Qualification period for members in practice
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I first entered accounts back in 1969 when to be an accountant you had to have a degree and complete 4 years minimum as an articled clerk. I wasn't that clever so had to do a book-keeping course at College. I then joined the RAF and became an accounts clerk doing both public and non-public accounts. After demob I left accounts and followed other courses of employment until 3 years ago when, because of medical reasons, I came back to accounts.
18 months ago I started the AAT course and am now doing the Technician standard.
I find it astounding that my tutors are telling students that,as Trainee Technicians, they are now able to do accounts and tax returns for friends etc.
I work in a practice and after two years I am still not considered competant enough to do tax returns without supervision. The AAT manual tells me that after one years' experience in a practice and a pass at Technician level, I can apply to become a Member in Practice and set up on my own.
No disrespect to the Qualification, which I think is very good, but after One year in a practice I don't think that anyone is experienced enough to set up in practice.
In our practice we have taken over accounts that have previously been filed by non chartered people that have shown a complete lack of understanding of basic accounting rules.
I know that this will open a big bag of worms, but I feel that a return to four years practice experience is needed before practising licences are granted.
I welcome views from all levels, including ACCA & CIMA
plus the AAT.
18 months ago I started the AAT course and am now doing the Technician standard.
I find it astounding that my tutors are telling students that,as Trainee Technicians, they are now able to do accounts and tax returns for friends etc.
I work in a practice and after two years I am still not considered competant enough to do tax returns without supervision. The AAT manual tells me that after one years' experience in a practice and a pass at Technician level, I can apply to become a Member in Practice and set up on my own.
No disrespect to the Qualification, which I think is very good, but after One year in a practice I don't think that anyone is experienced enough to set up in practice.
In our practice we have taken over accounts that have previously been filed by non chartered people that have shown a complete lack of understanding of basic accounting rules.
I know that this will open a big bag of worms, but I feel that a return to four years practice experience is needed before practising licences are granted.
I welcome views from all levels, including ACCA & CIMA
plus the AAT.
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Comments
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Re:Qualification period for members in practice
Hi Peter.
The practising certificate only covers you for areas that you are competent and have experience in.
Scott.0 -
Re:Qualification period for members in practice
But Scott, it is up to you to decide that and in truth it would only be found out that you are not competent to do something after it is too late!
However if you look at the members in practice forum you can see some very competent members posting there, better than a lot of CCAB qualified accountants that I have met.
ACCA can only do more than VAT and bookkeeping etc with a practising certificate which can only be gained by 3 years experience with an ACCA approved practice. I think that this is an excellent way of keeping the quality of practitioners ONLY if the practice is reviewed regularly by ACCA to ensure the standards are maintained.
Annette0 -
Re:Qualification period for members in practice
Annette,
I agree with the ACCA practice and I feel that this should be adopted by the AAT. Please note that VAT can also be a minefield and that only suitably experienced personnel should be allowed to sign off for a client.
Thanks for your support
Peter0 -
Re:Qualification period for members in practice
Hi,
I would just like to add to this thread. We set up our own business last year, with the view to me studying the AAT (currently on Technician level) and then doing the company accounts, obviously because I am terrified that I might make a mistake, and then we get fined :shock:
I then give the accounts to a fully qualified accountant to check over, ammend any mistakes I may have made and then sign them off.
Which I think gives me great practice for when I become chartered and set up on my own. Don't know what anyone else thinks to this.
Louise0