Career help - Accounting
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Reply 20
13
Original post
by ajj2000Which a levels are you taking? That might give some pointers towards skills you can develop to help with the degree and future career.
Biology, Chemistry and Maths
Reply 21
Original post
by Golden_RoofThanks. Yh I learnt there's other software like Xero, Quickbooks, Power BI and Sage that I'd also used and jot just excel so I plan to learn them also.
PowerBI is for data analysis. Why are you using data visualisation software for accounting? Unless you're telling me you intend to switch careers and go into data analysis, putting this on your CV won't help.
It's a similar case for learning things like SQL, Snowflake, AWS, etc. These are for data analysis and possibly business analysis. It's not accounting.
Xero, Quickbooks, Sage, and Freshbooks are accounting software. These make sense, although they are pretty much similar as top end software. If you are using something archaic or bespoke, then it's a lot more difficult to get familiar with the platforms (and usually aren't as efficient in my opinion).
Reply 22
20
Original post
by Golden_RoofBiology, Chemistry and Maths
Sounds great! I may have a look at other posts to see if there is anything I can add. Are you planning to start at Nottingham in Sept of this year?
One thing I think would be of value before starting if you find yourself with a day or two free before starting the course would be to have a look through a business studies A level textbook. Doesn't need to be a long or intense period of study. You just want to improve your understanding of what businesses are, how they operate and the sorts of decisions they are making. That can really help make the course meaningful.
Is the year in industry something you are very focussed on?
Reply 23
Original post
by Golden_RoofThanks. Yh I learnt there's other software like Xero, Quickbooks, Power BI and Sage that I'd also used and jot just excel so I plan to learn them also.
hi there just wondering as a high school student how ur planning to learn these accounting software's, cause I'm pretty sure u need to work within a business to actually use them?
Reply 24
20
Original post
by Golden_RoofThanks. Yh I learnt there's other software like Xero, Quickbooks, Power BI and Sage that I'd also used and jot just excel so I plan to learn them also.
As a note (I've been a qualified accountant for over 30 years...) - I've never used or seen Xero or Quickbooks and hardly used Sage. Nothing wrong with learning how accounting software works but it won't particularly help you with job applications for grad schemes or for internships. I'd absolutely not spend any money on learning these while a student. There are some scammy training companies out there.
Absolutely every accountant I know uses excel every day. Very much a skill to develop as part of your studies.
Power BI is widely used and might be a really great thing to learn about if the university has licenses. There is a free version available with more limited functionality which might be fun to play with?
Reply 25
13
Original post
by MindMax2000PowerBI is for data analysis. Why are you using data visualisation software for accounting? Unless you're telling me you intend to switch careers and go into data analysis, putting this on your CV won't help.
It's a similar case for learning things like SQL, Snowflake, AWS, etc. These are for data analysis and possibly business analysis. It's not accounting.
Xero, Quickbooks, Sage, and Freshbooks are accounting software. These make sense, although they are pretty much similar as top end software. If you are using something archaic or bespoke, then it's a lot more difficult to get familiar with the platforms (and usually aren't as efficient in my opinion).
It's a similar case for learning things like SQL, Snowflake, AWS, etc. These are for data analysis and possibly business analysis. It's not accounting.
Xero, Quickbooks, Sage, and Freshbooks are accounting software. These make sense, although they are pretty much similar as top end software. If you are using something archaic or bespoke, then it's a lot more difficult to get familiar with the platforms (and usually aren't as efficient in my opinion).
Oh ok I didn't know that, I saw a tt of an accounting student listing of all these softwares but thank you for clearing it all out.
Reply 26
13
Original post
by ajj2000Sounds great! I may have a look at other posts to see if there is anything I can add. Are you planning to start at Nottingham in Sept of this year?
One thing I think would be of value before starting if you find yourself with a day or two free before starting the course would be to have a look through a business studies A level textbook. Doesn't need to be a long or intense period of study. You just want to improve your understanding of what businesses are, how they operate and the sorts of decisions they are making. That can really help make the course meaningful.
Is the year in industry something you are very focussed on?
One thing I think would be of value before starting if you find yourself with a day or two free before starting the course would be to have a look through a business studies A level textbook. Doesn't need to be a long or intense period of study. You just want to improve your understanding of what businesses are, how they operate and the sorts of decisions they are making. That can really help make the course meaningful.
Is the year in industry something you are very focussed on?
Yes, I plan to start this September.
I bought the A Level Economics textbook as I was reviewing my modules and there's some macro and micro in there and I hadn't done it at A Level or GCSE so didn't want to be disadvantaged. I will then also buy the A Level Business book and review it. Thank you for suggesting this.
