Degree or ACCA after AAT? Not sure what to do

Ateeb92
Ateeb92 Registered Posts: 8
edited June 18 in AAT member discussion
Basically I have three exams left to complete AAT level 4 and I'm contemplating on going to (Aston) Uni to study finance bsc or go straight into ACCA. The problem here is that I don't have any accounting experience and not many finance or accounting related jobs are acknowledging me. I thought if I go to uni and obtain a degree I will become more recognised, but I've been told if you spend 4 years studying ACCA and top it of with a masters it would be way better then just doing a sandwich course at uni for 4 years.

Please help as I am really confused? thanks

Comments

  • StuartW
    StuartW Registered Posts: 396 Dedicated contributor 🦉
    Hi @Ateeb92 - I'm going to move this to 'Further Studies', as the members there may have a better first-hand experience of the best options post-AAT.

    *AAT Essentials - AAT's accounting and finance short courses*


    *Watch: 6 reasons accountants make great friends*

  • burg
    burg Registered, Moderator Posts: 1,425 mod
    @Ateeb92 - My personal thought would be when you look at jobs being advertised as training contracts for ACCA / ICAEW positions they either are looking for those with degrees or those with other suitable qualifications. AAT is one of those suitable qualifications and actually gets you some exemptions with both bodies.

    If you go and do the degree for 4 years you will still need to most likely do ACCA / ICAEW to be recognised in the industry. A waste of 4 years?

    My advice would be finish the AAT and spend some time applying for the various training contracts are around. If you are lacking some experience then go get some. If you can't find employment then volunteer.

    I didn't get a position in an accountancy related role at first. I then did some work outside of normal hours for a bookkeeping firm for around 6 months and managed to get a role. I was though by then just about to start my last year of AAT. I went on to do ACCA with that firm but left before finishing to start my own practice.
    Regards,

    Burg
  • Ateeb92
    Ateeb92 Registered Posts: 8
    Thanks burg but I'm still very unsure of what to do? Anyone else car to elaborate on this matter as i really need help please?
  • Ateeb92
    Ateeb92 Registered Posts: 8
    ACCA or degree?
  • CeeJaySix
    CeeJaySix Registered Posts: 630
    Echo Burg's thoughts, if you want a career in finance, having a degree will get you no further than having AAT, and you will still have 3 years ACA/ACCA study to become chartered. Some of the big firms insist on (any) degree to take you on their training programs, but I found when starting out most smaller firms will give you equal consideration to graduates. If you're not having any joy getting to interview stage it is more likely to be your CV/covering letter rather than your qualifications.
  • Rozzi Rainbow
    Rozzi Rainbow Registered Posts: 462 Dedicated contributor 🦉
    I also agree that a degree isn't really the best route into accountancy - I did ACCA and obtained a degree part way through, as Oxford Brookes Uni recognise the ACCA F papers as being of bachelors level, so all I had to do was my project to get a BSc. Studying ACCA part time also gives you chance to gain valuable work experience, which you may struggle to get if you are at uni full time. Of course, if you want the uni experience then that is something else to consider, but is it worth the 3/4 years time and costs?
  • Ateeb92
    Ateeb92 Registered Posts: 8
    Thanks guys I feel that studying for my ACCA is a good route into becoming a professional. Uni just does not sound good, considering that I will want to do the ACCA after a degree. It is best to do it now. Also uni fees and not justifiable anymore.

Categories

Privacy Policy