA.

Edit: Have a look in the accountancy sub forum - there is plenty of advice there.

BMF1

Excellent advice all round!
So I've done some research based on this thread and yes 3000 would be a crazy amount to pay
I think the best option is to go straight for the acca's.that way I can keep working and study in the evenings..il throw in a computer course in aswell so would be money well spent I think..and this way il have practical knowledge and a healthier looking cv

I have exemptons but think il do the exams anyway they'll act as a refresher course which I definitely need..so hopefully I'm on the right track but at least now I have a coherent plan..
Thanks for the help everyone!