Hi,
I'm currently serving in the British Army and looking for a career change in accounting. During my research I came across the CIMA endorsed BA Accounting degree from Robert Gordon University with the CIMA advanced diploma.
I would be interested in taking up this course whilst being in the army, and then going into the accounting profession on completion. I have however a few questions that I hope somebody can help me out with:
1. On completion of the degree and diploma, how likely will it be to get a job without any accounting work experience?
2. What type of jobs would I be looking at?
3. What could I expect to earn at that stage?
At this stage it seems the best option for a career change, any advice is greatly appreciated.
David
David,
Have you thought of applying through the military route ie Worthy Down (or is it Shrivenham these days)? They might be the best people to ask as you would be paid the same as you are now* and get much better study support. If that's not an option, I'm told that the RG people are very helpful and they can give you good advice.
I won't answer your other questions as I would only be guessing.
Al.
*speaking as an ex-MOD civvy, that's far too much! :-) Yes, I'm jealous.
1. On completion of the degree and diploma, how likely will it be to get a job without any accounting work experience?
If you were looking at entry level accounting jobs then this would stand you in very good stead. Your experience in the Army is your main selling point and what sets you apart from normal graduates. However i'm not entriely sure how much weight employers might put on a degree earned of the back of the cima qualification. They would certainly look extremely favourably on passing the CIMA exams.
2. What type of jobs would I be looking at?
You would probably be looking at financial control jobs within industry somewhere i would expect as this is much more process based.
3. What could I expect to earn at that stage?
Entry level into financial control i would expect around 18-20k (highly dependent on location i.e. London more and sector i.e. financial services perhaps more.)
I had a couple of friends who did accelerated degrees at uni with me before taking up jobs in London in finance firms where salary's are considerably higher. Going to uni for a couple of years could be a good option?
Thanks for the advice.
I think the military route is pretty much out of question due to my current trade.
In terms of full time university that would be completly out of question due to my personal circumstances (married with two young children).
Therefore I would ideally need a job that pays at least 22k and even then I'd be taking a significant pay cut.
I think as long term investment the qualification would stand in good stead, however at those entry job salaries it seems unlikely that I would be able to take those positions on.
I think overall the RGU BA Accounting seems a good starting point, or perhaps even the ACCA Oxford Brookes BSC. I do think though that Management Accounting would suit my character a lot better.
I'm very keen to pursue this career but it does seem a hard job sector to get started in.
Would a graduate training scheme be something viable?
I appreciate your advice
David
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