HowToChooseACareer.co.uk

Financial & Accounting Training For Careers

Becoming certified to work in a different sector can give us a new lease of life. Working in a less than satisfying job can be soul destroying. If we make the decision and do something about it now, we can look forward to many years building a rewarding career.

Which Direction Should I Take?

Having said that, it can be a problem knowing which direction to take! We need to make a list of what we want in our new career, and probably equally importantly what we don't want. Many people find a new career in book-keeping or accountancy provides the answer - maybe this could be something for you? You'll be considered professionally competent by others, and be recompensed accordingly for your efforts.

Of course there are many training options available - don't get overwhelmed, simply work out the job roles that interest you and then find which companies train for those roles.

Entry level accounting work often deals with purchase ledgers, or book-keeping. In time, when you've built up more experience and senior qualifications, you'll be in a position to lead or manage. You could then for instance apply to be a Sales Ledger Manager. By bookmarking this page (Ctrl D) and regularly re-visiting it, you'll see a wide variety of training companies promoting their websites.

Evaluate the different programmes they have on offer, and the different teaching methods they use. Reassure yourself that any courses you're contemplating are industry- recognised. Employers will ask for specific qualifications - so it's vital you have the right ones.

What Do I Need To Know?

If this training is going to be your introduction to the industry, there will be certain essentials that you'll need to get to grips with. These will include knowing how to work with computerised accounting systems, VAT, Double Entry, Cash Books, understanding the Banking System, Reconciliations and Credit Control. If you've been in the industry for a while and want to progress, there are more difficult subjects to master. For example - creating accounts from incomplete records, preparing final accounts vertically and horizontally, Ltd companies, operating accounting systems etc.

Who Might I Work For?

When you've gained the right knowledge and professional accreditations, you can begin to think about which market sector you'd like to work in. You have plenty of scope as every company needs at least one person to deal with their finances. Those who work in small to medium sized companies may be in charge of all accounts-related work. On the other hand, those in large ones might handle one small area. You could seek employment in either the public or the private sector - the chances for career progression are there in both sectors. Then again there's nothing to stop you from working for yourself once you've gained a bit of experience.

How Can I Be Sure It's For Me?

Obviously you'll need a good head for figures - that goes without saying. But if you also take pleasure in working thoroughly and steadily, and paying meticulous attention to the detail of the job you're doing then this work is probably for you. Jobs in finance are for people who can think logically.

And obviously you'll need to be able to keep your work confidential, as it's not appropriate to chat to others about the financial affairs of your company.

"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together." - Vincent Van Gogh.

Start Looking Now!

You'll find that a lot of colleges provide training in finance and book-keeping courses. Finding the best one to suit your needs takes comprehensive searching.

As we've already discussed, don't just opt for the first one you come across - the more different organisations you read about, the more you'll discover what you like or dislike about the courses they offer, and their back-up and support. Some will be entirely college-based, some will be entirely distance learning and others will have a combination of both. It will depend on whether you like the idea of a student community, or might feel self-conscious amongst others - plus your availability for college attendance of course.

Shortlist a handful, then to get an idea of how satisfactory their training is, request some examples of the coursework and see how you get on with it. And then pick your first choice and crack on with it! Once you've made your verdict, you'll be swept along with the momentum of your bright new future career. All the Best!