Starting out on AAT: A few questions - The Book-keepers Forum (UK)

EnglishMan · Member

Starting out on AAT: A few questions

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

EnglishMan wrote:
Hey all,

Just a little background about me as I guess it could be relevant; im 22 and graduated from Uni last year. Always been quite maths-driven, but took a degree in History and am now looking more to progress into accountancy/finance as I believe that's a path im more naturally suited too. While Uni was pretty expensive, it appears becoming AAT-qualified would a financial hit as well, so am looking at the cheaper option of distance learning. But it needs to be something thats 'worth' it I guess, I dont much want to chuck a couple of grand down the drain for a qualification that might not hold much sway. Anyways have a few questions based on that if anyone would be so kind as to give me a better insight!

1) Is a distance learning AAT qualification going to be reputable with employers? I figure classroom-based is going to be at least slightly preferred, but would becoming AAT-qualified via online learning be a significant comedown from earning the certificates in the classroom? I think this is the thing currently holding me back from taking the plunge, I dont want to spend £2000+ on a qualification that employers might ignore, unless its taken in the classroom.
How you gain the qualification makes no odds at all. employers have no interest in how you studied for it, Its the bit of paper that you attain that matters.
AAT is a great stepping stone into the profession but, considering your age and a Uni degree behind you have you considered ACCA rather than AAT?
2) Premier Training (who I would likely be doing it with) seem to be one of the leaders as far as online learning goes. Would I be right in this assumption? More as a confirmation really.
They are one of the providers that is regularly recommended through this site. Nick who posts on here is one of their tutors and he's also a qualified accountant.
Thats an important thing to think about as there are many trainers out there who do not come to the table with the same level of practical knowledge and experience as Nick.
I could be wrong but I cannot reccall a bad word being said against Premier either in terms of their tutoring or fee levels.
3) I dont have any working experience in this sector (im fully aware its tough to get full-time work without, would hopefully be able to intern or gain work experience while im studying), would it be suitable to undertake a AAT course with zero experience? Or is it something more suited to be doing as you work?
Learning before getting a job is quite common both with AAT and ACCA. Have a look around to see if you can get an apprenticship in practice that will help sort out the work experience requirement.
I think that's all the queries I had for now. Appreciate theres a bit there, but any advice would be much appreciated :). Cheers
As an addition, History was perfect for accountancy.Much better than had you studied mathematics which whilst it may seem a closer link to non accountants, it really isn't.
Many successful accountants enter the profession from studying Law and History as despite what you may be thinking at the moment, the numbers are only part of the role with much more being taken up learning financial reporting standards, case law, etc.

-- Edited by EnglishMan on Friday 29th of March 2013 09:50:32 PM

Hi and welcome to the forum,

responses are in blue,

sure that you will have many follow up questions which we will be more than hapy to field,

kindest regards,

Shaun.

Spamkebab · Expert

I've heard whispers that some CIMAs don't even value the qualification lol*. This has popped up in a couple of
recent conversations i've had.

It was a bloody minefield before, now it's just mind blowing trying to choose the best course.

And leave my tentacles alone!

I lolled as i find this to be a very hard-to-achieve qualification. I think the withdrawel from the CCAB may have

upset some members.

-- Edited by Spamkebab on Saturday 30th of March 2013 01:09:30 PM

Spamkebab · Expert

Hi Englishman

The best bet for any graduate (My opinion) is to look into gaining access to an AAT-ACA fast track course.

The details for these can be found on the ICAEW website. http://www.icaew.com/en/qualifications-and-programmes/aca/aca-training-in-the-uk/exams/aat-aca-fast-track

Have a read up on this, i would give both my tentacles for an opportunity.

Neil.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Hi Neil,

but doesn't that option needs a training contract with a ACA firm throughout your studies where the ACCA option requires such only before you get your letters.

One option for ACCA bods now that ACA have closed the doors on direct transfers to joint membership is to use ACCA for full AAT exemption then gain exemption from most of the ICAEW papers on a paper for paper basis from ACCA.

I think that going that route you are still left with three ACA papers to take.... And how difficult can they be when they let them take books into the exam hall, lol (that was a joke by the way, I know how difficult the ACA qualification really is).

The real issue though is that training contract to gain membersup of the ICAEW which can be problematic to gain (often another case of who you know or which Uni you went to rather than what you know or are capable of).