Yes, the year in industry is something I am very focused on getting. Idm the firm big or small, I just want to get a good year in industry, learn and develop skills. My end game aim is to get a graduate offer from that company or another, so that's why I chose the year in the industry option. It's also for the work experience as I currently have none to my name, only have virtual work exp.
Reply 27
13
Original post
by ajj2000As a note (I've been a qualified accountant for over 30 years...) - I've never used or seen Xero or Quickbooks and hardly used Sage. Nothing wrong with learning how accounting software works but it won't particularly help you with job applications for grad schemes or for internships. I'd absolutely not spend any money on learning these while a student. There are some scammy training companies out there.
Absolutely every accountant I know uses excel every day. Very much a skill to develop as part of your studies.
Power BI is widely used and might be a really great thing to learn about if the university has licenses. There is a free version available with more limited functionality which might be fun to play with?
Absolutely every accountant I know uses excel every day. Very much a skill to develop as part of your studies.
Power BI is widely used and might be a really great thing to learn about if the university has licenses. There is a free version available with more limited functionality which might be fun to play with?
Thank you for sharing this. If you are comfortable, would you mind sharing your accounting journey? As I have a mild idea of what my journey looks like in the future but not a solid plan. I plan to do ACA or ACCA then maybe do audit but I haven't done all my research about the exit opportunities and all the stuff like that.
Reply 28
Original post
by rayaanshahid10hi there just wondering as a high school student how ur planning to learn these accounting software's, cause I'm pretty sure u need to work within a business to actually use them?
Sage: you can do an online certificate through CIMA or do any accredited computerised bookkeeping course. See:
https://www.sagequalifications.com/Shop/product-detail/cima-accredited-sage-certificate
https://www.sagequalifications.com/Shop/product-detail/cima-accredited-sage-higher-certificate
For the rest, I have yet to find out since they don't really do courses. Most of the time, you can look for tutorials on YouTube, otherwise read their help section. Having said that, it's difficult to get acquainted with the software unless you use it (can you imagine learning Excel only through YouTube videos?).
Reply 29
Original post
by Golden_RoofYes, I plan to start this September.
I bought the A Level Economics textbook as I was reviewing my modules and there's some macro and micro in there and I hadn't done it at A Level or GCSE so didn't want to be disadvantaged. I will then also buy the A Level Business book and review it. Thank you for suggesting this.
Yes, the year in industry is something I am very focused on getting. Idm the firm big or small, I just want to get a good year in industry, learn and develop skills. My end game aim is to get a graduate offer from that company or another, so that's why I chose the year in the industry option. It's also for the work experience as I currently have none to my name, only have virtual work exp.
I bought the A Level Economics textbook as I was reviewing my modules and there's some macro and micro in there and I hadn't done it at A Level or GCSE so didn't want to be disadvantaged. I will then also buy the A Level Business book and review it. Thank you for suggesting this.
Yes, the year in industry is something I am very focused on getting. Idm the firm big or small, I just want to get a good year in industry, learn and develop skills. My end game aim is to get a graduate offer from that company or another, so that's why I chose the year in the industry option. It's also for the work experience as I currently have none to my name, only have virtual work exp.
You probably won't need the Economics textbook. The single economics module that you would be doing is covering basic economics and it's something even newbies to economics can understand i.e. they will teach you from the ground up, which is why they don't ask for any specific A Level subjects in their entry requirements. The most widely quoted textbook for your economics module is probably Principles of Macroeconomics by N Gregory Mankiw. This is probably a better book to get (try to get it second hand when you do the module), since it's more aligned with what they would be teaching you and what you actually need (it's also a good book).
In terms of A Level Business, you won't need it. Whilst a lot of the accounting degree covers various areas of A Level Business (and arguably essentially A Level Accounting with a bit of university level theory), it's a bit much for a straight accounting degree. If you end up doing a joint business or management degree, then you will quickly discover it's a straight regurgitation of A Level Business.
You would probably want to get a place in a big firm. You would need to be on your toes working in a small firm and you would get less support. Look at internships, and make sure you start looking from Year 1; they have early deadlines and they go quick.
(edited 9 months ago)
Reply 30
20
Original post
by Golden_RoofYes, I plan to start this September.
I bought the A Level Economics textbook as I was reviewing my modules and there's some macro and micro in there and I hadn't done it at A Level or GCSE so didn't want to be disadvantaged. I will then also buy the A Level Business book and review it. Thank you for suggesting this.
