Financial Careers Acheived Through Book Keeping Courses
Becoming certified to work in a different sector can give us a new lease of life. So many of us put up with the wrong job for far too long, when with a bit of effort we can find and work towards a career that suits our personality much better.
Which Direction Should I Take?
So we know we need to make a move - but to doing what? Yes we need to do something, but how can we be sure that a move would bring the results we're looking for? Something to consider - you could build a very substantial career if you train and qualify in book-keeping, finance or accountancy. You'll be respected as a professional by your peers, and can anticipate a generous remuneration package as your career progresses.
As you'd expect, there are lots of different training courses on the market - don't get overwhelmed, simply work out the job roles that interest you and then find which companies train for those roles.
When you first join a company, you might be a cashier or a purchase ledger clerk. As you progress, you'll find opportunities to head up departmental teams, or become a manager in the finance department. By bookmarking this page (Ctrl D) and regularly re-visiting it, you'll see a wide variety of training companies promoting their websites. Weigh several up against each other, by comparing things like quality of training, delivery and price. Reassure yourself that any courses you're contemplating are industry- recognised. It's essential that the certifications you take are the ones employers are looking for.
What Should I Be Taught?
There are a range of different skills and subjects to pick up when working in this industry. If this is your first experience of it, you'll need to go through all the basics. These will include knowing how to work with computerised accounting systems, VAT, Double Entry, Cash Books, understanding the Banking System, Reconciliations and Credit Control.
There are also more advanced book-keeping and accounts subjects, for those already with experience. 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?
You can take your pick of the industry or government body you want to work in if you gain reputable certifications in accounts related subjects. 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. Finally you could work for yourself, looking after the books for a number of one man or woman businesses in your locality.
How Do I Know I Can Do This Work?
Well clearly you must have the capacity to do figure work. But if you're also the sort of person who is very task-oriented, and can patiently and methodically work until the job's done then you'll do very well in this field. People who like systems and order make good book-keepers and accounting staff.
Employers rely heavily on their financial and accounting staff, and so they look for people who are completely trustworthy and loyal.
"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living." - Gail Sheehy.
Start Looking Now!
You'll find that a lot of colleges provide training in finance and book-keeping courses. Detailed research is the only way to discover the optimum route for you. As we've already discussed, don't just opt for the first one you come across - you'll get to know about things you hadn't previously considered if you familiarise yourself with a good number of trainers. There are in-centre courses with specific starting dates, train-at-home programmes to start anytime, and blended options incorporating some of each. There isn't necessarily a best answer - just a best answer for you and your preferences and circumstances.
Once you've got it down to a handful, get in touch and ask for some training samples so that you can visualise how you'd relate to the format. But ultimately the thing to do is to get on with it. You'll wonder why you didn't change sooner when you're happily certified and enjoying work to the full. Here's to you!
