Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

System
System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
edited June 9 in AAT member discussion
I wrote a letter to a client today and presented a copy of it to my department manager to concor. He told me in a very angry voice that I cannot use my MAAT initials and later explained that I could use these only if I had a practicing certificate.
Please tell me if that is so?
I felt stupid and offended in a way. After all I earned these initials after very hard work.
Thanks to everyone who may give me advice.
Andi :(

Comments

  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    As far as I know, as long as you have completed the qualification and the work experience and have become a full member and paid your membership fee, you are entitled to use the letters.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    I would have thought it would be used more when applying for jobs, or applying for further college courses, as opposed to an everyday thing
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    Thanks for that.
    All my membership fees are up-to-date and I have all my certificates and the letter from the AAT saying that now I can use my initials. However, my team manager caims that I am not allowed.
    I am going to stand up for myself and for that I will need solid evidences and statements.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    Thanks Paul, I thought that writing to a client about taxes and vat returns IS a formal correspondence and not an everyday writing. Besides it gives the firm more weight.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    But if you are writing regarding taxes and VAT returns, why do those initials make a difference, there is already quite a strict set of guidelines in place that should be followed isnt there?
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    You are quite wright, they don't make a difference to tne matter of the subject. I just think that I have the wright to use them and it should be up to me to decide whether I would ot would not, and not to someone else. And I also believe that only the AAT have the right to strip you off your initials. Of course I wouldn't use them in personal or informal correspondences. But when I write to a client or to authority (HMRC, etc)these should be used to indicate the qualification as well as the reputation of the firm I am presenting.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    Surely it gives the person receiving the letter a little more confidence that Andi knows what he is talking about as he is AAT qualified.

    Would you rather receive advice from a qualified AAT or a non-AAT?

    Just trying to think of it from their point of view.

    Besides the point though, we've all worked or are working hard to gain this qualification - we want to be proud of what we've done and show what we have achieved.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    That's my point. The question is how can I oppose my team mamanger's attitude and proof without any doubt that I have the right to use my initials at work if I wish so.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    I guess show him your letter?

    You could also speak to AAT student services to be 100% sure and then tell him what they have said.

    Good luck!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    This might help:

    Full members
    Full members are those who have completed all educational and work requirements and have requested and been elected to AAT full membership. The AAT maintains high entry requirements for full membership to ensure that employers and others can be sure that an AAT full member is a well qualified and competent accountancy professional. Full members can use the letters MAAT after their name

    Taken from:

    http://www.aat.org.uk/students/display/store3/item309/
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    Thanks Phunkyphantom22, I was elected a full mamber in March 2006, have my certificates and all. However, I will inquire with the AAT the usage of the initials and if there are any restrictions when not practicing solely but in employment.
    Of course will let you all know of the response.
    In the meantime many thanks to all of you who spent time discussing this issue with me.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    I can't see any reason why you shouldn't be able to use them - after all, you have earned the right to them.

    Is your manager qualified? If not could it be a case of sour grapes?

    Claudia
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    Your manager is talking rubbish.

    Of course you can use your letters - I know loads of people AAT qualified that use them in formal correspondence. I, personally, don't use any of my letters as our firm signs letters using just the practice name, but I refer to my letters on faxes and correspondence as and when required.

    Steve
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    Just somehting I found under the members section on this website:
    "As a full member, you are entitled to use the letters "MAAT" on all correspondence, CVs and business stationery, confirming both your achievement and professionalism. From MAAT, you can progress to FMAAT."

    Kate
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    I use mine on all my business correspondance.
    I think it also gives clients the confidence that you have an accountancy qualification and know what you are talking about.

    It sounds like sour grapes to me.

    Michelle
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    I agree with michelle's last comment about sour grapes.

    Ste
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    Go kick some ass! :D

    Regards

    Dean
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work

    Hi

    I'd give your manager a what for! :lol:

    Seriously though, you can of course use your letters on business correspondence, cards etc. The only exception is if you were self employed: if you were being paid or otherwise remunerated by clients you would of course need a practising certificate (regardless of how you refer to yourself), if you were doing it voluntarily you wouldnÒ€ℒt need a practising certificate but without one you would be unable to refer to your MAAT in the context of this work.

    Neil
  • System
    System Posts: 100,537 πŸ€– Admin πŸ€–
    Re:Can I use my MAAT initials in my correspondence at work
    Lil K8 wrote:
    Just somehting I found under the members section on this website:
    "As a full member, you are entitled to use the letters "MAAT" on all correspondence, CVs and business stationery, confirming both your achievement and professionalism. From MAAT, you can progress to FMAAT."

    Kate

    Yep, and having the confirmation from the AAT, so long as your fees are paid up for full memebrship too, of course you can use them.

    The manager is being a twit.

    I have "MAAT" after my name on my business cards and very proud to have them, they cost me a lot of work, time, and a relationship to get them! I am employed in a government department.

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