Feeling the strain...

James Patterson

Hi All,

Sat my first two exams 6weeks ago and passed Budgeting but failed personal tax.

So currently i'm learning FNST, FP, Personal tax again and also doing my ICAS Project so am feeling a little bogged down with it all!

With the time i have, and completing it all within 6months its starting to look like a tall task.

Just felt like having a moan....haha

Spamkebab

Good moan James lol.

James Patterson

haha cheers Neil

Sammmy88

What did you fail on Personal Tax?

James Patterson

erm pretty much everything, there was did not meets everwhere

Whirlwind

Hey,

Sorry to hear about PTX, sure you will crack it.

James Patterson

Thanks, i hope i will.

I didn't feel the exam went that badly but the feedback didn't reflect those feelings haha

I'll just have to hide away in a room for a week with my books

Whirlwind

Both tax units were my first with no 'exceeded' or 'borderline' tasks - but fortunately I scraped a pass. I found I had to memorise the fines/penalties, I did struggle with Capital Allowances too - I think I found the questions abit abiguous.

I only studied one unit at a time, definitely think my brain would have gone into an even worse meltdown!!

Hows the job going? Havent you been there for awhile now?

James Patterson

Well congrats - a pass is a pass and 70%+ needed you obviously have a good understanding

I've fast tracked all levels and its been an okay pace but level 4, we just seem to do everything at once :S I think i'll be okay though!

I've been in the job 15months now but accounts payable/receivables for 3months. Its okay i suppose, but it doesn't link in to AAT much as it seems to be more admin, so i feel underutilised or just in the wrong place altogether; i'm looking at alternatives i must admit. I'm excited for when i get a good/suitable position in the future because i think really enjoy going to work again.

Thanks for asking

Whirlwind

Thanks - fortunately work part time in a practice, so have people around that I can quiz!!

Your current role will help with ICAS, so thats good. I havent done payables/receivables for 4 years now so racking my brain as to the bits and pieces!! At least with AAT qualificaton, you will have more options.

James Patterson

That sounds perfect! aha

Its not what i've based my ICAS on unfortunately so thats not an advantage. Its just amazingly tideous and i'm not using any of my knowledge, i wish i was doing something which would jog my memory on Level 2/3 because when people ask me questions on it, its not fresh in my mind

Whirlwind

Yep I know I'm definitely blessed but my last job nearly killed me. I was doing all the accounts for small company on two days a week with 24/7 (unpaid) contact over their serious cash flow problems. Current employer was their Accountant who was singing the same record as me 'rein in the spending!!' and when the company went under he offered me a job!!

Keep up the good work, something will turn up!!

crispy

So you have been unsuccessful in a unit - these things happen, just take it on the chin, learn from it, roll the sleeves up and have another go! Most of all keep positive and keep moving forward.

This is the attitude I have, which comes in especially useful being a saints fan....

James Patterson

That sounds a bit too stressful, but sounds like a beneficial experience haha I just want to force the issue to get a good job even if i am young and haven't been in work long but i guess everyone always wants to benefit themselves.

Always! and i hope so but can't hurt to look for it

craigbrown2602

Just keep at it James... I know how you feel. I'm probably sitting Personal Tax for my 3rd time in early December, I'm feeling more confident on this one. I've got 2 more re sits to do then I will finally pass Level 4 (which I cannot wait) I'm doing all of this whilst I bought my first home and trying to redecorate so I'm reading the Kaplan books on the train to and from work, as well as 30mins when I get to work and during my lunch hour!

FIngers crossed you pass your resits.

Craig.

MWAUGH1983

Hey James,

I for one can appreciate your view on accounts payable as I have been doing it for 3 yrs - I hate it but hopefully something better will turn up soon! Its very monotoniss!

