What's the better job - a chef or accountant?
I am considering both, I live in the UK and both are wanted in Australia so that's good. I wanna live there within the next 5/10 years. I like both professions. But accounting maybe boring I am more of a "doing" person and don't mind being on my feet for a lot of the day.
Other - Education - 6 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
chef, but it's up to you.
Answer 2 :
chef
Answer 3 :
my cousing had a similiar choice and she picked a chef, she is doing wonderful and it is fun... thats what i would pick as well.
Answer 4 :
Definitely chef. It's a great job that allows you to express your creativity and cooking skills are always a plus. However it's really up to you, Good Luck!!!!
Answer 5 :
On the other hand, accountants make more money, have regular hours, and so they have a life.
Answer 6 :
Pick Chef! Your all day's hard work will paid off when you hear someone's praising your cooking/creation. No matter how tired you are, I guarantee, it'll bring you a certain happiness, or at least you'll smile : )
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Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
How to become an accountant?
How to become an accountant?
Hi, i am now in a position in life where i will need to retrain in the next 3 yrs. Having always had an affinity with numbers i am thinking of accounts & in time becoming an accountant, could anyone tell me the best way of getting into this. Thanks.
United Kingdom - 4 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
This depends on which part of accountancy you want to go into. The short answer, is to train for the ACA qualification (generally, this will require university graduation, however, may be possible if you have good A-Level/Higher/Equivalent results, at the centre's discretion). From there, you take further advanced and specialist training based upon your interests, and find a job.
Answer 2 :
Following the first answer above, it very much depends on your existing qualifications. The easiest way is to apply for a gradualte job at one of the largest acountancy firms. A list of these can be found on the following site: http://www.accountancyage.com/resources/top50 This is assuming you're from the UK! In the US you need an accountancy degree.
Answer 3 :
Link to learning might point you in the right direction.
Answer 4 :
It depends on what field of accountancy you wish to enter, and also what level you are capable of achieving. Some people have the idea that they want to be an accountant because they are drawn by the prospect of high salaries and prestige. Only those that reach the higher levels of the profession attain the top financial rewards. For many, even those that are qualified the salaries are of course above the national average, but not necessarily that brilliant when you consider the amount of training that is required. That said, there are many opportunities for accountants, including working in private practice, in industry as a company accountant, or in the public sector. You should consider your future aspirations when looking at the qualification that you choose. There are six CCAB bodies which are the professional accountancy bodies. These are the ACCA, ICAEW, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAS and ICAI. In England and Wales, people pursuing private practice roles traditionally opt for ACCA or ICAEW. Industry, its CIMA and public practice its CIPFA. (The other two are Scotland and Ireland, so may be those if thats where you live) If you do not have A levels or a degree in accountancy, you may choose to begin your training with one of the technician level qualifications such as AAT or CAT (see ACCA for CAT). However, if you are starting without at least A-levels, you need to honestly consider if you have the academic ability to pursue the CCAB qualifications. You cannot register without a minimum academic qualificaiton (see each body's own site for entry requirements), however the AAT provides a "springboard" onto the professional qualifications - this qualification is acceptable as an entry requirement for all CCAB bodies I believe - you would have to check though! It should also be said that you need to consider your current financial and family committments - as with all training positions, the salary at entry level is not brilliant - think carefully about it. It also depends on whether you are intending on funding your courses yourself, or if you expect a prospective employer to fund it, You cannot learn to be accountant by just going to college and completing a course, even if you achieve the professional qualification. There is an enormous amount of on the job training that goes with it. As with all professions, you cannot learn to be an accountant by just study alone. When I was studying for my ACCA qualification there were several people on the course that had funded it themselves and succeeded at the exams, however they were not in any position to be employed as they had no practical experience. Depending on your personal circumstances, one of the best ways to train to be an accountant is to obtain a training position, in your chosen field. Both large and small practices offer training contracts. I believe public practice does too. If you want to become a company accountant in industry, there is less emphasis (in smaller companies in any case) on the qualification, and more emphasis on whether you can do the job. You need to gain the practical skills at a lower level, and work your way up.You are much less likely to find a company that will provide study support. If this is where you see yourself, you need to think seriously about starting as a purchase or sales ledger clerk, or general accounts assistant, and gaining some experience, before moving onto nominal ledger work, and then perhaps budgets and cashflows. In practice, you would start as a junior, where your pay would be probably much lower than in industry, but you would be getting some kind of study support. You would perform the more mundane aspects of accounts preparation, assist on audits, and gradually, as you pass your exams you would take more responsibility and do more of the work. You would work up to semi senior (part qualified) and then senior (qualified). If after all this, you still think you want to be an accountant, then go for it, and good luck - it can be a great career, and can be financially rewarding, however do not go into it for money - you may not earn as much as you think! It really depends on what level you achieve. To get a taster, what about attending a book-keeping course - most local colleges run short courses, which would be beneficial to you in any case before you start any formal training. You can then ask advice from your tutor, they are often accountants with many years experience in the profession. Sorry for the long post, but there is such a lot to consider, hope you found it helpful, and good luck
Read more other entries :
Hi, i am now in a position in life where i will need to retrain in the next 3 yrs. Having always had an affinity with numbers i am thinking of accounts & in time becoming an accountant, could anyone tell me the best way of getting into this. Thanks.
