Just a quick question everyone

steveJ

I am currently doing the foundation. I have my exam next week and am prepared for that. I'm currently re-thinking the whole accountants career and was wondering if anyone knew of a good business qualification/degree ?

I would prefer to do it distance learning as I work shifts so can't commit to college.

Surely having the foundation AAT and a business qualification would look good right ?

Any help would be most grateful

mark130273

to be truthful SteveJ , I dont really think that the foundation qualifacation is not going to hold that much in the business world, but if you went through the whole qualifacation then carried on to do a business management papers then this would put you in very good stead for the future .....it depends on how long you wish to study first ?

Buff

mark130273 wrote: »

to be truthful SteveJ , I dont really think that the foundation qualifacation is not going to hold that much in the business world, but if you went through the whole qualifacation then carried on to do a business management papers then this would put you in very good stead for the future .....it depends on how long you wish to study first ?

Gotta love the double negatives :thumbup1:

But agreed, the foundation means diddly squat mate. It was introduced as a starting point for someone who has neevr done accounting in their lives and it's fairly easy to get through it (though I'm one to talk... I got bored and jacked it in). Intermediate and indeed Technician are where the recognition starts. Couple Technician (or Intermediate going for Technician) with a reputable Business qualification, then you have yourself a decent Skills section of your CV.

Sonny_L

I'm sure Open university will offer an undergrad degree in business. With good results you may be able to apply for an MBA at a prestigious business school such as LSE.

Or, if you have good A levels you can study your bachelor's at a good uni too.

As for Foundation. It is worth sweet F.A.

Beautiful_bobo

I have worked very hard doing my AAT Foundation, especially as it has been a tough year for me. I too have my exams next week and to read the Foundation means nothing I find quite upsetting.

:mad2:

jorja1986

If that is all that you study & you do not progress to another level, the Foundation level merely shows that you can balance very basic books. (I have studied Foundation so I know, but it does give you excellent grounding for future levels in AAT & beyond.)

It is like many NVQ qualifications - dare i say all - the foundation gives you the basics and the rest devleops your knowledge and understanding.

I would study at least Intermediate if you are determined to change and study a business degree. I believe it is the "equivalent" of an A Level - Foundation being the GCSE.

Paul24

It is not worthless as long as you build on it going forward. To finish after foundation to me would seem pointless as it wont get you anywhere without further study commitment.

Adam 1969

The Foundation level is just that, the foundation on which to build your skills and progress through to Technician and beyond. I started here 8 years ago and progressed through to become a chartered management accountant. Before starting on the Foundation I was a hospital porter.
As an employer the Foundation level shows that someone has committed to study and has taken the initiative to build their skills. Please do not devalue those working hard to take the first steps in a new career.

As for a good business course...I found that if you are looking to move on to chartered status the exemptions offered by the main bodies to AAT Technicians are broadly equivalent to those given to graduates, so if you want to study part time and achieve a qualification that means something to employers the AAT will do this and open even further doors...

blobbyh

While Foundation might not stack up against the Intermediate and Technician levels, it certainly isn't useless. Not only does it teach the underlying theory of double entry, one of the main cornerstones of accounting, but it also sorts the wheat from the chaff; those who want to be in accounting and those who don't (not that I'm saying you're chaff Jamie but I'm remembering people on my original course!).

From reading occasional posts on the Intermediate boards, it's clear some of those have gone in too high by lacking even the most basic knowledge. Foundation won't turn you into a book keeper - and arguably neither will Intermediate - but it's a damn good starting point on a new career path for the many of us who weren't young enough to go to Uni or get training contracts.

Buff

I wasn't saying the foundation is pointless - i was merely answering the original question that Foundation would look good with a business degree - my answer is well... no it won't.

crispy

Hello,

I agree with the comments above, the foundation level is a necessary stepping stone if looking to start in an accounting career - if you are a beginner then it is definately not worthless.

I shouldn't take too much notice of any others who are belittling the level- I remember when I took foundation and one of my colleagues said (in a mocking tone) 'Ah, I did all this stuff at university - it is really easy'. I then presented him with some of my homework and he didn't have a clue!

Good luck with your exam for next week.

Sonny_L

Yes, the OP is talking about ditching the path of Accountancy in favour of general business study.

The best business qual. is an MBA from a good business school. Full AAT won't get you on one. Come to think of it, nor will ACA (using LSE as an example, lower tier ones may be accessible with prof. quals.). You will need an undergrad degree.

So cut your losses, ditch AAT and get a degree. Then do your MBA.

steveJ

Thanks for all the comments so far. I'm just looking for something a bit more exciting and creative than just doing the books. Working on innovative and exciting projects.

Could you lot give me some examples of qualifications from foundation/or full AAT to go onto that could open up an exciting career?

Sonny_L

Chartered Accountancy at The Big 4.

Specialise in:

Forensic Accounting
Corp. Finance
International Tax
Consulting

Great exit opportunities, senior management prospects in industry if you're good.

Paul24

crispy wrote: »

I shouldn't take too much notice of any others who are belittling the level

Especially if you dont want frank answers.

Speaking from experience (of completing AAT and moving on to CIMA) if I had stopped after foundation I would not have had any chance of progressing further with my career. Fact.

I am assuming that the OP doesnt need patronising, just an objective answer.

mark130273

Beautiful_bobo wrote: »

I have worked very hard doing my AAT Foundation, especially as it has been a tough year for me. I too have my exams next week and to read the Foundation means nothing I find quite upsetting.

:mad2:

well if you go and try to get a job in accounts with only foundation then youve got NO chance.....

and might as well finish what youve started....

it only take 3 years.....whats 3 years ........

steveJ

Yeah I would agree with the foundation definately not worthless, but you would find it extremely difficult to find a job with just that. I'm going to carry on with my studies and hopefully I can branch out gradually to other areas of business.

And like ya say what's 3 years, to get a recognised qualification and help open doors for ya. If ya try hard enough.

I'm definately gonna stick at it, but just need a little kick in the right direction. Lol.

mark130273

thhhhhhhhhrrrrrrrrwwwwwack...........

well theirs you kick !