When you think of a bookkeeper, what comes to mind? If it’s a meek, middle-aged person with a lack of personality, you’re probably not alone! In truth people of all ages, backgrounds and characters study bookkeeping; including 22-year-old Rebecca, who works in her family business and is enrolled on our AAT Bookkeeping Levels 1, 2 and 3 course.
We spoke to Rebecca to find out more.
What’s your background in terms of education?
I left school in 2013 with 8 GCSEs. I started studying English Literature and Language, Media Studies and Classical Civilisation A Levels at sixth form but dropped out in my second year. Some issues in my personal life meant that unfortunately, I was unable to continue studying at college. I found out about distance learning and chose to study bookkeeping with Open Study College to become an AAT qualified bookkeeper.
What made you want to study bookkeeping?
I work at my family’s business and was working under our previous accountant as a type of assistant. When he retired, it was agreed between the business and myself that I would step into the role, as I already had an understanding of the financial functions and the company. To develop this knowledge further, I would study towards my bookkeeping exams so that I understood everything I needed to do in my new role as bookkeeper at the business.
What was your motivation for studying?
GCSEs are essential; you don’t get a choice in the matter, you just have to do them. My A Levels were my choice but I didn’t finish them. I wanted to try another method of studying so I could do something for myself. I wanted all of my hard work and determination to show that I can accomplish something if I put my mind to it and commit to it, and actually finished a course to achieve a qualification.
Why did you choose distance learning over traditional study methods?
Working full time is hard enough, so trying to then fit in a course at a college during their restricted hours is just too difficult. Distance learning gives me the flexibility to study bookkeeping when I have time – during my breaks at work, in the evening, at weekends, or even on a train journey! As long as I have my study material, I can learn wherever I am.
Why did you choose to study bookkeeping with Open Study College?
The wide range of qualifications, the flexibility with your studies and your exams, and the fact that you have your own dedicated tutor who is always on hand. It might also help that I’m from Birmingham and OSC is a Birmingham business, not that I’m biased.
What have you enjoyed most about your studies?
That feeling when you get the results back and it shows that you’ve passed. There is no better feeling than knowing all your hard work has paid off. Even though going to an exam centre to sit your exam is daunting, you feel so proud of yourself when you leave knowing that you’re one step closer to achieving your qualification.
What do you plan to do with your course after completing your studies?
Once I’ve completed my studies I hope I can put the skills I’ve learnt to good use, and have more of an understanding of the role I’ll be progressing in.
Do you plan to study any further in the future?
Definitely! I might take a bit of time out so that I’m exam-free for a while, but I do have my mindset on the idea of an accountancy qualification.
What are your career goals?
Who knows just yet!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Never think that distance learning is less of an achievement than other types of learning. You come out with the same qualification as anyone else studying for that same subject, and you’re just as clever. People thrive in all sorts of different ways of learning.