Like others I've been reading this forum for a while now trying to get to grips with the various bookkeeping course and qualifications out there.
I work for an accountancy practice and they are keen for me to do some training. I'm their first trainee and theyve basically left it up to me to choose which course I do. Ive looked at the AAT which looks good, but I'm not keen on the NVQ route. Looking at the posts on this forum the IAB seems to be the qualification of choice for bookkeepers and I've run this past my employers who are happy for me to do this. They've not heard of the ICB and my local colleges dont offer training in it either so this doesnt look a goer.
I've come across the ACCA Certified Accounting Technician qualification and it looks really interesting, however I've not seen it mentioned much here. I want a qualification that is respected in the market place and one in which I can use overseas if necessary. The ACCA calls it self the global accountancy body so I figure this should fit the bill. I might also go on to do the chartered accountancy qualification with the ACCA and the CAT would give me some exemptions.
Basically just wondering whether anyone has done the CAT and if they found it helped their career?
Over the past few years I have seen a tendency to send new trainees on the CAT courses (I work for an ACCA practice). Historically I believe the AAT was more popular and I think at present it still is, although CAT appears to be closing the gap. As you say the CAT is also good if you want to go on to do the full ACCA scheme. But if you want to go into self-employment as an accountant I hear the AAT is a better choice, as with the CAT you can only do books up to trial balance. Both are highly regarded so whichever you decide to do will be of benefit.
im not quite ready for cat ive just relocated and am currently still studying an icb as im hoping to gain a decent qualification to start as an accounts clerk...
cat seems to best for the reasons you gave and ill defo go for this course,,,i just wanted to ask you a little question as im not yet working and am looking to eventually become charted...just some advise really
ive been told that employers will pay for cat but i have to find an employer whos willing to pay first,,,so which job is best to go for? i never heard of trainee accountants?! how did you get the job?which qualifications do you recommend etc as this seems a good route?
any adv whatsoever (how ever small )to get on ladder id be really glad for! thanks
