Start Your Career in Accountancy
The accounting industry is growing at a quick pace, with businesses bouncing back and expanding, qualified accounting professionals are very sought after.
Find out about the qualifications we can offer to start your accounting career - there is still time to apply now for September!
Here’s what we can offer:
- Classes taught by lecturers with industry experience
- Gain AAT qualifications through the T Level
- Links with local employers, who are looking to give people like you a route into their organisation
- Fantastic facilities including new industry standard boardroom and refurbished classrooms and more ..
- Support available via your own tutor to help you succeed.
- All the benefits of studying at Weston College - including exclusive student discounts.
Where can an accounting course take you?
Financial and Accounting Technician, Finance Officer, Chartered or Certified Accountant, Book-keeper, Payroll Manager and Wages Clerk, Stock Control Clerk/Assistant, Financial Manager or Director
We have a friendly team ready to guide you through the process - it all starts with you making the choice to create a brighter future …
Unsure which course is right for you?
Join us on 26th April
Apply for the Accounting T Level
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
LATEST NEWS
<p>My name is Sam Matthews and I’m an Accounts manager at Brooking Ruse. My role consists of running my own client portfolio which includes a wide range of businesses, as well as assisting the directors with their more complex clients. I also line manage our accounting apprentices.<img alt="Sam smiling at camera outside" data-align="right" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64556280-0558-4b5d-904d-b43fee6ab2c9" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Sam%20Smaller.jpg" /></p>
<p>I decided to become an accountant during my second year at university. I had visited Brooking Ruse on work experience whilst at school, which evolved into some paid seasonal work during the summer holidays – so it was a no-brainer when I was offered a graduate trainee role.</p>
<p>Accountancy involves a lot of maths, and this wasn’t something that I was initially interested in, or considered pursuing until I sat my GCSESs when I surprised myself with good grades! My interest in maths certainly developed over time after that.</p>
<p>Being an accountant is challenging but rewarding.</p>
<p>Becoming an accountant gives you access to a wide range of industry sectors and job roles. I knew that if I didn’t enjoy working in general practice then I could look to move into industry as a management accountant. I could also have chosen to specialise within a particular area such as audit, tax, or insolvency, etc.</p>
<p>Once you’ve done your bit it’s then time to communicate with the client. This can be a great opportunity to build professional relationships and meet people you’d have otherwise never met.</p>
<p>There are lots of great things about the job – I really enjoy meeting with clients to understand their goals and working with them to ensure they’re achieved. I’ve taken on a couple of clients recently who found themselves in a spot of bother – seeing the relief on their faces when the matters were resolved was a great feeling.</p>
<p>If you’re thinking of becoming an accountant, my advice is to go for it!</p>
<p>Accountancy qualifications are a passport to anywhere – every business needs someone financially-minded so there are infinite possibilities.</p>
<p>I also think there’s a myth that you need A Level or degree standard maths skills; you really don’t. What’s more important is being able to approach problems with logical and structured thinking…. our calculators do the sums for us!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… like Sam you’d like to become an accountant, you can start your journey with our T Level in accountancy, click here to find out more.</a></p>
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<p>Our collaboration with <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/online-and-on-campus">AAT </a>provides the perfect blend of learning, between Online and On-Campus, to allow you to gain your qualification in Accounting. Another great delivery of this course is through the Apprenticeship, where you'll spend time both in the classroom and in the workplace. This flexible approach means apprentices can choose how, when and where they want to study.</p><p>We heard from Michelle, who completed the AAT Apprenticeship, and told us about her experience!</p><h3>Why did you decide to study an AAT?</h3><p>After my daughter was born (I was 28 at that time) I had an opportunity to work as an accounts assistant carrying out basic bookkeeping. I knew if I wanted further my career in the accounting industry I would require a qualification. Weston College was offering Level AAT courses which I attended during one day each week. I completed Level 2,3 and 4 at Weston college with the encouragement from my tutor, Sarah. Even during the pandemic, Weston college helped support us with online sessions.</p><h3>Did your employers offer you the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship or was this something you decided to complete?</h3><p>It was my own decision to pursue the AAT qualification as I had self-doubted and low self-esteem when it came to my education. But, I knew there was more for me out in the world and AAT would open so many doors for my future.</p><h3>How did you find the apprenticeship?</h3><p>From the support & encouragement from both my tutor Sarah and class friends it felt like a great achievement. I’m really proud to have completed my AAT however it was down to my hard work and dedication. I also have made friends for life through the classes.</p><h3>How long did it take to complete?</h3><p>I completed level 2,3 & 4 over 3 years.</p><h3>How often did you have to complete apprenticeship work?</h3><p>I juggled all my study time around family life, especially considering I had a new born, and it was tough. I spent the majority of my evenings and weekends revising, but I made sure to make time. Each AAT exam will test your knowledge and it’s not just multiple selection boxes, AAT want you to know the understanding behind the question and how you have come to the decision you’ve made. Working in an accounting environment, it’s really important you have the understanding and knowledge to be able to advise and back up your decisions with the correct information.</p><h3>How have you utilised the skills you developed during the apprenticeship?</h3><p>All the skills that I developed on the course have been utilised, from double entry bookkeeping, payroll, Excel and accounting software.</p><h3>Since completing the apprenticeship, has it helped you to progress your career?</h3><p>Since completing my AAT, and becoming MAAT, all thanks from the support of Weston College, I have set up my own bookkeeping practice called Michelle Clarks Advanced Bookkeeping Services, as well as working for a really cool accounting firm in Weston Super Mare called “Neil’s Data Consultancy”. Having the support from not only an employer and as well as being my own boss, I have the best of both worlds that works for me. I enjoy meeting new clients and being able to encourage them to grow their own business.</p><h3>Were there any specific highlights of the apprenticeship?</h3><p>Attending my Graduation at Weston College was the biggest highlight and made me reflect on the hard work I put in to the AAT course. Wearing the gown and having a day of celebration felt amazing. Weston College went above and beyond for our graduation, celebrating everyone’s achievements.</p><h3>What would you say to someone considering following in your footsteps?</h3><p>Do it, don’t hold back. I recommend the apprenticeship to anyone to gain their AAT qualification at Weston College, it can open so many career paths for your future.</p><p>Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams. If the dreams for your future don't scare you, they aren’t big enough!</p><p><em>Michelle</em></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/online-and-on-campus">If you're interested in learning more about AAT qualifications, click here!</a></p><p> </p>