Yes, the year in industry is something I am very focused on getting. Idm the firm big or small, I just want to get a good year in industry, learn and develop skills. My end game aim is to get a graduate offer from that company or another, so that's why I chose the year in the industry option. It's also for the work experience as I currently have none to my name, only have virtual work exp.
I bought the A Level Economics textbook as I was reviewing my modules and there's some macro and micro in there and I hadn't done it at A Level or GCSE so didn't want to be disadvantaged. I will then also buy the A Level Business book and review it. Thank you for suggesting this.
Yes, the year in industry is something I am very focused on getting. Idm the firm big or small, I just want to get a good year in industry, learn and develop skills. My end game aim is to get a graduate offer from that company or another, so that's why I chose the year in the industry option. It's also for the work experience as I currently have none to my name, only have virtual work exp.
One thing to really make a habit as soon as you start at university is to visit the careers centre and get advice from them and learn what resources they have. A lot of companies and accounting firms have sessions for students - you want to be aware of them. Therefore drop into the careers centre at least every second week (plus see if they have a website you can check each day) to see if there are any events which might be of value to you.
Year in industry application (especially for accounting firms but also for jobs in industry) tend to open in September of your second year (for 3 year degrees). These are not like university applications where you get equal consideration up to some deadline date. Companies can and do close applications or stop reviewing applications if they receive an adequate number of applications. So apply early if able to!
So - you need to be in a position to submit a good application in about 14 months time.
With that in mind:
•
first year grades matter as they will be part of your application! Don't listen to people who tell you that first year doesn't count.
•
You should be looking for activities to put on your CV/ application forms which demonstrate that you would be a desirable recruit for the types of jobs you might look for. You want to be able to develop and demonstrate desirable skills. These might be teamwork (sports teams for example), leadership (positions in your hall of residence / societies etc), being good company and sociable plus being able to work with a cross section of people (so lots of social activities).
•
Real, paid work experience both looks good on applications and also massively helps with many of the application and interview questions you might receive. Aim for things which sound busy and team work based - so supermarkets, hospitality etc. It really is worth job hunting early and using this summer to pick up saleable skills.
As a note large accounting firms tend to use their summer internships (after second year for most English courses) as a big part of their graduate recruitment. So - even if you decide you don't want a years placement you would still be applying for these schemes in the Sept at the start of the second year. More reasons to look into building a strong application!
•
f
Reply 31
13
Original post
by MindMax2000You probably won't need the Economics textbook. The single economics module that you would be doing is covering basic economics and it's something even newbies to economics can understand i.e. they will teach you from the ground up, which is why they don't ask for any specific A Level subjects in their entry requirements. The most widely quoted textbook for your economics module is probably Principles of Macroeconomics by N Gregory Mankiw. This is probably a better book to get (try to get it second hand when you do the module), since it's more aligned with what they would be teaching you and what you actually need (it's also a good book).
In terms of A Level Business, you won't need it. Whilst a lot of the accounting degree covers various areas of A Level Business (and arguably essentially A Level Accounting with a bit of university level theory), it's a bit much for a straight accounting degree. If you end up doing a joint business or management degree, then you will quickly discover it's a straight regurgitation of A Level Business.
You would probably want to get a place in a big firm. You would need to be on your toes working in a small firm and you would get less support. Look at internships, and make sure you start looking from Year 1; they have early deadlines and they go quick.
In terms of A Level Business, you won't need it. Whilst a lot of the accounting degree covers various areas of A Level Business (and arguably essentially A Level Accounting with a bit of university level theory), it's a bit much for a straight accounting degree. If you end up doing a joint business or management degree, then you will quickly discover it's a straight regurgitation of A Level Business.
You would probably want to get a place in a big firm. You would need to be on your toes working in a small firm and you would get less support. Look at internships, and make sure you start looking from Year 1; they have early deadlines and they go quick.
Thank you, my course does have a management part so I think I will buy it just in case. Also, for internships, do you have any good and reliable websites for them?
Reply 32
13
Original post
by ajj2000For the year in industry its worth thinking about the application process and working backwards to be well prepared.
One thing to really make a habit as soon as you start at university is to visit the careers centre and get advice from them and learn what resources they have. A lot of companies and accounting firms have sessions for students - you want to be aware of them. Therefore drop into the careers centre at least every second week (plus see if they have a website you can check each day) to see if there are any events which might be of value to you.
Year in industry application (especially for accounting firms but also for jobs in industry) tend to open in September of your second year (for 3 year degrees). These are not like university applications where you get equal consideration up to some deadline date. Companies can and do close applications or stop reviewing applications if they receive an adequate number of applications. So apply early if able to!
So - you need to be in a position to submit a good application in about 14 months time.
