getting a trainee accountant job in practice!

Could anyone please tell me how difficult it really is to gain a trainee position in a small or medium sized practice. I have been sending my cv to numerous accounting firms who have advertised positions as well as a couple of agencies. I'm not getting very far though I havent had one interview yet and am really starting to worry after studying for 4 years. I,m currently working in sales and am extremely eager to get out and dont mind the salary drop, can anyone offer any advice to me at all, greatly appreciated.

They like to take newly graduated persons where possible. What kind of quals have you?

Have you tried the getting into accounts payable route with a company and taking it from there (likely to mean you will have to rule ICAI out but could do CIMA or ACCA)

have a BA in business with a few acca exemptions, no i have looked at accounts payable but all these roles require 1-2 years experience its a catch 22 at this stage im thinking of returning to study something different, didnt think it would be this difficult!

Hi Smarty,
My partner finished her degree in 2005. That Nov she started got a trainee position in practise on her 3rd try. Like yourself she had a few ACCA exemptions. She finished all the other ACCA exams in Feb gone and started a new job with a new practise yest and I think her old job are looking for a new trainee. Mail me if you want the name of the company.

Ian

Its hard!

Im currently in the same boat although i have 9 ACCA exams completed.

No one will hire me as
#1- They think i want to much money
#2- After i say il take a drop they dont believe that you can really hack it (trainee wages are like 18k can you live on that?? )
#3 they look for people thay can mould, who have no experience at all in a/c

Im finding it very very hard to get a job in practice, - where industruy are crying out for people!

Frankly im completely confused as to what to do!

Hey Jeny,

I had a similar scenarioi like you,I graduated college last year getting 9 exemptions for ACCA and got a job in fund accounting straight after my exams. It wasnt really for me as I wanted do a professional accountancy qualification like ACCA. So moved into practice 3 months ago taking a 7k pay cut. Had less than a years experience but just really wanted a move.

In the interview I focused on how much I want to do the qualification instead of the salary aspect and it worked. Am happy as larry now going to tackle two papers in December

Just keep looking coz theres good opportunites out there!!

I'd stay out of practice alltogether if i was you. Money is rubbish. Try and get a job in industry instead.