In terms of studying; I think you are doing too much - I would never look at FNST or ICAS with other stuff - they are too strenuous! I am in the middle of FNPF - though I have bgt next month to do and hoping for FNPF IN January. With Lev 2 and 3 you can probs do it like that - I was booking exams before I was confident and did spreadsheets, cash mgt, ethics and ITX self studying with onlt resitting ITX. However, for lev 4 (esp with work funding) I would only look at exams when I am more than confident!

You seem to be doing well and have a good attitude so im sure you will be fine!

Martin

Jo Clark

MWAUGH1983 wrote: »

In terms of studying; I think you are doing too much - I would never look at FNST or ICAS with other stuff - they are too strenuous!Martin

I agree 110% with this! I was advised to study each unit individually and definitely to study ICAS alone due to the amount of work involved. Having said that, each student is different and may cope perfectly well under the heavy workload.

Good luck with the remaining modules.


JC

omega man

Well James there is more bad news in your original post.
From reading it you have only included one option personal tax, you will need to pass another to pass level 4,something like business tax,auditing or credit management.

Whirlwind

Hey omega man,

Tad negative don't you think.

James has completed ICAS with around 3 hours of study, which is amazing. So I don't think he'll have any trouble passing Tax once he can focus on it entirely - I think he was just a bit shocked a failing one.

janwal

Jo Clark wrote: »

I agree 110% with this! I was advised to study each unit individually and definitely to study ICAS alone due to the amount of work involved. Having said that, each student is different and may cope perfectly well under the heavy workload.

Good luck with the remaining modules.


JC

I know exactly what it is like being bogged down, with Budgeting, FNST and ICAS on the go. Nothing tends to stick as end up getting mixed up which relates to which module. Budgeting exam on 6th Dec so at least I have a month then before FNST exam, and a month after that 1st draft due in for ICAS.

Start FNFP on 20th Dec and PTX on 24th Jan, so not much let up.

Have decided not to beat myself up if I don't manage to pass this year, that way I may surprise myself.

Keep going James I'm sure you can do it, it is a bit of a great leap from level 2 & 3, just need to get focused.

Good luck

Jan

Jo Clark

janwal wrote: »

I know exactly what it is like being bogged down, with Budgeting, FNST and ICAS on the go. Nothing tends to stick as end up getting mixed up which relates to which module. Budgeting exam on 6th Dec so at least I have a month then before FNST exam, and a month after that 1st draft due in for ICAS.

Start FNFP on 20th Dec and PTX on 24th Jan, so not much let up.

Have decided not to beat myself up if I don't manage to pass this year, that way I may surprise myself.

Keep going James I'm sure you can do it, it is a bit of a great leap from level 2 & 3, just need to get focused.

Good luck

Jan

Jan

You work so hard so I am sure that with continued hard work and your determination you will completed level 4

We are all here to help if you need any guidance etc.

Hope you are well and work is ok.

Chat soon.


JC

Whirlwind

Hey Janwal,

I am not sure how the classroom study works, but get the impression that your tutor is setting the schedule/timetable, so you have my sympathy.

I was self-studying and followed the online learning schedule so I gave myself 3 wks for BGT, 6wks for FNST and 3wks PTX - I only opened the books for the exam I was heading for so as to stop myself panicking - had to be really strict as always got bored 5 chapters in!! So if you are able to focus your time frames are achievable - be positive!!

I also see we have the same ICAS case study!! I found the first couple of weeks really stressful, as I was really over thinking it. Slowly, with the massive support on the forum, I am finding my way. Again its about focusing on one section at a time. The BPP guidance notes are brill.

Thank heaven for the forum!!

James Patterson

omega man wrote: »

Well James there is more bad news in your original post.
From reading it you have only included one option personal tax, you will need to pass another to pass level 4,something like business tax,auditing or credit management.

Hi Omega,

This isn't bad news, i plan to do credit management as my last exam

Appreciate you informing me incase though

James Patterson

Thanks for the advice everyone, much appreciated.

Its always nice to know you aren't the only one finding it hard, but i shall persevere and hope for the best (this is my positive attitude)