Hey everyone, newbie after a bit of advice. Not sure where to post this so if i’m in the wrong place feel free to redirect me.

At 27 i decided the trade of floor fitter is not for me, at school i wanted to be an accountant but ended up working for my dad. (basically at 16 i was money hungry and short-sighted)

28 now and I have just completed my level 2 AAT, but am stuck on where to go next.
I’m torn between 2 paths really, i’ll be carrying on with AAT regardless and am unsure whether to do A-Levels alongside or look for roles within industry.
With A-Levels i’ll have the option of Uni or even applying on some schemes that companies run Ie. Headstart programme at PwC. I’m also worried that AAT will “get in the way” of me applying for these programmes as they seem to include AAT levels 3&4.
Getting a role within industry would pretty much mean CIMA (i think) which i’m not fussed about as i find both Finance & Management accountancy equally interesting. My main worry with this is that given the economic climate, it’s quite conceivable i’ll go into level 4 without a job in the field or any experience, i would hate to find myself in a position whereby i’m over qualified yet under experienced.

Any advice, opinion or other option would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Simply put do AAT you won’t regret it!

I think most people are currently in a situation where they are over qualified and under expierenced at the moment.

My personal opinion with the A-level/Degree route is that it is tougher to get work whilst your studying as it’s largerly theory, with AAT it is vocational and relates more to the work place.

I am not going to lie, having completed AAT and started CIMA it is difficult at the moment for most people to find the relevant work expierence or a job in accounts full stop. It think it takes a lot of determination and stamina to be an accountancy student nowadays espically with the low starting wages.

Don’t give up on AAT, but I wouldn’t bother with the A levels personally. Take on a voluntary position to get your accounts experience & that will show that you’re focused about what you want. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice, i suppose i’m concerned that without A-Levels i won’t have enough of an academic background to show i’m capable of higher study (AAT aside).
I have been on the volunteer website and it seems there’s opportunities in my area for treasurers at local charities so that’s somewhere to start while i search for a full-time roll.

A-Levels are not the be all and end all. I didn’t have any A-Levels when i started AAT, I had a in GNVQ business studies.

I have not suffered any having not done acaedemic qualifcations, sure doors like PwC Headstart and simlilar schemes are a shut. But does that bother me? no not really.

Best of luck with your studies, If I can be of any help at all please let me know.

i completely agree with everyone else, just do AAT. A levels are getting easier anyway no one seems to respect them anymore