AAT-ACA training

bluebutterfly15

Hi there,

I am now a full member of AAT, hoping to go on to ACA shortly. I have been told recently that my training will be delayed for 12 months to gain further experience, despite no mention of such previously - I already have 18 months work experience, and have completed AAT in 16 months, so have the drive and motivation to really work hard and achieve what I set my mind to, so feel rather demotivated as a result now that I will not be progressing as planned for 12 months at least!

I am just wondering if anyone has any experiences relating to the transition from AAT to ACA, the gap in between the training and the length of experience held at the time of starting ACA? And also any opinion on what you would do if put in this position yourselves.

I would be grateful for any replies,

Thank you

NickCraggs

Hi, I did AAT then ACA. You need to be on an approved training contract, where your experience is logged. But the experience doesnt count until you start the contract. It is hard but well worth doing.

bluebutterfly15

Hi NickCraggs
Yes I am already in an approved training contract but this states AAT specifically, this was a 3 year contract but I have fulfilled this within 16 months. Are you suggesting I therefore need to get a new contract written based upon me beginning ACA training? If I have done AAT under this 3 year contract, then this time does already count towards it does it not?
How long did you have between finishing AAT and starting ACA please?
Thank you

NickCraggs

You need a specific ACA training contract, your AAT training will have nothing to do with this. I had about 6 months between AAT and ACA, but I changed jobs in that time to get the ACA training contract.

CeeJaySix

As long as you're working for an ACA approved training employer, you can get your technical work experience whilst studying for AAT recognised towards your ACA TWE requirement - you just have to fill out a form.

Why is your employer wanting to delay your study? Unless they feel you're lacking professionally it seems like they might either not want you to have the time off for study this year or don't want to stump up for the training costs right now.

I joined my firm on an AAT training contract, passed that in 12 months, went straight onto an ACA training contract for 24 months (with the 12 months for AAT being used towards the minimum 36 months work experience needed for ACA) - I can't see that you need more workplace experience assuming you're working in a role that includes responsibilities that cover the TWE requirements.

bluebutterfly15

I see ok, thank you NickCraggs - yes I am going to have to ask specifically for an ACA training contract.

Hi CeeJaySix - I see ok that's great to know thank you.
This is what I am questioning - they are suggesting that I have lack of experience, despite the fact they will take on graduate trainees with no work experience and allow them to begin straight away. This is what I am trying to get to the bottom of - I believe it could be more of a political aspect, trying to keep other members of staff happy - and as you said, keeping costs down. But there was no mention previously of such a delay, so I am having to write a proposal to see if they will reconsider.
I believe I am working in a role that includes responsibilities that cover the TWE requirements - I have been working in Accounts, and Audit and am about to move into the Tax department to get into more tax experience, so believe I am covering all these aspects.
Fingers crossed my proposal will go well, and I can get back on track. I am a very motivated individual, and the idea of 12 months off sounds like a waste of time to me!
Thank you

CeeJaySix

Yes you'll fulfil the TWE requirements. Sounds like you have a strong case, I can't see any reason from ICAEW's point of view that should prevent you progressing.