Hey everyone, first time post and having been reading these forums for a while, I’m taking the plunge and registering….I’m just graduated (from a non-accounts degree) but will be starting an accounting job next summer, and studying towards the ICAS qualification and will be mainly working in audit initially

Basically I wanted some advice on how best to prepare before then, is there anything I should/could read to give me a good start. I’m looking to get some temp work at the moment a) to get some experience and b) to make some cash but any advice in any shape or form would be appreciated

PS this post was posted on another forum, but there was no response there so hopefully there will be some response here

If you wnt really basic knowledge then i would advise to start with the ACCA. First few modules exams wll give you a general all round knowledge on Accouning.

F1- Accountant in Business
F2- Management Acconting

You will never regret learning any double entry bookkeeping skills as you will use these throughout your studies.

A good starter book is Frank Woods business accounting volume 1 - it’s a great way to learn with lots of exercises to reinforce the knowledge.

When I started in practice I started in Audit then moved to Accounts prep. I learn’t very little in Audit. I would recommend, if you can, to push for a start in accounts prep. You learn the basics there; and it’s those basics on which Audit work should be based.

I’m not saying you need to be able to prepare accounts to audit. Some of the people who work in Audit are simply following procedures and prior year tests.

If you’ve no control over being in Audit I would recommend you get some basic accounts prep experience if you can. Work experience placements might be an option if you can live without the money.

I’m sure you can become a competent accountant working in Audit first (although I’m no evidence of that) but nothing gets the mechanics of accountancy in you head better than actually preparing accounts from scratch for a small company / sole-trader / partnership.