AAT worth the paper it's written on?
Comments
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Re:AAT worth the paper it's written on?
you say you want your employer to give you higher level experience so u can move up but why dont you study a higher level qual after AAT and then you will be in an ideal position.
its irresponsible to wait for your employer to give xyz and then blame them when you dont get promoted0 -
Re:AAT worth the paper it's written on?
I have worked my way up the ladder by offering to take on new tasks from my boss or helping my boss out with certain projects. I know that it does depend on your boss, but it they are up for delegation it can be a way of adding to CV.
Eva0 -
Re:AAT worth the paper it's written on?blank wrote:you say you want your employer to give you higher level experience so u can move up but why dont you study a higher level qual after AAT and then you will be in an ideal position.
its irresponsible to wait for your employer to give xyz and then blame them when you dont get promoted
I'm sorry, but you don't know my circumstances and I have found you to be very rude!
As I stated, I can't get experience here and employers are after people with practical experience.0 -
Re:AAT worth the paper it's written on?EvaG wrote:I have worked my way up the ladder by offering to take on new tasks from my boss or helping my boss out with certain projects. I know that it does depend on your boss, but it they are up for delegation it can be a way of adding to CV.
Eva
As I said, the department is closing down and there is no way of gaining more experience as it stands.
I am so worried about not finding a suitable position when the chop comes.0 -
Re:AAT worth the paper it's written on?Blank wrote:its irresponsible to wait for your employer to give xyz and then blame them when you dont get promotedEva G wrote:I have worked my way up the ladder by offering to take on new tasks from my boss or helping my boss out with certain projects.
Purple Girl, I thought Blank was directing that at me actually.
But still Blank, how can you call anyone irresponsible when you don't know their situation?
When I was taken on, it was with the understanding that I would be gradually given more advanced tasks; and for the first eight or nine months that was true. However, when we took over other companies we made their accounts departments redundant and had to absorb all their work into our own.
Over the next eight months or so, the more interesting and challenging tasks were taken off me, as the sheer volume of purchase and sales invoices increased:
Purchase ledger used to take me less than a day and a half per week, including filing everything away. Now, it takes more than three full days, and the filing just doesn't get done. This is not me being lazy, "a poor quality candidate" or "irresponsible", but because I am doing the purchase ledger of eight whole companies by myself. And I do not see how that can possibly be valuable experience.0 -
Re:AAT worth the paper it's written on?
Dear catja, go for it. Ignore what the short sighted so & so's say. I started back in accounts 3 years ago after a 35 year break. When I first started in the late sixties, it was very snobby, you needed a degree and to be articled.
I am now doing my AAT, I'm at technician level and my boss is over the moon. I'm a grand-dad and I see my pay increasing every time I pass another exam.
Keep at it and see their attitudes change when you have qualified. Do some charity work to gain experience and make good use of the forums for advice. In a few years time you'll wonder what all the fuss was about.
Good luck and keep us posted
Peter
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Re:AAT worth the paper it's written on?
Hi,
I agree with most of the people who replied to you.
I think the AAT is a qualification worth having and you should not listen to what other people say. Just keep up the hard work.
I think you should focus on your reason for chosing to do the AAT. I had been out of studying for 4 years and I was stuck in a job in accounts where I knew I could not progress if I did not study. The AAT has been the perfect solution for me.
At the first two levels, it was easy enough to get me back into studying and being able to ensure I could fit in a studying pattern while working full time.
It also started from scratch, so I find I am building the foundations to progress when I have finished with chartered accountancy qualifications.
Also, it gave me the chance to see what real accountancy was like and decide if this is what I really want to do, and even if it hadn't been it would have always allowed me to get a better job then if I was not qualified.
So for all these reasons I think the AAT is an excellent qualification... as a starting point, then it is up to you what you want to do.
I think, yes, some people do not consider the AAT to be worth much but you should focus on what it is worth to you.
I think, had I gone straight into ACCA I probably would have dropped out, because I didn't have enough knowledge to start at a higher level. Already I find doing the course fairly easy, but applying the concepts to real life working situations quite complicated, so I am glad I chose the AAT and all the hard work is worth it.
I do have concerns about the fact that you can do AAT without having worked in accounts at all, but on the other hand, that's what the required year experience to become a full member is for.
So I support the AAT 100% because it has its functions. Keep up the hard work and don't waste all the effort and time that you have put in so far. If when you have finished you want to carry on... you can do so and don't look at the AAT as a waste of time, but just consider all the positive things it thaught you.
Good luck, don't give up!
Manu
P.s.= I think you might need to do some reaserch into salaries expectations in your area. AAT qualified won't be able to get the same money as a chartered accountant... and also experience is also a very important factor. The main thing is to be realistic about how much to expect to be paid... and consider the whole package,like study support if you decide to carry on with CIMA or ACCA...0 -
Re:AAT worth the paper it's written on?
