Thinking of switching to finance? Here’s how to get started (even if you’ve never worked in finance before)

So, you’re curious about a career in finance — but your background isn’t in numbers, spreadsheets, or balance sheets? Don’t worry. Loads of people make the jump into finance from completely different areas: retail, hospitality, admin, teaching, you name it.

The truth is, finance isn’t just for maths geniuses or people who’ve always known what a balance sheet looks like. With a bit of focus (and the right support), you can build the skills you need to move into a stable, rewarding, and surprisingly varied career.

Here’s how to get started — no jargon, no pressure, just some friendly advice to point you in the right direction.

1. Spot the skills you already have

You might think you’re starting from scratch, but you’re probably not. Finance relies on loads of everyday skills that people use in other jobs all the time — things like organisation, problem-solving, communication, and working with data.

Maybe you’ve handled budgets, processed invoices, or kept track of expenses in your current role. Maybe you’re a whizz at Excel or naturally good at spotting patterns and solving puzzles. All of that counts.

Take a few minutes to jot down what you already do that overlaps with finance. You’ll be surprised at how much you can already bring to the table.

2. Learn the basics — one step at a time

You don’t need to dive straight into complex accounting theory. Start small. Learn how to read a balance sheet, understand cash flow, or track expenses.

There are loads of online resources that can walk you through the fundamentals in plain English — and our courses are designed specifically for beginners who want to understand how finance works in real life.

Professional qualifications like AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) are a brilliant option for career changers. You can start at Level 2 (no experience needed) and work your way up as your confidence grows.

The best part? You can study flexibly, at your own pace — so you can keep your day job while you explore something new.

3. Get hands-on experience wherever you can

Experience is one of the best teachers. You don’t have to wait until you land your first finance role to start getting it.

Try offering to help with budgets or record keeping at work, volunteer to help a local club or charity with their accounts, or look out for entry-level jobs like finance assistant or payroll clerk.

Little by little, you’ll start connecting what you’re learning with what happens in the real world — and that’s when things really start to click.

4. Learn by doing, not just reading

Let’s be honest: some finance courses can feel a bit… dry. But learning doesn’t have to be dull or intimidating.

Look for courses that get you stuck in with activities, case studies, and real-life examples. When you can actually do the things you’re learning — like preparing a simple budget or analysing a financial report — you’ll understand them much faster and remember them for longer.

It’s all about practising in a safe, supportive environment where you can make mistakes and ask questions along the way.

5. Keep your curiosity alive

Finance is a broad, fascinating field — and it’s constantly changing. Once you’ve got the basics down, keep exploring.

You might find you’re drawn to a particular area, like tax, data analysis, or management accounting. Or you might get interested in how technology is transforming finance through automation and AI.

The more you learn, the more opportunities you’ll see. The key is to stay curious and open to new things — you don’t have to have it all figured out from day one.

Your next step starts here

If you’re ready to dip your toe into the world of finance, Eagle is here to help you every step of the way.

Our flexible online AAT courses are built for beginners and career changers — with friendly tutors, practical learning, and plenty of encouragement. You’ll build real skills you can use straight away, and study in a way that fits your lifestyle.

And the best bit? You can try our courses free for seven days before committing — no pressure, no strings, just a chance to see how it feels.