[fyau]

I have a 2:1 in an arts degree and am currently doing a masters degree. I also have A-Levels in Maths and Further Maths. I've been considering a career in accountancy but I don't have any previous work experience at all and I don't really know much about the field so I'd like to spend a few days in a firm so I can get a better idea of what it's actually like.
I've heard that it's easier to get experience from small firms; however, would they take on someone like me?
Someone who's completely new to the field?
Would it be better to do a bit of research before I send emails asking if I could gain from work experience?
Would they expect me to know a bit about the field before deciding to take me on?

Thanks

[M1011]

Try to make yourself appear competent and genuinely interested in accountancy. Don't feel that you need to go in there already knowing everything, ultimately if you do get a permanent position in accountancy you'll expect to be trained through a professional qualification.

Also don't limit yourself to accounting firms. Near enough every company has a finance department, so if you're struggling to get a position with a firm then try to secure experience with a decent company finance department.

[gveli]

I've found out it's very hard for someone with no experience in accounting to secure job as trainee I've visited and called over hundred small/medium sized firms in my local area and none seemed to be interested in taking someone without experience or qualification. Currently I'm studying towards ACCA, but I haven't taken any exams yet (registered a month ago) and I'm afraid I'll have to wait till November/December when I'll have my first exams

[kevinfosterft]

(Original post by fyau)
I have a 2:1 in an arts degree and am currently doing a masters degree. I also have A-Levels in Maths and Further Maths. I've been considering a career in accountancy but I don't have any previous work experience at all and I don't really know much about the field so I'd like to spend a few days in a firm so I can get a better idea of what it's actually like.
I've heard that it's easier to get experience from small firms; however, would they take on someone like me?
Someone who's completely new to the field?
Would it be better to do a bit of research before I send emails asking if I could gain from work experience?
Would they expect me to know a bit about the field before deciding to take me on?

Thanks

I am not a pro in accountancy and I have just started off my AAT levels with HLC. But, i can give you two simple pieces of advice which might help you get experience. a) friends and family and b) NGO's, apprenticeships and help groups.

Scan through your contact book and find out how many of your contacts have their own firms or work in firms where you can be hired as a helping hand either part-time or full-time. You will be surprised at the positive results.

Target NGO's and help groups in your local area. I tried this for a friend and we were able to secure a part-time opportunity for her at the local NGO. Free help is always accepted and if the help comes from a learned accountant then its better

[Cupid Stunt]

(Original post by fyau)
I have a 2:1 in an arts degree and am currently doing a masters degree. I also have A-Levels in Maths and Further Maths. I've been considering a career in accountancy but I don't have any previous work experience at all and I don't really know much about the field so I'd like to spend a few days in a firm so I can get a better idea of what it's actually like.
I've heard that it's easier to get experience from small firms; however, would they take on someone like me?
Someone who's completely new to the field?
Would it be better to do a bit of research before I send emails asking if I could gain from work experience?
Would they expect me to know a bit about the field before deciding to take me on?

Thanks

There are companies out there who take on a decent size of accounts assistants and offer progression, even with no experience or qualifications (although you'll be up against better quality stock so to speak). These companies might also have a niche trait/something they pride themselves in e.g. friendly approach, non-jargon explanations, passion to put ideas into small companies etc. they'll look for this in prospective employees more so than their qualifications... So try identify these features, tap into it and show them you're what they want.

Show willingness, long hours, two jobs, volunteer work etc. whatever it takes - if it's a good company you'll get the job and they'll say "it's not fair to make you work so much for no salary so we'll just give you a proper job". If you show enough passion for both the company and the career then you'll be hard to refuse.

[yashradia]

(Original post by Cupid Stunt)
There are companies out there who take on a decent size of accounts assistants and offer progression, even with no experience or qualifications (although you'll be up against better quality stock so to speak). These companies might also have a niche trait/something they pride themselves in e.g. friendly approach, non-jargon explanations, passion to put ideas into small companies etc. they'll look for this in prospective employees more so than their qualifications... So try identify these features, tap into it and show them you're what they want.

Show willingness, long hours, two jobs, volunteer work etc. whatever it takes - if it's a good company you'll get the job and they'll say "it's not fair to make you work so much for no salary so we'll just give you a proper job". If you show enough passion for both the company and the career then you'll be hard to refuse.

Which company takes on without experience?
which area?

[Cupid Stunt]

(Original post by yashradia)
Which company takes on without experience?
which area?

Plenty companies in every area of the world. Every single person on this planet will have no experience in anything at some point in their life, people have to start somewhere.

Look harder, phone companies, use your brain etc.

[OU Student]

I was told by someone yesterday that I wouldn't need to actually be employed by an accountancy firm. Just about any company needs staff for accountancy, etc.

[anonymousaudit]

(Original post by gveli)
I've found out it's very hard for someone with no experience in accounting to secure job as trainee I've visited and called over hundred small/medium sized firms in my local area and none seemed to be interested in taking someone without experience or qualification. Currently I'm studying towards ACCA, but I haven't taken any exams yet (registered a month ago) and I'm afraid I'll have to wait till November/December when I'll have my first exams

Hundreds, if not thousands of graduates, are taken on as audit associates nation wide yearly though?

Smaller firms are probably less inclined to take on inexperienced individuals as they cannot afford the training costs. If you wish to work in accountancy the best route is probably through a mid-tier/large firm who will fund your AC(C)A in return for 3 years work.

I was taken on by a top firm without any audit experience, it is feasible.