There is no denying that accountancy has come out of the corner office and firmly into the UK’s boardrooms – metaphorically and literally.
Technology has automated much of the number crunching and compliance, leaving qualified accountants free to develop their skills and insights as trusted advisers. Business decisions and company growth in the UK are increasingly pivoting on the forensic and predictive modelling of astute accountants and financial wizards.
Not surprisingly then, studying accountancy is becoming a popular choice for mature students, as a second career.
How easy is it to make the switching careers from a different job role?
Joining an accountancy firm and working your way up through the ranks can be a slow, laborious process. And pay could start (and continue) at an unfeasibly low level if you are used to earning enough to support your standard of living.
It makes a great deal of sense to take the plunge by gaining relevant qualifications as quickly as possible, to increase your employability within a company accounts department or at an accountancy practice.
Student finance can often help achieve this ambition and colleges welcome mature students.
What qualifications will you need?
Clearly, if you already have a finance-related qualification, it may be possible to do a top up degree in accountancy to improve your chances of getting your dream job.
If your initial field of study or career experience is largely unrelated, then you will need to lay the foundations of accountancy credentials with a basic understanding of the principles, such as the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualifications.
Starting from the basics can mean it could take 3 or 4 years to reach the level of a Chartered Accountant, but you will be gaining a great deal of practical experience in that process, creating strong career prospects.
How do you make the switching careers to accountancy?
For more details about switching careers to accountancy and studying relevant qualifications at a college in London, contact Mont Rose College in Ilford.