Of course, if you can land a training contract then as you say, it's the one to go for. And I too would give both of your tentacles for an opportunity like that. (see what I did there, lol).

all the best matey,

Shaun.

Spamkebab · Expert

Hey i didn't say that it was an easy feat gaining a training contract lol.

I'm a tad biased being AAT, It's just that i thought the option was worth mentioning and the ICAEW site has a number of training opportunities
posted.

They just aren't for 40 year old AAT qualified blokes who live in the Greater Manchester area.

ACCA, ACA, CIMA....worth considering all of them before making a decision.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Just realised something. Richard, we may be talking in tongues to you with all of these acronyms! When we are talking about ACA that refers to Chartered (group term covering ICAEW, ICAS, ICAI) and ACCA is Chartered Certified.

Neil, do you reccon that CIMA have been forgiven for leaving the party yet?

Two years ago I would have put CIMA on the same level of the tree as ACCA. Now in going it alone I think that they've gone and created a whole different level as have IFA in gaining IFAC recognition so (personally) I would now put the pecking order at AAT -> AIA -> IFA -> CIMA -> ACCA -> ACA.

And to my mind theres not a lot of gap between any of those adjoining levels.

EnglishMan · Member

Wow, thanks for the detailed replies!

Thats good to know that studying via an online institution wouldn't be a big setback, unfortunately the in-class courses are so much more expensive, so its good to know I can avoid that. Also good to know my Degree is well-suited, be nice for it to be useful for something!

From what I can see from some researching, an ACCA would be the equivalent of say a Degree in comparison to an AAT, which is more an NVQ/A-Levels (simply using those terms as a comparison)? With that in mind, would an ACCA be suitable for somebody who has no accounting/finance studying experience?

Neil, thank you for bringing the fast-track course to my attetnion, that would certainly preferable. Looking at the link however, it seems to suggest the need to be AAT qualified before taking the course? If ive got that right, that would however be something I'd look to do :).

Thanks for the advice guys, you said it yourself it can be a tad overwhelming looking at the number of options open.

Princess · Senior Member

If cost is an issue, have you thought about buying AAT books off Amazon and doing the study at home on your own. You can book local centres (BPP or Kaplan) to take the exams. There are a few that you would need to buy as a distance learning module but you can save yourself a lot of money by doing that , even if you only do it for level 2 and maybe 3. It means you can study at your own pace and book the exams to suit your schedule.

From what I remember, AAT level 3 is A level standard and level 4 is equivalent to first year of a degree.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Good advice there from Princess.

Also following the degree analogy,

The first nine papers of ACCA are the equivalent of a BSc (it's an option to gain a BSc in applied accountancy after the first nine).

The professioanal level papers P1 to P7 are at MSc level.

EnglishMan · Member

Princess wrote:
If cost is an issue, have you thought about buying AAT books off Amazon and doing the study at home on your own. You can book local centres (BPP or Kaplan) to take the exams. There are a few that you would need to buy as a distance learning module but you can save yourself a lot of money by doing that , even if you only do it for level 2 and maybe 3. It means you can study at your own pace and book the exams to suit your schedule.

From what I remember, AAT level 3 is A level standard and level 4 is equivalent to first year of a degree.

I have thought about that, but when I looked into it a little, a couple of people said the cost (at least at Level 2) wouldn't work out too much different? Could be worth looking tnto though for sure, just whether id need a little guidance going back on the study trail.

Ah right, so the AAT would be 'worth' slightly more than an A-Level, with the ACCA being 'worth' a Masters, looking at it vaguely. Guess its about how quick I could adapt to the ACCA.

Princess · Senior Member

I hope those people weren't people from learning providers. I was told by one that you HAD to use a company to do your learning. It was only when I looked into it and called a few places to find out about sitting exams just how much I could be saving (and the savings increase as you move on to levels 3 and 4). Books are about £10 on Amazon per topic and the exams are about £40 to sit. BPP don't even charge an admin fee. When I looked distance learning was over £1000 per level (many don't include exam costs in their fees) and lots more for level 3 and 4. You can save hundreds. I used BPP books and they are really easy to follow. You have access to questions and mock exams online so you'll know when you're ready to sit the exam. Level 2 is not too tricky, why don't you buy one of the books from Amazon to see what you think before forking out huge sums of money.

NickCraggs · Guru

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the delay in replying, i was (attempting) plumbing a new bathroom in this weekend.

Firstly, thanks for you kind words Shaun.