With that in mind:
As a note large accounting firms tend to use their summer internships (after second year for most English courses) as a big part of their graduate recruitment. So - even if you decide you don't want a years placement you would still be applying for these schemes in the Sept at the start of the second year. More reasons to look into building a strong application!
One thing to really make a habit as soon as you start at university is to visit the careers centre and get advice from them and learn what resources they have. A lot of companies and accounting firms have sessions for students - you want to be aware of them. Therefore drop into the careers centre at least every second week (plus see if they have a website you can check each day) to see if there are any events which might be of value to you.
Year in industry application (especially for accounting firms but also for jobs in industry) tend to open in September of your second year (for 3 year degrees). These are not like university applications where you get equal consideration up to some deadline date. Companies can and do close applications or stop reviewing applications if they receive an adequate number of applications. So apply early if able to!
So - you need to be in a position to submit a good application in about 14 months time.
With that in mind:
•
first year grades matter as they will be part of your application! Don't listen to people who tell you that first year doesn't count.
•
You should be looking for activities to put on your CV/ application forms which demonstrate that you would be a desirable recruit for the types of jobs you might look for. You want to be able to develop and demonstrate desirable skills. These might be teamwork (sports teams for example), leadership (positions in your hall of residence / societies etc), being good company and sociable plus being able to work with a cross section of people (so lots of social activities).
•
Real, paid work experience both looks good on applications and also massively helps with many of the application and interview questions you might receive. Aim for things which sound busy and team work based - so supermarkets, hospitality etc. It really is worth job hunting early and using this summer to pick up saleable skills.
As a note large accounting firms tend to use their summer internships (after second year for most English courses) as a big part of their graduate recruitment. So - even if you decide you don't want a years placement you would still be applying for these schemes in the Sept at the start of the second year. More reasons to look into building a strong application!
•
f
Thank you for all of this, I didn't know most of this, so thank you very much. I do have jobs lined up for my first year, which is a receptionist in a dentist or a server in a coffee shop. Which one would you recommend?
I plan to join some societies to write on my CV for the stuff that you mentioned.
Do you have any good website or apps or anything that has a list of internships and information on when they open? Or programmes that provide experience?
Reply 33
Original post
by Golden_RoofThank you for all of this, I didn't know most of this, so thank you very much. I do have jobs lined up for my first year, which is a receptionist in a dentist or a server in a coffee shop. Which one would you recommend?
I plan to join some societies to write on my CV for the stuff that you mentioned.
Do you have any good website or apps or anything that has a list of internships and information on when they open? Or programmes that provide experience?
I plan to join some societies to write on my CV for the stuff that you mentioned.
Do you have any good website or apps or anything that has a list of internships and information on when they open? Or programmes that provide experience?
use the bristol tracker trust me
Reply 34
20
Original post
by Golden_RoofThank you for all of this, I didn't know most of this, so thank you very much. I do have jobs lined up for my first year, which is a receptionist in a dentist or a server in a coffee shop. Which one would you recommend?
I plan to join some societies to write on my CV for the stuff that you mentioned.
Do you have any good website or apps or anything that has a list of internships and information on when they open? Or programmes that provide experience?
I plan to join some societies to write on my CV for the stuff that you mentioned.
Do you have any good website or apps or anything that has a list of internships and information on when they open? Or programmes that provide experience?
Reply 35
13
Original post
by ajj2000Do you have any geographic restrictions or preferences towards where you might look to work for your first job on graduation? That can make a difference.
I can only get a job in Birmingham and Nottingham or anywhere near them that's close as I have places to live in both cities.
Reply 36
20
Original post
by Golden_RoofI can only get a job in Birmingham and Nottingham or anywhere near them that's close as I have places to live in both cities.
Loads of options between the two!
A few things you might consider:
•
your university careers centre will probably be a good place to enquire about internships and year in industry placements. Your department will probably also have contacts.
•
Most accounting firms advertise positions around Sept for the next Sept intake. You could google 'top 50/ top 100 accounting firms uk' and see which show year in industry schemes and summer internships in the cities you prefer. Most will. That helps you to have a list of websites and ideas about which might have suitable openings for when the applications open.
•
Government/ civil service type schemes tend to use their own website. You can set up an account on civil service jobs and get daily emails which may give some ideas.
•
For jobs in industry - not so sure. I think a lot of companies advertise on their websites and also through university careers centres. Perhaps ask around when you start and see which have recruited people on your course so you can learn a bit about the companies? Also try to make a list of companies with head quarters or large regional centres in the cities you prefer. I think sites like gradcracker, rate my placement, and target jobs are worth checking also.
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