How much experience do you usually need to be an accounts assistant?
Asked by J_1978
Basically, I applied for a Accounts Junior role the other day, I have had the odd bit of experience dealing with invoices/cheques in voluntary positions, but nothing major. They called me today for an interview but not for the Junior role, they said they wanted to offer me the accounts assisitant one which they said is more intense. I said yes, then they sent me the details by email and it sounds like the interview process is quite full on with a short exercise first, then follwed by a 30-45 min interview. I personally don't feel comfortable with going for a higher role, but then again, I don't really know how much experince you need to be an accounts assistant. If anyone here works in accounts or employs assistants in this area, could you let me know what to expect, and also if I should go ahead with the interview anyway in spite of not being confident in my abilities? I know they must have thought I am capable otherwise they wouldn't have offered me the interview in the first place. Also, I have not had any experience with sage or book-keeping, though I did say I would be doing a part time course soon.

Best Answer:
When you deal with accounts (any kind) you need experience, and if you deal with figures (like bookkeeping) you'll need an AA or BS degree in that subject. If you had any college at all or even customer service that "may" be why you were considered for another job, however it could also mean that the position you applied for has already been filled, filled from within, or it was one of those ads for a job that they were required to advertise by law but the job was already promised to someone from within. It could be that they either have a position or not for something higher, could mean the lower job was less than what you're making right now on another job, etc. Sure, go for the interview anyway, it will be good experience. Ask all the questions you want to or ever wanted to from an employer. See where it takes you.