How to become an Accountant and How to Succeed in Applications for Accountancy
Accountancy is an old and prestigous profession which is viewed as a guaranteed ticket to success and an excellent foundation for a career in business, (or of course a finance role in the not for profit sector). It is by no means the dull number-crunching field which people often think - the reason interpersonal and communication skills are revered by recruiters. A very high proportion of senior business leaders are accountancy qualified.
Competition is fierce and Accountancy is viewed as a suitable field for top graduates of any discipline. My book, 'Working in Accountancy' (see link below), should help any would-be accountant learn about the variety of fields in which you might work, the types of specialism and different working environments, the main professional, qualifying bodies and the various ways in.
There are plenty of opportunities for career changers, non-graduates and mature entrants, as well. 'Working in Accountancy' aims to provide valuable information and tips to maximise your chance of success in applications.
Competition is fierce and Accountancy is viewed as a suitable field for top graduates of any discipline. My book, 'Working in Accountancy' (see link below), should help any would-be accountant learn about the variety of fields in which you might work, the types of specialism and different working environments, the main professional, qualifying bodies and the various ways in.
There are plenty of opportunities for career changers, non-graduates and mature entrants, as well. 'Working in Accountancy' aims to provide valuable information and tips to maximise your chance of success in applications.
Contents at a Glance
Working in Accountancy by Sherridan Hughes
A practical guide to getting into Accountancy
Why you should consider a career in Accountancy
The future of accountancy is bright!
Globalisation has meant that Accountancy - the international language of business - has become increasingly important and accounting principles enable trained accountants to work and travel internationally. Systems and software innovation have faciliated remote working and easier access to, and analysis of, vast quantities of data.There are roles to suit all types, whether broader-focused, strategic, proactive individuals, more cautious, controls sorts, or those who prefer technical analysis. There are opportunities for the mature and for working or stay at home mothers.
The credit crunch has led to increased demand, in order to enable companies to maximise resources in these difficult times and to (perhaps belatedly!) minimise risk.
Greater emphasis on ethics has also called for an increased in controls (and accountants to monitor these), while recognising that sustainability should not be neglected in favour of the bottom line!
How to Become an Accountant
Me giving a potted description of the different types of accountancy and some general tips
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Youtube Sherridan Hughes How to Become an Accountant
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Youtube Sherridan Hughes How to Become an Accountant
curated content from YouTube
Useful careers information sites
Accountancy Careers
There are several types of accountancy and a number of different professional bodies, e.g. CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA and ICAEW, so it is important to research the differences. There are also a number of different routes which you might take, so it helps to consider which will be the more practical and appropriate for you.
The following sites afford some valuable starting points for initial information.
The following sites afford some valuable starting points for initial information.
- Chartered Accountancy - Prospects site
- Certified Accountancy - Prospects site
- Management Accountancy - Prospects site
- Public Finance Accountant - Prospects site
- Accounting Technician
- Accountancy : Graduate Jobs & Career Advice - Inside Careers UK
- Inside Careers - graduate Accountancy jobs, placements, internships and official career advice. Specialists in Accountancy graduate careers.
- Management Accountancy : Graduate Jobs & Career Advice - Inside Careers UK
- Inside Careers - graduate Management Accountancy jobs, placements, internships and official career advice. Specialists in Management Accountancy graduate careers.
- Accountancy Overview | AllAboutCareers
- Milkround - Graduate Opportunities
"Did you ever hear of a kid playing accountant...even if he wanted to be one?"
Jackie Mason
Accountants are boring!
What do you think?
The stereotype of an accountant can be of a serious, dull, pedantic type. Accountancy firms like to recruit more dynamic and social types, but does accountancy simply attract bores?
Personally, I have found antipodean accountants to be rather different from Brits; they have no welfare state, so finance is prized for its security and earning power, and those I have met have seemed particularly driven, sociable, sensitive, enthusiastic and fun. What is your experience of Accountants?
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Who am I?
I am a chartered psychologist, with 23 years experience in career consultancy, (psychometric assessment and in-depth counselling for career guidance, development, selection, change and outplacement). The majority of my clients come through recommendation.I am very knowledgeable about all career fields, but I have over the years undertaken many hundreds of assessments, and provided advice and recommendations, for accountancy firms and for individuals wanting to enter, develop and progress within, or indeed leave, the field of Accountancy, and seeking greater understanding of where s/he might best fit and play to natural talents, motivations and personal qualities.
Not sure if Accountancy is right for you?
Come for a Career Consultation
Whether seeking help in choosing your A Levels, Degree or Career (whether first jobs or a career change) I can help!
I offer a full psychometric assessment and counselling session lasting a full day. This is subsequently written up in a bespoke report and I throw in a two year contact or mentoring period should you have any addtional questions!
I offer a full psychometric assessment and counselling session lasting a full day. This is subsequently written up in a bespoke report and I throw in a two year contact or mentoring period should you have any addtional questions!
- Career Consultant with 23 yrs experience
- Career change expert, specialist in career assessment and counselling counselling
- Sherridan Hughes The Career Management Expert Homepage
- Sherridan Hughes | "The
Career Management Expert" - Career Analysis in London : Sherridan Hughes
- A Career Analyst in London offering Career Guidance and Change Advice plus much more - Sherridan Hughes
Gift ideas for the accountant or aspiring accountant!
Accountancy in the news
Up to the minute updates on industry events
- #AAYP: Generation Y's great expectations
- Despite the gloom, today's young accountants are surprisingly upbeat about their prospects and the accountancy world is thriving with fresh talent looking to grasp the many and varied career opportunities that it has to offer.
- #AAYP: A world of opportunities
- by Mat Allen, PKF THERE ARE PROBABLY very few of us who can remember the moment when we decided to follow a career as a professional accountant. In fact, I'm willing to bet that most didn't even have such a moment - let's face it, how many people come ...
- New style of accountancy practice comes to Galway
- The new business was launched by Eoin McGreal, a Certified Public Accountant with over twelve years experience. Having worked in various accounting roles throughout his career, Mr McGreal has decided to fulfil his ambition of opening his own business.
- Imposter syndrome: They ooze confidence, so why do so many career women feel ...
- After accountant Amy Taylor had her second child, she decided to start her own practice locally in Bedfordshire, gloomily anticipating that she might only get half a day's work a week. Three years later, Amy Taylor Accountancy has over 100 clients and ...
I should love to hear your thoughts and comments
Is anyone out there?
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Auntiekatkat
Jan 3, 2012 @ 3:47 pm | delete
- Very informative and practical advice if you are thinking of working in accountancy
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Digs
Dec 30, 2011 @ 9:25 am | delete
- I know I want to work in Accountancy, but I have really never understood the differnece between CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA etc... It is so daunting trying to get a job these days - all tips will be gratefully received.
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madigan
Dec 30, 2011 @ 9:12 am | delete
- My boyfriend is an accountant and he loves it! His earnings doubled as soon as he qualified, so he is a good catch as well as a good man!
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