ACCA/CIMA Confusion

sampson

Hi All,

I'm getting to the end of level 4 and considering my options after AAT. I'm defenetly going to do one of the above, but keep swinging one way and then the other (so to speak). I'm actually more confused now then ever.

What I'd like to know is, which syllabus has the most relevance to the AAT? Am I right in thinking none of the subjects at AAT relate to the E papers in CIMA? However, most of the subjects in ACCA seem to be covered in AAT (at a basic level, granted).

Please help a confused individual.

Thanks

Simmyluvsu

I think you need to look at these qualifications with a view of where you want to go with them rather than which is like AAT.
In my view ACCA is more suitable if you want to work in practice and do bits of everything - whereas CIMA might be better if you work in a large company and deal with management reports and budgeting.
Good luck with your decision

wbauk2002

Hi

From what i have read, ACCA is more for practice, CIMA for working in a company, but they can work in either.

But CIMA is more the managment accounts side, whereas ACCA is more financial accounts

From most job descriptions ive seen they ask for CIMA or ACCA so i suppose they are seen as the same

if you liked financial statements do ACCA, if you like financial performance better do CIMA

Personally i prefer the managment accounts side so i think ill be moving onto CIMA

sampson

wbauk2002 wrote: »

if you liked financial statements do ACCA, if you like financial performance better do CIMA

Personally i prefer the managment accounts side so i think ill be moving onto CIMA

That's probably the most simple way of thinking about it, it's good not to overcomplicate decisions sometimes.

Thanks

Chris B

sampson wrote: »

Hi All,

I'm getting to the end of level 4 and considering my options after AAT. I'm defenetly going to do one of the above, but keep swinging one way and then the other (so to speak). I'm actually more confused now then ever.

What I'd like to know is, which syllabus has the most relevance to the AAT? Am I right in thinking none of the subjects at AAT relate to the E papers in CIMA? However, most of the subjects in ACCA seem to be covered in AAT (at a basic level, granted).

Please help a confused individual.

Thanks

I was in the same position at the end of AAT. After much thought, I opted for CIMA as in the end it offered more variation for work opportunities.

ACCA is certainly more geared for your stereotypical accountant. IE looking at last years information and producing financial statements, CIMA splits Financial accounting, Performance (management accounting) and Enterprise (All written, no maths -all about the global business environment inclusing IT, HR and Project management.

The AAT will exempt you from 5 foundation CIMA modules but it's best to have a look at what foundation CIMA students cover which the AAT doesnt. They cover law, management accounting (you do more in AAT than this), financial accounting (again AAT is more in depth than this), business maths (this is useful if you havnt done algebra.linear equations, simultaneous equations for a while) and Economics (not touched at AAT at all)

If you choose CIMA you''ll face 9 exams before sitting a case study and submitting a work portfolio as part of TOPCIMA.

I can forward you some samples of what is in store if you opt for CIMA if you wish

Hope this is helpful

Chris

sampson

Chris,

Thanks for the insightful post, that was the kind of information I was looking for:thumbup1:

It would be great to have a look at some samples, if you dont mind.

I'll PM you my email address.

Cheers!