Getting into practice with little experience

Anonymous wrote

Dear Doctor,

I am CIMA finalist, ACIS, MAAT, Pg dip in finance and Accounting.

I worked local authority finance for 18 years, been made redundant two years ago. Since then I worked as Temp for District Council finance for about 7 months. I have been trying to get new contract but having no luck .

I am a British Asian. I have used different computerised Accounting system, eg SAP, Cedar financial.I have used Excel, Word in my previous position.I have successfully completed SAGE line 50 course run by a firm of chartered Accountants and passed City and Guild Examination in Computerised Accounting.

I want to get in to small Accounting Practice who prepare accounts from incomplete records, VAT return, and related accounting and Tax works.

I have applied to many Firms , but most of them ask for few years practical experience, which I do not have, though I am confident of picking up the skills quickly. I have also applied to small to medium businesses to work as Assistant Accountant/ book keeper, but so far I have not been offered any positon.I am over 50 years but below 60 years of age.

Please advise me what else do I need to do to get back to Job market either in Practice or Commerce. Look forward hearing from you.


A consultant in Marks Sattin's public practice division replied:

Unfortunately finding roles in practice is extremely difficult if you do not have any experience in a client facing role. Even candidates that have trained /worked in practice and then move to commerce and industry find it hard to move back to practice. My advice would be to pursue a career in Public Sector as it is an area where you have experience.

If you have your heart set on practice though it might be useful to approach sole practitioners or small firms in your local area as these are the most likely options for you. You can find contact details of all registered practices on the ACCA and ICAEW websites.