Which Accounting route should I choose

I am 29 and I need some advice. I have 2 years experience as a Bookkeeper and I am really interested in continuing my career in this area. I only work 3 days per week and since May, I have been looking for an additional job, but so far...nothing.

I have a third level degree in Accounting and Audit from Republic of Moldova which has been recognized in the National Framework of Qualifications in Ireland to HETAC Level 7. However, I believe that my qualifications from my country are not enough. I studied the job offers on the Internet and I undesrtood that I should be a Part Qualified ACCA, CAT, or CIMA...or at least an Accounting Technician.

I am a student of ACCA. I got 4 exemptions and I tried to pass Taxation last year, but unfortunately I didn't. The courses are really expensive and I think that I should leave it and maybe I should choose something cheaper and not so difficult, like AITI.

I have send my Diploma to Accounting Technicians Ireland and I got 2 exemptions .The courses are not as expensive as ACCA. I just dont know what to choose and I dont know what the employers really prefer to have - a Part Qualified ACCA Accountant or a Fully Qualified AccountingTechnician???

I will be very grateful if you could advise me what I have to do!!!

If you like the accounting administration, cash management and detailed accounts filing work, then it would be best to have the accounting technician qualification.

The accounting technician role is well defined, and they specifically don’t want accountants to do the work – qualified accounting technicians are preferred.

For account administrators, accounts payable staff, small business bookkeeper and accounting assistants roles, the AT qualification will not go amiss. Getting it, after having trouble with your Taxation exam, will also help you feel more confident in yourself and therefore in your work – maybe the accountant thing was not meant to be!

You can study with ACCA if you wish to continue with them, or you can find other routes via the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) which is UK based. You then should be able to find a full time accountancy or cash management support role either during your AT study, or when you get qualified – either in a accountancy firm, or in a service/manufacturing organisation.

Good luck