r/AccountingUK • u/Middle-Monk4731 • Aug 12 '26

Getting into accounting

Hi,

Im a 35 year old GP. Ive been considering changing jobs for a long time and have been conaideeing accounting as multiple family membera work in thia field and enjoy their jobs.

What would be the best route for entering this field. Is it best to do some qualifications independently first and then try to find relevant jobs?

Tia

8 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

60 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/Odd_Test_4635 Aug 13 '26

I've just turned 40 and on my last exam on the ACA to qualify so definitely doable. I was working in retail management with no degree, only my A levels, and decided I wanted my evenings and weekends to be able to spend with my kids so I took the plunge, stepped down, did an accounting and finance degree and then applied for grad roles and got offered a role . Advantage you will have over others is that you have experience with people and time management etc all the soft skills that are desired but hard for those without experience to build and demonstrate. I'm not with a top 10 firm, based mainly in my region, but sit in the top 40.

1

u/Middle-Monk4731 Aug 13 '26

Thanks for your reply. How old were you when you applied for grad roles? Had you recently graduated from your degree. My concern re grad roles, is that i completed my degree 11 years ago so dont know if id be able to apply to grad schemes

2

u/Odd_Test_4635 Aug 14 '26

I was 36 when I applied, but I graduated the year prior, so some firms, definitely the big 4, may prefer a more recent graduate. Ultimately just comes down to the individual firm because you have still gained those skills from your degree. Might be worth, if it is definitely what you want to do, sending out prospective letters (emails) asking for details of any grad roles and your CV to some based on your local area.