Accountancy is a popular choice with experienced professionals looking to make a change in their careers. Whether your career trajectory just hasn’t quite gone as you planned or you’re feeling dissatisfied with your work, a career in accountancy could be just what you need.
Accounting services can certainly seem an attractive prospect if you’re unhappy with your current career. It boasts a number of advantages, many of which are particularly appealing to people in the middle of their working lives. When you’ve got a mortgage and a family, job security and salary are important. Here’s what a career in accounting services can offer you:
Are you considering a second career in accounting services?
– Excellent salaries and benefits. Starting salaries for graduate accountants average around 
25,000, quickly rising to around 90,000 after just five years of chartered accountancy experience.
– Job security. Out of the 100 global leading brands, 97% hire ICAEW chartered accountants; accountancy jobs will never be in short supply.
– Extensive career options. Accounting and finance degrees actually open up a huge variety of jobs to graduates. As well as simply becoming chartered accountants, qualified candidates can also become stockbrokers, tax advisers, audit specialists, analysts, bankers, purchasing advisers, and many more careers besides.
Professional Accounting Services – How long would it take to qualify?
How long it would take to train and qualify as a professional accountant depends on the qualifications you hold already, as well as the level you wish to train to. First, it’s important to figure out whether you intend to take time out of work to study full-time, and whether you can afford this option. Most people who change career choose to study part-time while working; this can usually lengthen the time it takes to train by a year or two, as you will be learning less material each term.
At Mont Rose College in Ilford, we offer a range of courses in accountancy from HNDs, which are the equivalent to the second year of an undergraduate degree, to full BSc undergraduate degrees in Accounting and Finance. We also offer a top up degree, which may suit candidates who already possess relevant qualifications, and can vastly cut down the length of time it takes to gain your new accounting qualification.
5 useful personality traits to excel in a career in accounts
A career in accounting services can be highly rewarding, but just like other specific jobs, there are certain personality traits which are more suited to this career choice than others. The good thing about studying accountancy is that there are all kinds of possible job opportunities when you graduate. You may ultimately want to become an accountant, but there are various other avenues which may be of interest. If you are considering enrolling in a degree in accounts and you possess these personality traits, you will be more likely to excel in this career.
A career in accounting services can be highly rewarding
Attention to detail
As you are dealing with numbers, you can’t really afford to make a lot of mistakes if you embark on a career in accountancy. A keen eye for numbers and great attention to detail are key characteristics for this type of career. You should be able to work efficiently and with accuracy. If you are able to do this, you will find a job like this much more enjoyable.
Passionate about numbers
It may seem like an obvious trait, but if you are likely to get fed up with dealing with numbers, it is probably best to avoid this type of career. Some people love dealing with numbers, while others hate it, so if you fall into the former, you will have a better chance of a prosperous career. Accountants are usually quite passionate when they talk about their job and this can make them much more successful.
Good communicator
The accounts department is one of the central parts of any company and as such, you will be dealing with a number of different people in various parts of the business. It is, therefore, imperative that you are an effective communicator. If you enjoy working with other people, this might be a good career choice for you.
Problem solver
When you work in accounts, you will likely have some head-scratching moments when trying to reconcile numbers. As such, it is imperative that you are able to think outside the box and solve problems as they arise.
Organisation skills
You will also need to be able to organise your workload effectively and manage a range of different tasks simultaneously. Accounts roles are usually very busy, depending on the size of the company and as such, it is important to be able to manage your tasks effectively, without error. A disorganised individual would probably find a role in accounts a little overbearing.
Considering a career in accounting services but heard things you don’t like about it?
The biggest myths about being an accountant
That’s a shame – becoming an accountant is a fantastic career choice for a lot of people, and it would be disappointing if you missed out on the opportunity for a fantastic future because of what others have said.
Of course, in the end, the choice has to be yours, but it might help if you understood exactly what it means to become an accountant. There are so many myths out there about the accounting industry that we just have to bust if only to make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to do something spectacular with your life.
Here are a few of the biggest myths we have picked up on over the years, and the reality behind them.
Myth: Accountants have to be ace at maths.
Reality: Yes, to an extent mathematics is important in accounting, but no accountant is Albert Einstein. The maths you will use within an accounting role is basic mathematical skills such as multiplying, subtracting and so forth. And guess what? Accountants use calculators all the time – this helps make sure everything is accurate and to make life easier. Don’t be worried if your numerical skills aren’t the best, as long as you have the fundamental skills right.
Myth: Accountants just sit at their desk all day.
Accounting Services Reality: Nope, wrong again. Each day is different as an accountant so you can be guaranteed variety. You have to meet clients, analyse data, write letters and maintain relationships. Your role will also be varied based on what type of accountant you are, and the type of work you do, for instance if you are involved in wealth management.
Myth: Accountants have boring lives.
Reality: Okay, this one is just silly. Like everyone else, accountants have a work life and a social life. Just because you choose a career in accountancy doesn’t mean that you are suddenly going to become devoid of personality. All accountants have a home and social life filled with wondrous hobbies and activities. Don’t think you will become ‘square’ just because you’ve chosen to account as a career option.
For more information about accounting services, turn to Mont Rose College in London. Our educational facilities can offer you the very best education and training possible from our college in Ilford. With a range of final year degree and top-up degree options, your future starts here.