Hey there everybody. I'm new to this forum and would like to ask a question if I may? I completed my AAT level 2 certificate in accounting earlier this year and have now started the AAT level 3 Diploma. I was just wondering after this level 3 is this a sufficient qualification to just start a small bookkeeping business? If not what is? Any feedback would be appreciated. Apologies if this has been asked before..
Hey there everybody. I'm new to this forum and would like to ask a question if I may? I completed my AAT level 2 certificate in accounting earlier this year and have now started the AAT level 3 Diploma. I was just wondering after this level 3 is this a sufficient qualification to just start a small bookkeeping business? If not what is? Any feedback would be appreciated. Apologies if this has been asked before..
Hi Sean
Welcome to the forum
Congratulations on passing your AAT Level 2
Its very difficult to offer an opinion or any advice from the little information you have given, what is your job role at present and do you have any previous bookkeeping/accountancy experience? What kind of bookkeeping services would you be looking to offer?
There have been quite a few similar questions asked on here recently so it might be worth going back over previous posts and having a read
Cheers
__________________
Doug
These are only my opinions of how I see things and therefore should not be taken as advice
No unfortunately I don't have any work related experience. I'm not to sure what I can do to be honest. I know that sounds really bad, but because I've never actually had experience I literally wouldn't know where to start. On reflection I think I may have answered my own question anyway. I think it'd probably be best to maybe get myself a part time job doing some sort of accounting role to gain the experience. Then maybe I'll possibly know which direction to go towards as to setting up my own thing. As I'm planning on continuing on to Level 4 anyway, I've read on other forums that it's best to be in an accounting role to go along side studying. Many thanks for replying anyway, much appreciated..
What is it you do now/in the past? Just wondering if you are bringing any commercial experience to the table?
Given you have no background in this - what made you opt for the course? Just interested!
Thank you.
I left school early without any qualifications so every job I have had in my life ever since has been unskilled work. I've worked in a lot of factories and stuff like that but never had a job in finance or anything to do with accounting. I've been out of work now for a few years due to health problems and so whilst I couldn't work I decided to take up the AAT so I could carve myself out a career when I'd got better. After level 2 last year I really enjoyed it so I thought I'd stay on for Level 3. So far I'm enjoying this year even more!
With my health problems now manageable, I'm desperate to get back into work. I'm just finding it really difficult to even get an interview because obviously I've not worked for so long and also I've got no experience, so they're both working against me. I will continue to try though. I'm sure at some point someone will take a chance on me :)
Hi Sean
Well it certainly sounds like you have found your niche in the world. Sometimes it can take a while and they do say your past should not define you, so dont let it. One great selling point is that you are self studying rather than doing it as part of your day job and because its expected of you and that you are doing it because its become a new passion. So the more exams you pass the greater the chances that someone will look at your CV more favourably. I have to say that a lot of people find it hard to find a role so early on in their AAT course so dont let that worry you. You may need to do a fair few applications before you get the one who will give you a chance, although that is true in a lot of industries these days. As you say, it just takes that one person.....that one person is out there.
So keep going with your studies, apply for jobs (but done get downhearted with the rejections, just keep going, never stop!), get as much experience as you possibly can. I would say with your background you will need some serious real world accountancy or bookkeeping practice experience before you consider going it alone.
Try to get some volunteering on your CV - even if its just for the local childrens footy club or brownies/scouts to start with. Such organisations are always looking for a treasurer.
Also - extend your reading beyond your course. There is some suggested reading in the 'stickies' - these are posts kept at the top of each sub section in the main contents part of the site.
What module on you on at level 3?
__________________
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
Hi Sean Well it certainly sounds like you have found your niche in the world. Sometimes it can take a while and they do say your past should not define you, so dont let it. One great selling point is that you are self studying rather than doing it as part of your day job and because its expected of you and that you are doing it because its become a new passion. So the more exams you pass the greater the chances that someone will look at your CV more favourably. I have to say that a lot of people find it hard to find a role so early on in their AAT course so dont let that worry you. You may need to do a fair few applications before you get the one who will give you a chance, although that is true in a lot of industries these days. As you say, it just takes that one person.....that one person is out there.
So keep going with your studies, apply for jobs (but done get downhearted with the rejections, just keep going, never stop!), get as much experience as you possibly can. I would say with your background you will need some serious real world accountancy or bookkeeping practice experience before you consider going it alone.
Try to get some volunteering on your CV - even if its just for the local childrens footy club or brownies/scouts to start with. Such organisations are always looking for a treasurer.
Also - extend your reading beyond your course. There is some suggested reading in the 'stickies' - these are posts kept at the top of each sub section in the main contents part of the site.
What module on you on at level 3?
Thanks so much for the advice. I'm still early on into the Level 3 and I've actually got my first exam in 3 weeks for Advance Bookkeeping! I think I've got a good understanding of most of it. Accruals and Prepayments can be quite tricky but I've really tried to put as many hours in as possible so hopefully I'll be ok.
I have looked for places to volunteer and have sent some emails off to various places to see if they're interested so hopefully fingers crossed.
I just have to make sure to nail this first exam now so it'll be lots of practice assessments and other revision. I will definitely have a look at the stickies as well. Thank you.