1.im not rude i just think you have a defeatest approach, the person in this thread is blamin the aat because they cant get a job the chances are there CV isnt very good or they dont have any decent quals yet they blame the aat.
your doing the exact same thing blaming the aat because of your situation
2.purplegirl = heres a bit of advice take a year out get 3 A levels and get 280 Ucas points apply for
http://www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/A-Level_Trainees/default.aspx?pg=249
stop blaming the AAT because of yoru situation if all you have is the AAT the chances are your CV looks unappealing to recruiters.
if your dept is closing down i feel sorry for you its happened at my work too the best thing you can do is search now and complete your aat on your own.
GJP104 = when i went for my interview i was told i would get aat paid for etc study leave the works and different and challenging tasks rotation etc.
I have had nothing instead i have been giving additional jobs compared to the person before me filing and post !
but i keep on studying and will complete it in june 07 hopefully then i will be in a position to bargin with my directors not only over pay but over duties.
If not then im sure there are other employers out there that can accomodate your needs.
regarding your merger its difficult 4 every1 as jobs will just be handed out to stop the company falling behind, after about 6 months new methods will arise and you should probably find your work load will change if not i suggest you talkg to your director and see what he can sort out for you.
either that stay behind and do some overtime and complete purchase ledger in 2 days and then your boss may give you those challenging tasks he had before ? where have those tasks actually gone
but i think its extremely unfair to blame the AAT whenever something goes wrong0 -
Re:AAT worth the paper it's written on?but i think its extremely unfair to blame the AAT whenever something goes wrong
I'm not. I think you're not seperating the issues.
1. IMHO, The AAT qualification is an introductory qualification, showing a grounding in basic accounting knowledge. As such, I question its value as an independant qualification: I'm thinking of it more as a 'Year Zero' or screening programme for CIMA, CIPFA, ICAS and ICAEW to identify promising candidates rather than a worthy goal in itself. Perhaps a better analogy would be the way universities look at a candidates A-levels as a fairly objective way of assessing potential.
The AAT qualification is not comparable to the full CIMA etc qualification. I'd be interested in seeing how comparable it is to ACCA's Certified Accounting Technician qualification, but this is probably the wrong place for that.
2. The experience I am generating in my current job is of little or no value because it is so basic. It's about 65% data entry, 25% post (in the envelope stuffing and franking machine sense) and 10% taking messages for the part-timers.
They're not strictly related, and they're not really the AAT's fault, but neither one helps to improve my (admittedly poor) CV.
Re: the mergers thing.
You'd think so, and certainly it becomes easier to absorb the added work after a few months, albeit with an increase in how long it takes to do everything. Unfortunately, the Managing Director actively seeks to absorb other businesses all the time. So just as you get used to something, some more will be added. Its just part of the way he runs his company.0 -
Re:AAT worth the paper it's written on?
if it wasnt a worthy goal no1 would be doing it. It is a good qualification on its own1. IMHO, The AAT qualification is an introductory qualification, showing a grounding in basic accounting knowledge. As such, I question its value as an independant qualification: I'm thinking of it more as a 'Year Zero' or screening programme for CIMA, CIPFA, ICAS and ICAEW to identify promising candidates rather than a worthy goal in itself.
1.it shows employers you can handle work and study
2.it shows employers that if they are going to invest in you then you can give them returns
3.you try to improve yourself and make yourself more valuable to the company rather than waiting for you to be told.
a good point if your going for an acca etc training contract candidate A has AAT and candidate B doesnt i would choose the AAT candidatePerhaps a better analogy would be the way universities look at a candidates A-levels as a fairly objective way of assessing potential.
yeah CAT sucks though i really hope AAT doesnt let CAT out do it.The AAT qualification is not comparable to the full CIMA etc qualification. I'd be interested in seeing how comparable it is to ACCA's Certified Accounting Technician qualification, but this is probably the wrong place for that.
you gotta chase your boss for work annoy him till he gives you something especially if he is out all the time he will be pushed for time !2. The experience I am generating in my current job is of little or no value because it is so basic. It's about 65% data entry, 25% post (in the envelope stuffing and franking machine sense) and 10% taking messages for the part-timers.
mine is like this 2 but my boss although after nagging my boss for something kool, he has started given me accounts to reconcile which although is a nightmare is interesting and does requrie accounts knowledge.
They're not strictly related, and they're not really the AAT's fault, but neither one helps to improve my (admittedly poor) CV.[/quote]you gotta buff up your CV mate do some A levels = A level maths or physics works wonders if not do something extra cirricular that is really good to make your CV stand out.
Other than that its up to you ! if it means having no life for a couple of years to get to where you want to be you gotta weigh up the pros n cons but once you have the MAAT after your name i think that definately helps !0 -
Re:AAT worth the paper it's written on?blank wrote:2.purplegirl = heres a bit of advice take a year out get 3 A levels and get 280 Ucas points apply for
http://www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/A-Level_Trainees/default.aspx?pg=249
stop blaming the AAT because of yoru situation if all you have is the AAT the chances are your CV looks unappealing to recruiters.
And again you are tarring us all with the same brush! It doesn't even look like you read my post properly. I can't take a year out, I have family responsibilities to take care of. I am not just out of school! There is nothing wrong with my CV, it is the AAT bit that is appealing, but NOT at my current level. I admit I don't have the higher skills, but there is nobody to teach me them.blank wrote:if your dept is closing down i feel sorry for you its happened at my work too the best thing you can do is search now and complete your aat on your own.