Secondly to disagree with you Shaun, i dont think that the ACA is any better than ACCA now a days. I think that people dont see ACCA as being a poor mans ACA. I do, however, agree with your point about CIMA now.

Yes, you do need a traininig contract for the fast track route, then you also need to be able to manage on what is a reletively less than average for a number of years. And even with exmeptions and taking exams quarterly you need to get your 270 days of work experience in before you are qualified. So you have to stick at it for a number of years, which is hard, but i am glad i did it.

I was told by my tutor when studying ACA that she would much prefer to teach people who had done the AAT over graduates, as it gives you a really good grounding, so i would recomend doing that rather than skipping staright to ACCA, and you will achieve a reconised qualification sooner, but always have you eye on the end goal of ACA/ACCA.

Also you can also study at your own pace and take exams when you want with distance learning, this isnt just open to self study. However, as regards training providers, you only NEED one for certain subjects, such as spreadsheets, and ICAS. And it is possible to just book an assessment with a training provider for those specific units, the rest you can do on your own. If you want the support of a training provider for the other units, that is up to you.

EnglishMan · Member

Princess wrote:
I hope those people weren't people from learning providers. I was told by one that you HAD to use a company to do your learning. It was only when I looked into it and called a few places to find out about sitting exams just how much I could be saving (and the savings increase as you move on to levels 3 and 4). Books are about £10 on Amazon per topic and the exams are about £40 to sit. BPP don't even charge an admin fee. When I looked distance learning was over £1000 per level (many don't include exam costs in their fees) and lots more for level 3 and 4. You can save hundreds. I used BPP books and they are really easy to follow. You have access to questions and mock exams online so you'll know when you're ready to sit the exam. Level 2 is not too tricky, why don't you buy one of the books from Amazon to see what you think before forking out huge sums of money.

It was something I saw in a random thread while I was researching a little, a few people added up the cost of the various books/exams etc and said it didnt seem to come out at thattt much less (I figure a couple of hundred less or something, which isnt nothing to me!). I can see what you mean about the exams though, its quite deceptive in a way. £35-45 for an exam doesnt seem much, but just seen how many there are for levels 3 and 4, so it adds up.

Dont mean to be too demanding here, but any idea on a list of self-study books for the AAT Level 2? I've tried to search a bit but couldnt find anything definitive. And it would just be a case of buying the books and then booking the exams (as well as the AAT admission fee)?

EnglishMan · Member

NickCraggs wrote:
Hi everyone,
Sorry for the delay in replying, i was (attempting) plumbing a new bathroom in this weekend.
Firstly, thanks for you kind words Shaun.
Secondly to disagree with you Shaun, i dont think that the ACA is any better than ACCA now a days. I think that people dont see ACCA as being a poor mans ACA. I do, however, agree with your point about CIMA now.
Yes, you do need a traininig contract for the fast track route, then you also need to be able to manage on what is a reletively less than average for a number of years. And even with exmeptions and taking exams quarterly you need to get your 270 days of work experience in before you are qualified. So you have to stick at it for a number of years, which is hard, but i am glad i did it.
I was told by my tutor when studying ACA that she would much prefer to teach people who had done the AAT over graduates, as it gives you a really good grounding, so i would recomend doing that rather than skipping staright to ACCA, and you will achieve a reconised qualification sooner, but always have you eye on the end goal of ACA/ACCA.
Also you can also study at your own pace and take exams when you want with distance learning, this isnt just open to self study. However, as regards training providers, you only NEED one for certain subjects, such as spreadsheets, and ICAS. And it is possible to just book an assessment with a training provider for those specific units, the rest you can do on your own. If you want the support of a training provider for the other units, that is up to you.

And a double post if I can;

I think thats the path im probably going to take, start the AAT and then hopefully move onto the ACCA afterwards. Ideally ill be able to apply for work experience/traineeships/or a job while im part way through the AAT (a number of jobs on sites like reed ask for you to be currently studying an AAT qualification, so hopefully id be able to pick up one of those for experience as well as the money to finance later study).

Just to ask this if I can Nick (since its Premier I would likely be interested in signing up with), just with regards to studying some units myself and some with you guys, which modules for the AAT Level 2 would I HAVE to study with you (or any training provider)? Would I be right in saying it would just be the Computerised Accounting module (as that the only computer based project, the rest being computerised tests), and the rest I could self study if I so chose?

Thanks again everyone

NickCraggs · Guru

Hi,

In answer to your question, you only need a training provider for computerised accounting, the rest you can do on your own and many people do, without a problem.

