Hi
I wouldn't necessarily agree with Jeny, as it's a fairly dramatic career change I would recommend the accounting technician route as its not as big a commitment - if you start ACA or ACCA and don't finish it you're forever a part-qualified accountant, if you do IATI at least you have a relevant qualification in the industry within 2 years and can get a job as a accounts assistant/bookkeeper. If you then feel that you want to progress further and increase your qualifications you can go on and do the ACA/ACCA qualifcation, hopefully with the support of a generous training package from your employer!