Want to start a career in accounting, but worried you don’t have the experience to get hired?
If you think you need years of training or a finance degree to land your first role in the sector, you’re not alone. However, it’s actually entirely possible to get started in accounting without any experience – as long as you take the right steps.
We spoke to KBM, a UK-based training provider known for combining practical accounting courses with real-world work experience, to find out how you can break into the finance industry:
Find out what entry-level accounting roles involve
Before applying for jobs, it’s important to understand the kinds of roles available to beginners – and the kinds of skills they require. Many entry-level jobs in accounting focus on basic financial admin tasks like:
- Processing invoices and receipts
- Managing spreadsheets and ledgers
- Supporting payroll or bookkeeping tasks
- Using accounting software (like Sage, Xero or QuickBooks)
Job titles to look out for include:
These roles often don’t require previous experience, as long as you can show you’re motivated and have relevant training or transferable skills.
Take a beginner-friendly course
One of the most effective ways to build confidence and boost your chances of getting hired is by completing a course designed for people starting out. Look for training that focuses on practical skills, introduces industry-standard software, and provides a clear pathway into entry-level roles.
- Some courses focus on the fundamentals of bookkeeping and payroll, helping learners understand core processes and get comfortable with systems like Sage and Xero – such as this Bookkeeping and Payroll Training course with work experience included.
- Others go a step further, offering hands-on experience with tools such as QuickBooks, IRIS and BrightPay – like this Accounting and Finance Practical Training programme.
- If you’re looking to work towards a recognised qualification, options like the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting with Xero and Payroll Training can also be a great way to build credibility while developing your knowledge.
What’s more, you don’t need to commit to years of study to get started. Many short courses are designed to be flexible and accessible, and can be completed online or alongside work.
View all accounting courses with KBM
Look for training that includes work experience
One of the biggest challenges when starting out is not having any experience on your CV – which is why training programmes that include practical work placements can make a big difference.
Some courses offer simulated work environments or real-world experience through internships or job shadowing. This can help you:
- Gain a clearer understanding of accounting processes
- Build confidence using software in a real setting
- Add genuine experience to your CV
- Stand out to employers when applying for entry-level roles
Many KBM courses, for example, include built-in work experience or access to placement opportunities alongside training.
Build your CV with real (and transferable) skills
Even if you haven’t worked in accounting before, you probably already have more relevant experience than you think.
If you’ve completed a course, include the key skills and software you’ve gained experience with – such as Sage, Xero or QuickBooks, plus knowledge of bookkeeping and payroll processes. If your course leads to an AAT qualification, make sure to include that too.
You should also highlight transferable skills gained from previous roles. Experience in admin, customer service, retail, or hospitality can demonstrate strengths like time management, attention to detail, organisation, and communication – all of which are highly valued in accounting.
Whether you’ve balanced tills, managed shift schedules, handled financial data, or worked with spreadsheets, those skills can be directly relevant to an entry-level accounting role. The key is knowing how to present them clearly on your CV.
Be ready to keep learning
The world of accounting is always evolving, especially with the rise of cloud-based software and automation.
Showing that you’re committed to developing your skills – whether by progressing to higher-level AAT qualifications or gaining more software experience – will make you even more employable in the long run.
Courses that offer both practical training and recognised qualifications can be especially useful for long-term progression. For example, some providers combine hands-on experience with access to industry-recognised tools like Xero and payroll systems, while others offer structured learning through AAT-accredited pathways.
Why study with KBM?
KBM Training and Recruitment is committed to becoming the UK’s leading accountancy training provider.
Their programmes are designed in collaboration with KBM Chartered Certified Accountants & Registered Auditors, an ACCA Gold-level Employer. This enables them to deliver up-to-date, practical training that mirrors real-life accountancy tasks – all in a hands-on environment.
Trainees gain experience working on actual client files, using software such as Sage 50, QuickBooks, Xero, IRIS and Excel, under the supervision of qualified chartered accountants.
Benefits of studying with KBM include:
- Guaranteed work experience with real client files
- Accredited certifications upon completion
- One-to-one training with qualified accountants
- Access to industry-standard software
- Support with interview preparation and professional CV writing
- Endorsed by AAT, ACCA, IFA and FCA
- Option to do training online, in-office, or hybrid
- Over 2,500 employer partnerships and 1600+ successful placements in 2024
Want to learn more about how an accounting course could change your career? Enquire now.
KBM is a UK-based training provider specialising in practical, hands-on courses in accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and finance.