If i could make another suggestion which you may want to think about. You could do the AAT level 2 bookkeeping award with a training provider, as these are really important skills that you will use in level 3, level 4 (FS is by far and away the hardest part of the AAT) and you will use later on in ACCA. You can then use this as an exemption from basic accounting 1 and 2, as they are the same sylabus anyway. You could then self study basic costing and weaf, as they are not too onerous. Finally you could then do computerised accouting with a training provider. We are allowed to use the Sage Online certificate, in conjunction with our online scenarios as recognised prior learning for the CA unit.

So you would end up with

AAT level 2 Award in Bookkeeping

Sage certificate

AAT Level 2 Certificate

Whilst only having to take 4 exams and the online sage exam.

It is just another thing to think about, but obviously you dont need to rush into anything. If you wanted to you could self study everything but CA.

There are a number of books you could use for self study, we use our own books that we publish through our sister company Premier Books and Osborne Books, others swear by Kaplan books, but there are plenty of other options. You should be able to pick some up on ebay on from the AAT forum. But what works best for everone is different.

Any more questions, please feel free to post on here (so maybe it can help others), or give me a call

Princess · Senior Member

http://www.amazon.co.uk/AAT-Cash-Management-Study-Text/dp/1445394618/ref=sr_ob_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364984264&sr=8-1

Here is a link to one of the books. You can search for the other subjects, they are all on Amazon. Inside each book is a scrape off panel to get a code to type into the BPP website to allow you access to the online questions and sample exam papers. You can then book an exam sitting at your local BPP centre (they usually have space within a week or two and only charget the AAT fee, no admin fee unless it's changed in the last 6 months). Kaplan books are also on Amazon but personally I didn't find them as easy to follow. I know others on here prefer them though.

The papers you need to be marked and therefore need to buy as distance learning are
Level 2 WEAF
Level 3 Spreadsheets
Level 4 ICAS

Some training providers won't let you purchase just one module but BPP and Kaplan both do. Kaplan was cheaper for spreadsheets when I did it but their customer service was not good. So much so that I paid the bit extra to do the ICAS with BPP and they were much better. Kaplan also charged me £15 to sit each exam when I used them on the odd occasion when BPP didn't have any dates that suited me.

KTC · Veteran Member

I know you already have an idea who you want to go with, but just to let anyone else reading this know, once you are a student member of AAT, you will be able search for nearby assessment venue by postcode and see what exams they offer, whether they allow exam only purchase and other details. Quoting from that page, "the assessment fees charged by AAT are a set cost of £35 (Level 2), £38 (Level 3), £40 (Level 4), £27 (Access) and £38 (ABC).* Administration and tuition fees (where applicable) will be an additional charge by your chosen assessment venue or training provider. This additional charge may vary"

-- Edited by KTC on Wednesday 3rd of April 2013 08:46:55 PM

EnglishMan · Member

NickCraggs wrote:
Hi,
In answer to your question, you only need a training provider for computerised accounting, the rest you can do on your own and many people do, without a problem.
If i could make another suggestion which you may want to think about. You could do the AAT level 2 bookkeeping award with a training provider, as these are really important skills that you will use in level 3, level 4 (FS is by far and away the hardest part of the AAT) and you will use later on in ACCA. You can then use this as an exemption from basic accounting 1 and 2, as they are the same sylabus anyway. You could then self study basic costing and weaf, as they are not too onerous. Finally you could then do computerised accouting with a training provider. We are allowed to use the Sage Online certificate, in conjunction with our online scenarios as recognised prior learning for the CA unit.
So you would end up with
AAT level 2 Award in Bookkeeping
Sage certificate
AAT Level 2 Certificate
Whilst only having to take 4 exams and the online sage exam.
It is just another thing to think about, but obviously you dont need to rush into anything. If you wanted to you could self study everything but CA.
There are a number of books you could use for self study, we use our own books that we publish through our sister company Premier Books and Osborne Books, others swear by Kaplan books, but there are plenty of other options. You should be able to pick some up on ebay on from the AAT forum. But what works best for everone is different.
Any more questions, please feel free to post on here (so maybe it can help others), or give me a call

Thank you for the reply Nick, this is most helpful.

