Im 48, im a qualified bookkeeper which I work at in my spare time at home, I have a fulltime job as an Area Manager for a dry-cleaning firm, a profession ive been in for over thirty years. Would there be any chance of me ever being able to get an apprenticeship or employment in accounting.
There is never no hope but it has to be said that employment prospects are remote.
That said, would you rather trust an young accountant or an older one who has been there, done that and understands where their clients are coming from.
Ageism is rife in the workplace but of course nobody would ever admit to it.
Your best hope for accountancy may be to use your bookkeeping knowledge to transfer to IFA (now an IFAC member) where you could become an incorporated accountant. From there build up your client base and keep an open mind to joining up with a chartered or chartered certified practice where so long as 51% is owned by members of their respective bodies other partners do not need to be qualified.
So, all in all. Direct employment... Probably not. Self employment... Definitely. Potential for being an accountant in an established firm... Depends upon your success and networking as a self employed accountant.
There you go, first I take the hope away and then I give it back with a little cherry on the top.
hth,
Shaun.
p.s. just to qualify the answer. I'm now 50 and age isn't stopping me becoming an accountant.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
