Applying for a Role in Accountancy Claire Suthon ACA

What do these all have in common?

Summary of session Kaplan Financial Myths about accountancy What you can earn Types of Qualifications Apprenticeships Different routes to becoming an accountant How can we help?

Who are Kaplan? Accountancy and business training Innovative learning materials Expert tutors and specialist assessors High pass rates Colleges in 27 locations in the UK – Nearest is Reading

You may be surprised to know You don’t need maths A-level It’s not a male dominated industry There is a variation of jobs. It’s not just audit! You can double your salary through training.

You may be surprised to know the skills employers are looking for Communication Initiative Problem solving Team working Organisation Personality

What does an accountant do?

Areas in Accountancy Audit / Assurance Independently reviewing a clients accounts to ensure they give a true and fair reflection Corporate finance Involved with company mergers, acquisitions and changes in ownership Business recovery Advisers who provide guidance to businesses in difficulty. Offer the broadest strategic advice Financial accounting Ensures the smooth day to day running of the financial side of a business Tax Advisers on policy, pensions and corporate governance. Work that requires an overall perspective of the business Forensic accounting Investigators of commercial fraud, divorce and personal injury cases

Practice Public Financial Services Business Big four Medium Small Sole practitioners Councils NHS Armed Forces Barclays American Express Aviva Prudential T-Mobile M & S Microsoft BP Sectors they work in

What is an apprentice? Work and earn at the same time Work alongside experienced staff Earn a salary Get paid holidays Receive training Get a qualification Takes 1-3 years to complete (depends on the apprenticeship)

Accountancy Qualifications Accounting Technician (AAT) Management Accountant (CIMA) Certified Accountant (ACCA) Chartered Accountant (ACA)

Training - who is involved? YOU AAT YOUR EMPLOYER Time Intellect Energy Commitment Syllabus Examinations Study Support AAT Membership Training contract Salary & rewards Work experience Study time Reviews Tuition Revision Exam practice Support

Alternative Routes Which route should I take?

A Level Route Duncan’s story: 2 year AVCE levels (Business Studies) County Council earning £6,000 Studied AAT in 2.5 years At 20 earns £22,000 Now studying CIMA for 2 years At 22 years old, Duncan will earn £30,000 (& no debt) & have 4 years work experience.

A Level Route Claire’s story: 2 years of A levels (Textiles, ICT, Geography & Business Studies) Small accountancy firm earning £15,000 Studied AAT in 2 years. At 19 earns £16,500 Now studying ACA for 2 years At 21 years old, Claire will earn £35,000 (& no debt) & have 3 years work experience.

Degree route Tom’s story: 2 years of A levels 3 years at University Now on 3 years training as Chartered Accountant with one of the bigger accountancy firms Tom is 21 years old, is a graduate, has a student loan debt (£30k) and no work experience.

Entry requirements AAT No minimum requirements

Business Summer School Opportunity to find out more about the world of business and finance – for free 15-17th August 2016 at The Blade, Reading Sessions include business workshops, CV writing, interview techniques, meeting employers

Kaplan Recruitment Service

AAT Trainee Recruitment Service

ICAEW website

Make your application stand out Experience Young Enterprise Voluntary Work Work experience Part-time work Kaplan Summer Business School Life Skills Presentation Skills Team leadership Problem Solving skills

Any questions?

Quick exercise Think about what examples you could give an employer of the following Communication Initiative Problem solving Team working Organisation skills Personality

Stay in touch Kaplan Financial AAT