Almost finished level three - what next?

ykwong1978

Hi all,

I have only two modules left on Level 3 and I have no idea what modules to choose for level 4.

I have looked on Kaplan website and the modules are:-

Financial Statements
Budgeting
Financial Performance
Internal Control and Accounting Systems

Options: 2 from 4
Credit Management and Control
Personal Tax
Business Tax
External Auditing

Can anyone provide some guidance on what module to choose? I am currently working in a finance dept in a University, and I have no idea whether I would like to stay here, or consider moving on, but I have no idea what type of job or even what course to do after the AAT.

Any advice, or web-links on where to get this information will be gratefully accepted.

Also, would any modules you sit on the AAT give you exemptions if you enrol on another course (such as ACCA or CIMA).

Thanks

Ying

MarieNoelle

Hi,

I am now studying level 4. All 4 units (Financial statements, Budgeting, Financial performance and ICAS) are not optional, you have to study them all.

As for the options, I was told it's a good idea to study Business Tax and Personal Tax together as they do overlap. I am also doing External Auditing (as this 3 options give you exemptions if you plan to do ACA - I don't know about exemptions for the other accounting qualifications). My tutor also advised us to take the credit control option only if we were looking to specialise in that area.

I am sure others on the forum will give you further guidance.

Hope this helps :001_smile:
MN

NicF

Credit Management and control is really easy so if you want a quick module go for this. Personal tax and business tax do overlap but that doesn't mean you have to do both. I did business tax and found it pretty straightforward. From what I've read on the forums External Auditing is quite dry and difficult and one to avoid unless you have a particular interest in it.

I'd recommend going with what seems interesting to you. Maybe have a look at the course overviews for all of them on the AAT site.

Good luck
Nicola

ykwong1978

Hi Nicola and Marie,

Thanks for your advice, and I will have a quick look at the course overview when I have time, I will probably avoid the External Audit as I do not want to move into this area, so will chose 2 from the remaining three.

Ying

SarahJS

I've just started level 4, and have cose both tax modules as my options.

I've done this because I felt it gave level 4 a wider range of different types of accountancy, with financial statements being 'bog standard' accounts, financial performance and budgeting being management and the project being a mix. I felt for me the financial accountancy was missing in the compulsory modules so had the choice of coosing the tax and audit papers. The main feason I opted against audit was that I had an interest in personal tax and though business tax would go well with it, as well as the ATT exemption available.

I'd think about what you enjoy, and if it's a possibility that you might take further qualifications then look at the exemptions available if you take each option.

Also, bear in mind you could take more exams than required if you suddenly feel the urge to study something different!

MarieNoelle

ykwong1978 wrote: »

Hi Nicola and Marie,

...I will probably avoid the External Audit as I do not want to move into this area, so will chose 2 from the remaining three.

Ying

I just wanted to add that from what I am reading on this forum and also from my tutor, External auditing wouldn't be my first choice either, but if you are looking to get exemptions for further studies it would be a shame to dismiss it now.

Btw, I still haven't made up my mind whether I continue with my studies or just stop after level 4, but I just want to have the option later...:001_smile:

Meticulous

Level 4

ykwong1978 wrote: »

Hi all,

I have only two modules left on Level 3 and I have no idea what modules to choose for level 4.

I have looked on Kaplan website and the modules are:-

Financial Statements
Budgeting
Financial Performance
Internal Control and Accounting Systems

Options: 2 from 4
Credit Management and Control
Personal Tax
Business Tax
External Auditing

Can anyone provide some guidance on what module to choose? I am currently working in a finance dept in a University, and I have no idea whether I would like to stay here, or consider moving on, but I have no idea what type of job or even what course to do after the AAT.

Any advice, or web-links on where to get this information will be gratefully accepted.

Also, would any modules you sit on the AAT give you exemptions if you enrol on another course (such as ACCA or CIMA).

Thanks

Ying

One thing you have to be sure of though is that you chose the right training provider. Soneone in my study group has just started level 4 and it soon becam apparent that he needed a lot more tutor support then he first thought!

Luckily he enrolled with my training provider and my tutor Jeff who is so supoprtive and patient.

Goos luck!