United Kingdom - 4 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
This depends on which part of accountancy you want to go into. The short answer, is to train for the ACA qualification (generally, this will require university graduation, however, may be possible if you have good A-Level/Higher/Equivalent results, at the centre's discretion). From there, you take further advanced and specialist training based upon your interests, and find a job.
Answer 2 :
Following the first answer above, it very much depends on your existing qualifications. The easiest way is to apply for a gradualte job at one of the largest acountancy firms. A list of these can be found on the following site: http://www.accountancyage.com/resources/top50 This is assuming you're from the UK! In the US you need an accountancy degree.
Answer 3 :
Link to learning might point you in the right direction.
Answer 4 :
It depends on what field of accountancy you wish to enter, and also what level you are capable of achieving. Some people have the idea that they want to be an accountant because they are drawn by the prospect of high salaries and prestige. Only those that reach the higher levels of the profession attain the top financial rewards. For many, even those that are qualified the salaries are of course above the national average, but not necessarily that brilliant when you consider the amount of training that is required. That said, there are many opportunities for accountants, including working in private practice, in industry as a company accountant, or in the public sector. You should consider your future aspirations when looking at the qualification that you choose. There are six CCAB bodies which are the professional accountancy bodies. These are the ACCA, ICAEW, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAS and ICAI. In England and Wales, people pursuing private practice roles traditionally opt for ACCA or ICAEW. Industry, its CIMA and public practice its CIPFA. (The other two are Scotland and Ireland, so may be those if thats where you live) If you do not have A levels or a degree in accountancy, you may choose to begin your training with one of the technician level qualifications such as AAT or CAT (see ACCA for CAT). However, if you are starting without at least A-levels, you need to honestly consider if you have the academic ability to pursue the CCAB qualifications. You cannot register without a minimum academic qualificaiton (see each body's own site for entry requirements), however the AAT provides a "springboard" onto the professional qualifications - this qualification is acceptable as an entry requirement for all CCAB bodies I believe - you would have to check though! It should also be said that you need to consider your current financial and family committments - as with all training positions, the salary at entry level is not brilliant - think carefully about it. It also depends on whether you are intending on funding your courses yourself, or if you expect a prospective employer to fund it, You cannot learn to be accountant by just going to college and completing a course, even if you achieve the professional qualification. There is an enormous amount of on the job training that goes with it. As with all professions, you cannot learn to be an accountant by just study alone. When I was studying for my ACCA qualification there were several people on the course that had funded it themselves and succeeded at the exams, however they were not in any position to be employed as they had no practical experience. Depending on your personal circumstances, one of the best ways to train to be an accountant is to obtain a training position, in your chosen field. Both large and small practices offer training contracts. I believe public practice does too. If you want to become a company accountant in industry, there is less emphasis (in smaller companies in any case) on the qualification, and more emphasis on whether you can do the job. You need to gain the practical skills at a lower level, and work your way up.You are much less likely to find a company that will provide study support. If this is where you see yourself, you need to think seriously about starting as a purchase or sales ledger clerk, or general accounts assistant, and gaining some experience, before moving onto nominal ledger work, and then perhaps budgets and cashflows. In practice, you would start as a junior, where your pay would be probably much lower than in industry, but you would be getting some kind of study support. You would perform the more mundane aspects of accounts preparation, assist on audits, and gradually, as you pass your exams you would take more responsibility and do more of the work. You would work up to semi senior (part qualified) and then senior (qualified). If after all this, you still think you want to be an accountant, then go for it, and good luck - it can be a great career, and can be financially rewarding, however do not go into it for money - you may not earn as much as you think! It really depends on what level you achieve. To get a taster, what about attending a book-keeping course - most local colleges run short courses, which would be beneficial to you in any case before you start any formal training. You can then ask advice from your tutor, they are often accountants with many years experience in the profession. Sorry for the long post, but there is such a lot to consider, hope you found it helpful, and good luck
Read more other entries :
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Do i have to take 'accounting' at a-level to become an Accountant?