I am AAT qualified. I shall not be doing CIMA until later in the year.0 -
Re:AAT worth the paper it's written on?blank wrote:
Other than that its up to you ! if it means having no life for a couple of years to get to where you want to be you gotta weigh up the pros n cons but once you have the MAAT after your name i think that definately helps !
Even though you just told me it must be my CV?
BTW, I have not said I don't think the AAT is worth it, I totally do. I am over the moon to have a professional qualification and letters after my name. I can't wait for my graduation day in September.
I just hope someone is going to recognise that I can progress and pick up the skills they require in me. I've invested in the AAT, I just need someone to invest in me!0 -
Re:AAT worth the paper it's written on?
Can I just state that I'm actually quite offended at those who've suggested that the AAT is a second rate qualification? Many of us, including myself, are working hard to get where we are and I'm frankly p****d off at the suggestion that my hard work is in vain in your opinions. I'm 39 years old, experiencing a change of career and the suggestion of going to university is as sweeping and impossible as it is ridiculous and improbable. While I may be considered an accounts novice compared to some, I am vastly experienced in many other areas of business.
Those of us at our age have many responsibilities, family, financial and otherwise and this thread seems to have devolved into some sort of grudge match between several posters. While I agree with some of the things you have written 'blank', I do feel it is questionable to hide behind such an anonymous pseudonym and the often short but blunt way of getting your points across.
I think the fact that there are many who've progressed well beyond the level of the AAT yet still often come here to contribute, is worthwhile testimony to the validity of the qualification.
Robert0 -
Re:AAT worth the paper it's written on?
Robert, I couldn't agree with you more. Like you I changed careers, but in my mid forties. I am proud of the fact that I have a professional qualification, gained after I had been out of education for nearly 30 years.(I took A levels, but had no desire to go to Uni) The AAT was recommended to me by an accountant, who I eventually went to work for. Most of the staff there were AAT qualified - some had worked in the industry for 15-16 years and had much more knowledge than the newly qualified ACCA that worked there . And incedently was paid more. There was also a young trainee who went straight into ACCA and quit because it was too much. The next trainees started on AAT. Although they both had A levels they decided to get work experience, a qualification and not go onto Uni.
It didn't quite work out there for me, but led to my present position here. I now feel that if I need to look for another job I have at least some way of showing to what level I have studied.
There will always be some sort of "sobbery" between each qualification.
Jan MAAT0 -
Re:AAT worth the paper it's written on?
Well done i suggest you carry on with your CIMA when your CIMA and AAT qualified with i assume 3 years plus experience you will be very employableI am AAT qualified. I shall not be doing CIMA until later in the year.
anyway i think the topic has run its course
BUT
the bottom line is if your slagging off the AAT because you cant find a job its probably because your a poor candidate not because you are studying a poor qualification !0 -
Re:AAT worth the paper it's written on?
I've recently passed my Technician exam having been sponsored by my (public sector) employer for the past 3 years. This sponsorship was expensive in terms of the money paid and the time I was away from the office at college and for exams but now I've finished there are limited avenues for me here.
The way government is now they are more interested in cost cutting and downsizing the staff numbers so the opportunities that were there previously for inward moves to accounting roles are dwindling to nothing.
I have limited work based experience of producing the accounts and work in the asset area so have knowledge of this somewhat 'specialist' area.
I am looking to move back to the private sector in an accounts role before the AAT knowledge that I worked hard for becomes foggier by the day (as I'm not really using it regularly in the workplace) and have been applying for jobs that request AAT qualifications but am worried that I'd be out of my depth - can anyone advise me on the best positions to go for so that I can build on my knowledge without screwing up??
Any advice gratefully received.0 -
It's not all gloom...
http://education.guardian.co.uk/further/story/0,,2027103,00.html
"As the debt burden on students in higher education has mounted, the AAT has been making an increasingly attractive case to teenagers. Young people going down the AAT route will emerge better off than their graduate counterparts to the tune of roughly ΓΒ£55,000 by the age of 21, says the organisation. They won't have debts. On the contrary, they will have been earning in that time. They will also boast a three-year or longer head-start on the graduates in terms of work experience."
"The AAT trumpets the case of Karen Sands, who at 20 became the youngest person in the world to have qualified as a chartered accountant. She left school at 16 to take a job with an Oxford accountancy firm, which sponsored her to train with the AAT. She duly coasted through its NVQ level 4. By 21, Sands was lecturing accounting to university graduates."0 -
Re:AAT worth the paper it's written on?
Hi Frank, it's Erica. Yes, I did pass!
That article is obviously just for people straight out of school. I didn't start until I was 24, after I'd been to college and worked for a good few years. I certainly wish I was on anything near ΓΒ£55k, but I only earn ΓΒ£15.5k currently.
I am going to need to concentrate on applying for better jobs and hope someone will recognise the potential in me.
PS Happy birthday for Sunday!0
