So, What are you all doing after AAT?

Clarekaye

I am lost! Trying to look into what to do after AAT, I run a garage and dont intend to leave to work in a accoutnancy firm just yet as I love getting my hands dirty too.
I put half my training through the company and pay half myself.
Any ideas on what route to go, what did you do or what would you recommend?

Thanks!

Jade Hunt

The two main routes are ACCA or CIMA, both of which have a number of units. ACCA you can pick units which lean more toward practice or management accountancy, depending on what you prefer; I have also been told that it is very well recognised. CIMA leans more towards management accounts but is also a great qualification.

I think if I were in your position, I wouldn't be in any rush to go further just yet since you aren't in any rush to leave the garage. Equally, you have quite a lot of time to complete ACCA or CIMA so if you started now you could finish the course then go into a fantastic job elsewhere!

Makkusu

Further to the above don't forget ACA or ATT/CTA routes, both just as if not more prestigious.

I chose ACCA as I like working in practice and needed the flexibility/roundness of knowledge it supplies.

CeeJaySix

I'm working in practice and studying for ACA - which probably isn't for you from what you've said as you have to be working for an ICAEW registered training firm. ACCA and CIMA I believe you can sit the exams independently, however I think both require you to have 3yrs technical work experience to qualify. What are your longer term aspirations? ATT would give you a good foundation in tax, an extra qualification without having to wait for work experience and may also be relevant (in parts) to your current business?

Clarekaye

A customer told me about one which no one has mentioned yet ICAEW?
Whats the difference between ACCA & CIMA and ATT ACA CTA is one set higher than the other or same sort of level?
I was in an accountancy role before this so have experience for the last 5 years if that helps. My long term goals well, I would love to be earning more money but dont want to be in a suit everyday!

Thanks

Clarekaye

Oh ok ACA is gained through ICAEW

stevef

You have to split your list between the Technician bodies (AAT and ATT (for accountancy and tax)) and the Chartered bodies. The Chartered bodies have seriously harder entry exams and more stringent experience requirements than the Technician bodies. The Chartered bodies are all at the same standard (roughly at Masters level). Their membership requirements cover the same sort of subjects but lean in different directions to give differing specialisms. Five of the Chartered bodies form the CCAB (Consultative Council of Accountancy Bodies) to regulate standards and make joint pronouncements for its member bodies. The CCAB bodies are: ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales), ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland), ICA NI (Institute of Chartered Accountants in Norther Ireland) and CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) . ICAEW, ICAS and ICANI all require you to enter into a training contract with an Approved employer tro become a student while CIPFA is very specialised to Public Sector finance.

CTA (which is a tax specialist) and CIMA (which seem to be driftiing down the management route) are both outside the CCAB as is the Institute of Chartered Secretaries (covering company administration and management with a bit of Finance and Governance thrown in). And if Governance is your thing there is always the Institute of Internal Auditors (until one of the CCAB bodies absorbs them). Hope this helps, but probably makes things more confusing!

dan1983

What are your goals? What career are you trying to pursue? All of the above qulifications are accountancy ones but you say you dont want to work in a suit all day?

BeccaLouJ9

CeeJaySix wrote: »

. What are your longer term aspirations? ATT would give you a good foundation in tax, an extra qualification without having to wait for work experience and may also be relevant (in parts) to your current business?

I have just been accepted as a member of the ATT and had to submit work experience for this.

Clarekaye- You really need to know what you want to do in the future, how long you want to achieve it and then see which fits you better.

Judging by your posts it sounds as though you may find CIMA most practical, as you work for a garage company rather than in practice and presumably you don't wear a suit on the forecourt!!

Look at the syllabus's (<

---

Not spelt correctly!!) and see which you would find more interesting!

B xxx

stevef

But CIMA are not a CCAB body and more than half of the ACCA membership do not work in practice.

Clarekaye

I am not fussed about going into an accountancy role as such, I just think it would be silly to stop while I have fitted it all into my life and have a bit of financial help.
Ha no I dont wear suits, my old job was an accounts firm who were online so never saw customers, it was great!
Hmm ok will sit down and work it out I reckon

Kelly7

I have a similar sort of question. In a bit of a predicament really. I am hoping to pass my level 4 in the summer but my current role is very basic and a sort of purchase ledger role for a charity Co so things are quite different to most places. There is no chance to move up or do different things. I have looked at different jobs but they all are for less money than I am on and I can't afford a wage drop. I think I'll never get any further and my last 3 years will be a waste unless I can get some experience but can't think of anywhere that would let me go on Saturday or after work. Anyone else had a situation like this? X

CeeJaySix

I have just been accepted as a member of the ATT and had to submit work experience for this.

My apologies BeccaLou, I assumed ATT was the same as AAT in that you hold the qualification as an affiliate member once all the exams are done, but you don't get your full membership/letters until you have the required work experience.

BeccaLouJ9

CeeJaySix wrote: »

My apologies BeccaLou, I assumed ATT was the same as AAT in that you hold the qualification as an affiliate member once all the exams are done, but you don't get your full membership/letters until you have the required work experience.

Hi CeeJay

You're completely right, I think we are saying the same thing in different ways! I got my letters after completing all my exams and submitting the work experience. I read your original post to be that you didn't need work experience to get the membership- which you didn't mean judging by your above post!

(So to clarify, once all exams are finished you can't call yourself a member or use the letters unless you submit work experience and it is accepted.)

B xx