Do i have to take 'accounting' at a-level to become an Accountant?
I have decided to take Maths at A-level, but not Accounting, so I was just wondering whether or not I have to take Accounting at A-level to do it as a degree at University.
Higher Education (University +) - 4 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
Go to the website(s) of the university/univerisities that you're interested in and see their requirements, see if they need an accounting a level or not. They most likely do but there's a chance that they won't.
Answer 2 :
No! In fact accounting is seen as a 'weak' A level, in comparison to maths, English, languages, sciences etc, even when applying for a related course. Maths is perfect, and will be the only A level that uni's will specifically require for an accounting degree. To be honest a lot of schools don't even offer accounting at A level, so it couldn't be compulsory even if it was 'respected'. I can guarantee no university will ask for accounting specifically.
Answer 3 :
no... just check requirments out but not at all just do well in your alevels
Answer 4 :
It depends which country do you plan on attending university. I completed O`Levels with Principles of Accounting and then went straight to college in USA because in USA, high school is equivalent to O`Levels. Anyway, when I started college in USA, I had to start Accounting from scratch (the double-entry system). So, I am assuming if you plan to go to college in Britain, it should be the same thing. Just to make sure, you should double check with the college you plan to go to. You can check the course descriptions of the basic accounting classes.
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I have decided to take Maths at A-level, but not Accounting, so I was just wondering whether or not I have to take Accounting at A-level to do it as a degree at University.
Higher Education (University +) - 4 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
Go to the website(s) of the university/univerisities that you're interested in and see their requirements, see if they need an accounting a level or not. They most likely do but there's a chance that they won't.
Answer 2 :
No! In fact accounting is seen as a 'weak' A level, in comparison to maths, English, languages, sciences etc, even when applying for a related course. Maths is perfect, and will be the only A level that uni's will specifically require for an accounting degree. To be honest a lot of schools don't even offer accounting at A level, so it couldn't be compulsory even if it was 'respected'. I can guarantee no university will ask for accounting specifically.
Answer 3 :
no... just check requirments out but not at all just do well in your alevels
Answer 4 :
It depends which country do you plan on attending university. I completed O`Levels with Principles of Accounting and then went straight to college in USA because in USA, high school is equivalent to O`Levels. Anyway, when I started college in USA, I had to start Accounting from scratch (the double-entry system). So, I am assuming if you plan to go to college in Britain, it should be the same thing. Just to make sure, you should double check with the college you plan to go to. You can check the course descriptions of the basic accounting classes.
Read more other entries :
Thursday, March 1, 2012
If i prepare my accounts to profit/loss and take it to an accountant to complete tax return how much would I ?
If i prepare my accounts to profit/loss and take it to an accountant to complete tax return how much would I ?
be expected to pay him/her?
Other - Business & Finance - 3 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
That's negotiable. If you've done the hard bit, why get an accountant to do the easy bit? Completing a tax return is much easier than preparing your P&L - especially if you do it online.
Answer 2 :
Too much. Seriously, you have done all the hard work. It will take you no more than a couple of hours to do the rest yourself, there's a free Government advice phone line if there's anything you don't understand, you can do it online and instantly get told what your tax balance is. No way should you pay an accountant what would probably be hundreds of pounds for something that would take you a couple of hours.
Answer 3 :
Its negotiable but it will be much less than if the firm had to put your accounts together themselves. I ran a small business for a while and found that keeping your own basic accounts well managed, and doing much of the work means that you understand your business better, and you reduce the cost of the accountant. A good accountant./ tax return firm will often be able to get their charge offset in some way.
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be expected to pay him/her?
Other - Business & Finance - 3 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
That's negotiable. If you've done the hard bit, why get an accountant to do the easy bit? Completing a tax return is much easier than preparing your P&L - especially if you do it online.
Answer 2 :
Too much. Seriously, you have done all the hard work. It will take you no more than a couple of hours to do the rest yourself, there's a free Government advice phone line if there's anything you don't understand, you can do it online and instantly get told what your tax balance is. No way should you pay an accountant what would probably be hundreds of pounds for something that would take you a couple of hours.
Answer 3 :
Its negotiable but it will be much less than if the firm had to put your accounts together themselves. I ran a small business for a while and found that keeping your own basic accounts well managed, and doing much of the work means that you understand your business better, and you reduce the cost of the accountant. A good accountant./ tax return firm will often be able to get their charge offset in some way.
Read more other entries :
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