Jobs available at Foundation level [Archive]

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mozart71

09-02-05, 01:00

Hi, Hopefully someone can help me. I've started studying accountancy late in life (33). I would like to get a job in accountacy as soon as possible....I'm perfectly prepared to start at the bottom. However, what every jobs I look at they all want experience. What I would like to ask is....am I better getting a job now...at very reletivly low pay, or could I wait until I've gained my first qualification and then look for a job? What is the best way to go?? many thanks for your help! Mark.

Columbia

09-02-05, 01:00

Hi I'm the same age, and just starting foundation level although I have done computerised accounts for many years, I suppose the answer is can you afford to live on a low rate of pay to gain the experience by starting at the bottom, if not are there any clubs or associations you could do the accounts for on a voluntary basis, this would give you some grounding when applying for accounts positions. Good Luck Tracy

katherine

09-02-05, 01:00

old? OLD? I'm 32 and I'm not OLD!!! Apart from that - I am now at Intermediate stage and have not worked in an accounts environment yet (young children still at home), but there seems to be the consensus of opinion amongst agencies that if you can get a job now rather than later it would be better for you. Yes the pay is low but you could ask them to sponser your studys and give you extra days off for study - or pass your exams and get pay rise reviews written into any contract. Having said that, there are jobs that have good starting salary - my friend started working for the NHS finance dept at our local hospital and has started on around 15K plus study support, not long after passing his foundation year. I hope you decide to try and get a job now if you can afford to start on the low wage - it will be worthwhile in the end and even being able to show an employer that you are studying will get you brownie points over someone who hasn't. Good luck Katherine

mozart71

09-02-05, 01:00

Thanks for your assistance people! That's a real help. I think I will keep an eye out for a job....and in the mean time I have a friend who has his own business...will see if I can do his accounts on a voluntary basis. Many thanks, Mark.

10-02-05, 01:00

I started studying AAT in 2001 alongside around 15 other mature men and women who had decided on another career/or after having children. The impossibility of getting jobs in accounting was the main bone of contention amonst the students. I met up with a few of the old students the other day (we have all finished AAT) and it appears that we are all gainfully employed, with some of us holding fairly responsible positions. Some of us have got the studying bug and have gone on to ACCA, CIMA and one is taking ATT. 32 is not old. You can be a qualified accoutant by the time you are 40 and still have 25 years+ of work ahead of you. Good luck.

neogen

11-02-05, 01:00

I'm 36 years old and have been doing my foundation for a few months now, I have been looking for a job in an accounts environment without much luck, I seem to keep getting pipped by some school leaver, any advice about what sort of jobs to look out for would be great. Thanks Nick

mozart71

15-02-05, 01:00

Join the club. I'm going to see if I can offer my skills to anyone on a volumtery basis...get myself some experience. Then when I get interviews I can show that I have to experience. Good luck! Mark.