Would you recommend Accounts and/or Purchase ledger as a good career move?

[kick_back]

I have been made redundant. (Boo!) I worked for a mortgage broker for the last ten years and I think the credit crunch took it's toll on them.

I have been temping for a few months trying to work out what the hell to do with the rest of my career, and I am thinking of dabbling in accounts or purchase ledger, then progressing to AAT or NVQ etc. I have a rough idea of how accounts work and I thought I would start at the bottom and then think about exams later.

I am currently studying a HNC in business so I can't start studying AAT's and whatever for at least another year.

What advice would you give? I am nearly 40, and a career change is a little little scary.

Would you recommend this career change? Would it be worth it?
Above all would it be a rewarding career choice?

I would appreciate comments from everyone in the know.
Thanks

[maidofkent]

Hi kick back

Are you thinking of doing this as a self-employed career, or do you mean working for someone?

I would say that yes, it is a good career, but it largely depends on the sort of person you are. If you already have some idea of accounts, and still think you'll like it, then try it. I wouldn't like to work for someone as an employee in an accounts dept (been there, done that). I would suggest taking a correspondence course (investigate ICB and IAB, as well as AAT before you make a decision which one).

It would be useful if you could get some work through an accountant at that stage, you would get an even better insight. Personally, I've never worked for an accountant, but would like to, even on an occasional basis.

If you do it at home you need to be very disciplined, like I suppose any work you do at home. Turn off the e-mail (this forum is SO distracting!), turn off the tv, radio, and get stuck in. I find it absorbing, especially if I'm doing manual books, and time flies.

Hope that's the kind of thing you're looking for.

MoK

[kick_back]

I would work for someone else.

I am sure there are huge rewards for working for yourself but not sure I could be that disiplined.

[Alison Jones]

HI

There is a career in bookkeeping or Purchase Ledger.

I personally think self employment better, even though you have to be disciplined. I had many many jobs bookkeeping/purchase ledger/sales ledger over the years in various parts of the country, Kent, London, Malvern, Shropshire and Yorkshire and in all those towns it was always the same the rates you get for that level of work are no more than £6 - £7 and hour, self employed going rate depending on experience and area where you live is between £12 and £20 an hour.

Alison

[~Laura~]

I do the accounts/book keeping/payroll basically everything for a construction company. Before this i was working in a petrol station and hadnt even thought about doing something like this. i thought i was going to be stuck in a dead end job forever as i have no qualifications. My dad got me this job, as his best mate owns the company and to be honest, i love it. I'm now studing to get a AAT qualification in accounting.

I work from home, and you do need alot of self discipline, but ive got myself into a routine, where i'll start at 9 and finish at 5 and have an hours lunch. I like working for someone else aswell, i dont think i'd want to do this for myself, but at least i know that if anything happens with this job i can go self employed etc.

I say go for it. The money is good, well tbh anything is after what i used to be on. Suppose if you work for yourself then you can charge whatever you like. I'm on £14 ph which is great. Might even get more if i pass the course haha!

[Fernhurst Solutions Ltd]

Hiya Kick Back, sorry to hear your back news but welcome to the forums :)

In my opinion I would pursue the general accounts route as it will cover purchase ledger along with most other aspects of accountancy. The general accountancy will give you more options when it comes to either seeking employment or considering either taking on your own clients or working for people on a part-time/temp/contract basis.

The AAT would be a good course to take, but also consider the ICB depending how far you want to take your studies and would also gain experience of using various types of accounting software.

I gained plenty of experience (nearly 15 years) working for different types of companies before going solo, and to be quite honest, it is the best thing I ever did. If you have a quick look on the job centre plus website you will see the most purchase ledger / general accounts clerks get paid between £6.50 - £8.00 per hour, however if you work for yourself you can charge whatever you like (within reason).

There are PLENTY of threads on here about people working for themselves and plenty of friendly, helpful advice ..... whatever you decide, GOOD LUCK!

:)