Training to be an accountant - too old?

[Carlotta]

Over the last 15 years I have run a small retail business mostly online which due to swings in fashion for interiors is not doing well. I have already tried diversifying with little improvement. Prior to running this business I worked in IT both employed and then as a contractor. I am now exploring whether to start afresh on a new career and do the training for Accountancy AAT (probably up to level 3, may be level 4 depending on how things go). At the age of 58 I am concerned as to whether I will find work in London once I reach level 2 as I have read on the AAT forum that it is not easy. Is this a crazy thing to do at my age (planning to retire at 65). There is also a part of me that is still hanging on to my business and am reluctant to let it go.

 

[Connexions]

Admirable, I have also just started my AAT at the age of 45 (ok I still have 20 years working left) but nothing wrong with what your doing.

Level 3 and 4 should take you around a year to 18 months to complete, really dependant on how much time you have.

If, after completion, you dont find work around London, I am sure you have made your chances better by doing the AAT anyway. Even if its not an 'accountant' role, but support.

Best of luck with it.

 

[john1989]

I think your age will be of concern to a lot of employers.

The qualification is only half way there to becoming an accountant. The other half is experience and on the job training.
There’s no incentive for an employer to take you on, train you, give you the experience, only for you to retire a few years later.

That said, the AAT is a good qualification and will no doubt help you with the financial side of running your business.

 

[Connexions]

In my experience the turnaround of staff in accountancy firms are high, so theres hope there and maybe ageism doesnt stop you on what you want to do. Possibly, contact likely accountancy companies about your plans and see how they feel about it.

 

[Energise Accounting]

you will struggle to get into practice. however, will have no problems with industry personally I would go for IFA institute of financial accountants.

 

[john1989]

personally I would go for IFA institute of financial accountants.

Is IFA recognised in industry?

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

.... I am now exploring whether to start afresh on a new career and do the training for Accountancy AAT (probably up to level 3, may be level 4 depending on how things go). At the age of 58 I am concerned as to whether I will find work in London once I reach level 2 as I have read on the AAT forum that it is not easy. Is this a crazy thing to do at my age (planning to retire at 65). There is also a part of me that is still hanging on to my business and am reluctant to let it go.

What sort of accountancy work do you want? I think, sadly, you'll really struggle getting into an accounting practice.

 

[Energise Accounting]

yes, you will get the same jobs as anyone who has passed AAT it just cuts out a lot of the nonsense like health and safety etc.

For senior roles in industry most accountants are CIMA qualified in our area

I started off in industry and found the move to practice very easy, I cannot say the same the other way around

you could look into payroll which is quite a good area to be involved in and you can make quite a good living self employed

 

[Jackie0802]

I most definitely do not think age will be a barrier, but lack of experience in your field might be.

 

[cheaper accountant]

Go for it! I've worked with accountants who have moved out of financial admin and completed accountancy courses in their 40's and 50's. These people added a level of maturity that can be lacking in others who are a lot younger.

I admire your enthusiasm and for me enthusiasm and passion goes a long way.

Forget about the firms and seek roles in industry or the public sector.