I am currently working in an industry based accounting role alongside my Manager. I do all the general day to day preparation of the accounts and she collages the month end/year end figures. I have been in this role around 7 years, and love my job. We do talk about me getting more involved in the finalisation of the accounts but never seem to have the time.
I am AAT level 4 qualified, and hope to study ACCA at some point in the future. I would like to gain some practical experience in an accounts practice. I work full time (Monday to Friday) and am unable to reduce my hours.
Can anyone suggest how I would go about gaining some experience?? Although I have done this job for many years, I feel I would be unable to prepare a set of accounts/tax return, self assessment, etc. for a small business/individual.
Hi Sam
If you study with ACCA then that means (despite having the AAT qualification and membership) that you cannot prepare accounts beyond TB unless they are signed off by someone else, so that means you would not be able to prepare self assessments as well. Its called Regulation 8 - take a quick look on their website for the full documnet (will probably send you to sleep reading it) but very important that you do not break their rules as sanctions are very high!
Turn the talk you do at work into action. Don take no for an answer. Offer to do a set in your own time and all your boss has to do is check it all - that shouldnt take any longer that her collating the info now, should be even quicker, so a win win all round. Make it happen.
__________________
Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
Thank you! And thank you for the reply. I may not have explained the whole work situation in enough detail. We still have an external accountant that files our returns, my manager has no formal qualifications so the accounts she prepares are for management strategy month end meetings, and year end, to send to the accountants. I do a lot of the mundane, day-to-day input. I will take a look at the document you suggested also, thank you.
What software do you use for the bookkeeping and then what does she use for the month end managements? I imagine the two might be different so maybe take the last month pack and having a go to see if you can match what she has done (although I cant speak for her accuracy) and maybe doing the unpaid overtime bit to try this months.
Or is it now time to start looking for a new job that can provide you with the wider experience you need?
__________________
Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
We use an ERP system, Miscrosoft dynamics NAV, and Excel. I have looked at changing my job in the past but wasn't the best option at the time. I also have involvement in the transport side of the business, and enjoy the varied role. I just want to widen my skills set. I will look at preping the accounts as you have advised. Thank you ğ
Sam
