I have no idea what was I searching for but I ended up reading this forum and I was impressed with the knowledge some of you have and the desire to help one another and the inspirational stories, the sacrifices and the time you put in to get your qualifications.
I study AAT level 4 and on Tuesday I have my Budgeting exam (its my first exam with AAT) and although I have my moments of optimism thinking Ive covered everything sometimes I get to a question and if I get it wrong I panic thinking thats all it takes, a stupid mistake and I fail it.
The reason I dont want to fail is because I love to study accountancy and I cannot accept failing at something you like and you want to do for the rest of your like.
My learning schedule is 5 days a week and in 2 of them I sort of study all day. I like to wake up at 5 or 6am and study mostly all day (I like to rest in the afternoon). I have finished the Kaplan and BPP exam kits and the AAT assessments on the website and although I got a pass Im still worried because the theory is not checked.
The thing is I want to continue with ACCA from January next year so I really want to finish AAT this year and have a strong knowledge because I think ACCA is a very tough qualification but it would be a great achievement.
So if you have an inspirational story please write it because it helps newbies like me.
Its very unusual to start AAT at level 4, so just wondering how you have managed to learn the basics of manual double entry. Is this something you have undertaken yourself or have you been working in the industry? I only ask because those are the building blocks for all that follows, which will become clearer with the otehr level 4 subjects.
I believe having a few worries about the exams, or indeed the work, is a good thing as it makes you understand that there is always more to learn and helps you to keep striving to learn it. As long as that is only a healthy level of worry! You can never know everything in this line of work.
What are your plans for getting some practical learning?
Must be nice to be able to study full time - lucky you!
Good luck for the exam.
__________________
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
Sorry I should have mentioned that I finished a HNC in Accounting before this and AAT was my next best choice. Ive tried CIMA first and passed 3 exams and I still have one left to do to get my certificate but I thought their course is more management then accounting (if that makes sense to someone other than me). I am not studying full time, but I do full time shifts and I go to classes when I can and if I miss anything I have to work twice as much to catch up. I use all my lieu days for exams and revision and if I know there is an important topic coming up Ill take a lieu day. Sometimes I have to wake up at 4am go to work and classes from 6pm till 9pm which is a killer day because even with 2 red bulls Im still half asleep and with a zombie brain . The funny story is that I went for an interview for an accounting job (it was an internal vacancy job which specify that no accounting experience is required) and after few emails back and forth I've sent my CV with my best photo (because there was this nice CV template I was trying to replicate) and when I got there the interviewer completely forgot about me ( the receptionist told him Ive been waiting for 15 min plus the 10 min before the specified time so that was a good 25 min). When I entered the room my CV was on the table half of my head was chopped off (by the printer) and you could barely see my name so then Ive realized I dont stand a chance. Now I want to build my CV to a level where no one will (hopefully) have the decency to chop my head off.
Since then I've met someone that has a small Ltd and he agreed I do the payroll and the VAT returns which is better than nothing.
In a way I feel lucky because I've made it this far because with my job I never thought I can do it but now I've realized everything can be done with the right amount of discipline.
The reason I ask for inspirational stories is because there are days when I think its not worth it because no one will give me a job because the requirements are so demanding or I think I'll get to a point were I'll fail one exam and feel like I will never be able to pass it.
Hi Catalina
Sorry had to dash yesterday - thought I should ask given its your first client as I was worried you might be practising without MLR and insurance cover - you will find more about that on this site if you need it, but as an employee you will not as yet.
Given you are looking at doing VAT, it might be worth taking the course for VAT module from AAT level 3, unless its been covered by the HNC, plus of course you can then get the clients Accountant to do some checks on the returns before you send them.
Just keep going is the motto - whether it is job apps or study. If you want something badly enough, which it sounds like you do, then there are no obstacles, only development opportunities.
Im afraid I dont think you will get much on here with people telling their own stories, as most of theregular responders have already given their own backgrounds at various points over the time on here and the old British reserve prevents it too, but a look back will tell you much about folk albeit all in small portions. One thing to sign up to, if you havent already, is PQ magazine - that has some interesting articles of all types.
Only other thing to add, if you arent that confident with new exams, I would suggest you do NOT take any off the possible exemptions for the ACCA that you could have once you have passed the AAT, because the earlier ACCA exams, whilst being a partial run through of AAT do cover the subjects in more detail but are also great for learning the styles that the ACCA use in the exams and build up gradually to the harder papers.
__________________
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
Yes, yes. Old thread I know. But that makes this forum so useful. Now subscribing to PQ magazine on advice of Joanne (Corrected spelling! See below) Need to dig to find gold.
-- Edited by n ostheimer on Monday 19th of March 2018 09:31:11 PM
