INeedANewCareer.co.uk

Financial Courses & Sage Accounting Career Programs

Training to get a professional certification can be time well spent! If we stopped procrastinating and took control of our lives, we could soon be enjoying the rewards and motivation that a fresh new working environment would give us.

What Course Should I Choose?

The difficulty is - which is the right new career to start training for? Yes we need to do something, but how can we be sure that a move would bring the results we're looking for? It could be that a financial career of one sort or another is right up your street. You'd certainly be able to achieve recognition for your efforts, and get paid well into the bargain!

Clearly there are many training routes a student can take - and so you should start by looking at the job you might get into, and then work backwards to see what training will be needed. You might start as an Accounts Clerk, a Purchase Ledger Clerk, a Book-Keeper or a Cashier. And then as time goes on, if you continue to up-grade your certifications you could reach the level of, say, Purchase Ledger Manager or Sales Ledger Manager. You'll see a good range of training providers on this page (especially if you 'refresh' or come back to it frequently). Weigh several up against each other, by comparing things like quality of training, delivery and price. Always check that the courses you're considering are recognised in industry. It's essential that the certifications you take are the ones employers are looking for.

What Subjects Will Be Covered?

To be deemed ready for employment, there will be a number of essentials you'll need to become familiar with. For instance - an introduction to Business Accounting, the Banking System and Double Entry System, Business Documents, Credit Control and such like. For those wishing to move on in the industry, training also covers subjects at a higher level. So here you could learn about methods of stock valuation, Limited Liability companies, manufacturing accounts, final accounts and capital expenditure for example.

What Work Is Available?

If you're looking to become qualified in Book-Keeping or Accountancy, you can choose to work in whichever industrial sector appeals to you the most. You're not restricted to one narrow area as the law requires all commercial organisations to keep records. There are positions within large companies for many book-keeping members of staff. However, you may work alone if your employer runs a small company. Work is available in both the private and the public sector, and many senior managers and directors have worked their way up through their company's finance department. Alternatively of course you could start your own Book-Keeping business and deal with the tax affairs of several small companies.

Is This Really The Career For Me?

It stands to reason that you'll need to be capable at arithmetic. The work demands patience and thoroughness as well, so if you see yourself as the type of person who can be left to work through the nitty gritty you'll doubtless get on well. Figure work suits the person who is conscientious, orderly and logical.

The last vital quality you'll need to possess is an honest nature - because employers must be able to trust you implicitly.

"Life is to be lived. If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well better find some way that is going to be interesting." - Katharine Hepburn.

Examine The Market

A whole range of training courses are available for people looking to get into accounts work. The only way to really find the right one for you is to thoroughly research the market. Think of the research you do as an exploratory project - it's only when you make comparisons that you truly get a feel for what you can expect from your training, and what's not acceptable. Whilst some colleges offer all home-based study with tutor support upon request, others are all class-based. A third category have a blend of both. Your preference will depend on how you're going to fit studying into your existing lifestyle, and how you feel about learning alongside other people.

When you've narrowed your options down, ask to be sent an example of their training materials - that way you'll know what to expect. Then chose your training and get going. Beginning is half done, as they say, so delay no more - your future depends on it. Here's to you!