New Job Advice. Really need some advice on how to proceed

[aitc]

Looking for some advice regarding my current situation. I'm really usure how to proceed. I have recently decided on a change of career direction having recently completed arts subjects at degree and masters level. Around 4/5 years ago I did complete a qualification in Accounting that covered a lot of the more advanced accounting topics including both financial and management accounting. I enjoyed these accounting studies and I was good at it hence why I decided to now start looking towards a career in accounting. However, due to having studied this so long ago I am not able to remember anything from the qualification hence I am starting from scratch.

I had planned to start self studying at AAT level 2 then level 3 to re-learn and regain ability in accounting work while looking for work. My original plan was to hopefully secure an AAT trainee position which would start me from scratch and train me up to level 4 whilst also gaining the experience, however, I've ended up managing to secure an Accounting Assistants job role. This would be my first Accounting job and I now have a lot of anxiety over whether I am going to be up to scratch to actually do this role considering I am only just relearning from scratch with very little time until the job start date.

I have quickly started to go over AAT level 2 books and I hope to also try and go over some of level 3, I am also thinking of maybe reviewing over some of my past accounting books to help gain the required knowledge. This position involves income recognition and reconciliations, also assisting in purchase ledger processing and determining things that need to be added to the assets register or requiring prepayments/accruals as well as preparation of month end journals. The role also will involve helping in the production of the management accounts.

What would your advice be in my current situation? I don't really want to turn this down as this does feel like it could be a good opportunity to gain some great work experience in an accounting role, however, this is giving me a lot of anxiety. I feel like I am going to be way out of my depth starting this role. I only have around 2 weeks before the start of the position. Any advice or help would be really appreciated.

 

[BubbaWY]

Sometimes (only sometimes) going in at the deep end is good. I remember a job I started 18 years ago. My first morning, I thought "god help me, I am way out of my depth here". But I got my head down, used the skills I had picked up and everything went well.

Youve done a lot of the learning, its now time to put it into practice. Going in as an Accounting Assistant means, I assume, you will have a senior to a) guide you and b) for you to learn from. Does the company know your experience? Either way, go for it and see it as a positive challenge. Listen, learn and develop.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Ask questions. Lots of questions. Don't start with I don't know, throw in some ideas of your own.

There is always a chasm between learning & doing - If you have actually learned it, that bit will quickly come back. Practical application will make it real.

Asking questions will help to manage their expectations. Their response will hep you to establish whether they are keen to develop you, or just want 'plug & play'. I'd suggest at this point you need the former.

 

[fantheflames]

Hi @aitc. Welcome to UKBF, and congrats on securing your new role as an Accounting Assistant! It’s completely natural to feel anxious when stepping into a new position, especially when it involves a career shift. Pretty sure we have all been there at some point.

I'd prioritise income recognition, reconciliations, purchase ledger processing, and month-end journals as you mentioned those are part of your new role. I know it's been a while, but trust that the knowledge is still there and will come back with some review and practice.

The transition from study to practice can be challenging and you won't be expected to know everything, so don't be afraid to ask for help or clarification when needed. In fact, it will be expected in your first months. Let your new employer know how excited you are to learn but you may need some guidance initially.

For me, this would show your awareness and give me an idea of what you need from me. Nerves are a good thing, so try to approach this opportunity in a good light... remind yourself why you enjoyed accounting in the first place and focus on how much you will learn and grow in this new role.

Confidence will grow with experience! Best of luck!!

 

[aitc]

Hi @aitc. Welcome to UKBF, and congrats on securing your new role as an Accounting Assistant! It’s completely natural to feel anxious when stepping into a new position, especially when it involves a career shift. Pretty sure we have all been there at some point.

I'd prioritise income recognition, reconciliations, purchase ledger processing, and month-end journals as you mentioned those are part of your new role. I know it's been a while, but trust that the knowledge is still there and will come back with some review and practice.

The transition from study to practice can be challenging and you won't be expected to know everything, so don't be afraid to ask for help or clarification when needed. In fact, it will be expected in your first months. Let your new employer know how excited you are to learn but you may need some guidance initially.

For me, this would show your awareness and give me an idea of what you need from me. Nerves are a good thing, so try to approach this opportunity in a good light... remind yourself why you enjoyed accounting in the first place and focus on how much you will learn and grow in this new role.

Confidence will grow with experience! Best of luck!!

Hi Fantheflames,

Thank you for your post. I really appreciate your advice on this. I think my main anxiety is how unprepared I feel having studied accounting so long ago. I've been feeling like it wont be possible to get back the required knowledge in time for the job start. I am essentially starting completely from scratch.

Do you know any good materials or books that I could focus on that cover income recognition, reconciliations, purchase ledger processing and month end journals? preferable some materials with lots of practice questions. I'm thinking of maybe continuing to go over the overall basics (eg double entry bookkeeping, preparation of income statements and P+L account etc)? then try and focus on the things I currently know will be a part of the new role.

I think my main worry is simply that the employer is going to expect me to be at a certain level going in considering my Level 5 qualification in accounting. I was considering emailing the employer before I start regarding my current feelings and mentioning how excited I am to learn but that I may need some guidance initially due to having studied accounting some years ago with a need to re-learn, however, I'm not too sure if this would really be the right thing to do at this stage and before starting. Thanks again for your advice on this.

 

[aitc]

Sometimes (only sometimes) going in at the deep end is good. I remember a job I started 18 years ago. My first morning, I thought "god help me, I am way out of my depth here". But I got my head down, used the skills I had picked up and everything went well.

Youve done a lot of the learning, its now time to put it into practice. Going in as an Accounting Assistant means, I assume, you will have a senior to a) guide you and b) for you to learn from. Does the company know your experience? Either way, go for it and see it as a positive challenge. Listen, learn and develop.

Thanks for your advice. I'm guessing the employer knows that I do not have any direct work experience in any accounting assistant or accounting role. The main aspects shown on my CV was the more academic achievements and the higher level accounting qualification. However, as previously mentioned I have forgotten everything from this accounting qualification due to having studied this some years ago, which i'm assuming they don't know.