Accountancy tutor: Gary Leyshon explains what qualities it takes to work as a lecturer in accounting and finance.
| Author | Leyshon, Gary |
| Position | So you want to be ... |
Role: tutor with an exam training provider.
Salary: London starting package of up to 58,000 [pounds sterling].
A leading UK training provider is looking to recruit a new tutor to its high-quality team of experts. Responsible for preparing and delivering exam-focused training and guidance, the successful candidate will be a bright, motivated communicator who holds an accountancy and/or tax qualification.
Previous training experience is useful but not essential. You must demonstrate a strong interest in continuous learning--yours as well as that of your students. A passion for quality is vital, as is a strong focus on results.
This is an exciting opportunity to work in a challenging and rewarding environment where your daily contribution will have a positive impact on the professional development of others.
Although it enables you to understand the most complex technical parts of a syllabus--and must be demonstrated by a good academic record on your CV--intelligence alone won't make you a good tutor. More important is what kind of person you are. Tutors must show empathy for their students and know what it feels like not to understand.
It is necessary, therefore, to like people and have good listening skills. Tutoring is not so much about sharing information as about empowering your students--you're helping them to learn how to learn. You must be able to explain difficult concepts using a variety of tools--eg, metaphors, analogies, stories, drawings (even YouTube, where appropriate)--to make them more meaningful to your audience.
Even in situations where their students are progressing well, tutors must work hard to bring out the best--not only from those learning but also from themselves. If they lack this desire for continuous improvement, their students' motivation to learn will diminish.
If you think that a career in teaching is for you, be aware that you should also possess the following characteristics:
* Preparedness--the most important quality. Do not underestimate the workload. It might seem obvious, but you have to know what you'll be teaching before you teach it. Spend time reading up on the topic before the session and learn something yourself. Don't rely on what you've taught in the past. Stay innovative and interesting.
* The desire to help others and a willingness to engage with people more deeply. Don't fake a caring persona or...
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