Ah that would be something to think about... looking at the level 2 in Bookkeeping, its just the first two modules of the AAT Level 2? Though while its a bit more expensive than just buying the books and sitting the exam, it would probably ease me back into study better than simply self-studying (since it's been a little while since I finished my dissertation!). I think considering this, the best path might be to sign up for a Level 2 in Bookkeeping, self-study Basic Costing and WEAF, and then signing up for Computerised Accounting with a provider. Just looking at it, would I be right in saying Premier Training do not offer the ability to study just Computerised Accounting (as it looks like id have to study the whole level rather than being given the option of individual modules)?

Another quick couple of questions regarding that if im not being too nagging here; I believe for the AAT Level 2, somewhere in there I would require the SAGE computer software. Whereabouts does this come in if I was to go via the above path? I figure im asking which module(s) it's relevant for, and I presume it would be given to me as part of signing up for that module with a provider (i.e. I wouldnt have to buy it myself)?

I think I have my 2nd question answered already since all study falls under the AAT and they distribute and approve things, but it would make no difference studying say two modules with one provider, and the others with another? I figure you take all the exams with the AAT anyways so it wouldn't I guess.

@ Princess (just to save double posting lol), thank you for the link :) it appears its 'simply' one book per module which uncomplicates things for me. Looking at the combined cost of doing what Nick suggested, it seems as though savings doing it that way instead of just taking a whole Level 2 course would be minimal, though I haven't yet much shopped around for Computerised Accoutning (which I think is the module that is mandatory to sign up for, rather than WEAF).

Princess · Senior Member

I forgot about computerised accounting. The people I signed up with gave me a copy of Sage Instants as part of the course fee. Although I thought WEAF had to be manually marked as well. Could be wrong. Level 2 is pretty basic (but does provide a good grounding for levels 3 and 4 - there is a lot of repetition at these levels but also an assumption that you know the stuff in level 2) and I think I completed the whole level in a month or so. I would do self study with that one and then you can always get more help further on as things get more difficult. If you start out buying the books but need further help you will only have spent a few pounds whereas if you pay out hundreds for distance learning and then don't use the tutor at all it will have wasted a lot!

NickCraggs · Guru

Hi,

Yes the AAT have just rebadged the BA 1 and BA 2 units as their level 2 award in bookkeeping, but you may as well have the extra certificate for nothing.

We do offer units individually, we do have a few who self study and just want to do certain units with a training provider. There is no reason why you cant jump between training providers as you want.

Most training prioviders will give you some computerised accounting software to study (99% of the time it will be Sage of some form or another). So this wont be a problem.

@Princess, WEAF used to have to be marked by a training provider, but due to complaints from colleges about the time it took to mark, the AAT have changed this to a computerised exam so you can just book this on its own. The fall in the standard required due to this change is another thing all together.

Spamkebab · Expert

Hi Nick

It's the same with the dumbing down of FNST. I can't fathom as to why the standards have been dropped by a third, unless they are deemed not useful for bookkeepers in which case that would make AAT a bookkeeping qualification. A very high percentage of AATers are looking at progressing on to a chartered qualification, in which case a good understanding at level 4 of as many standards as possible would be of benefit.

Seeing as thousands had passed FNST before the reduction in standards, it was proven do-able and i'm glad i sat it before the change

Neil.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

I agree totally with Neil and for the rant about it see here :

http://www.book-keepers.org.uk/t50857433/att-course/

I know the title says ATT but its all about the changes to the AAT qualification which I believe are a step too far.

EnglishMan · Member

Thanks for all the advice everyone, tis appreciated.

I think all-considered what Princess said about buying the books and at least attempting self-study firstly is the best way to do it, as you say better to 'waste' the £60 or so in buying the books first and then possibly finding I'd need to take a course, rather than spending the £600+ and finding im not using the help ive paid for. As big-headed an assumption that it would be for me to assume I wont need any help :P I do think at least buying the two 'Basic Accounting' books and then seeing how I fare would be the lower financial risk (since this is mostly money and practicality questions). As you say too it would probably make more sense to receive further help by paying for a course at higher levels.

Nick, if I could be a bother again, if I say do the two Basic Accounting modules firstly and pass, could I then use that to achieve a certificate in AAT Level 2 Bookkeeping (as you say, may as well get the certificate since it requires no extra work as its all covered in the AAT Level 2)? Also, would you be able to link me to the information on your site with regards to doing modules separately? I can only seem to find prices etc for doing the level as a whole.

And im probably being a bit annoying asking such basic stuff, but just to confirm the process of self-studying logistically works like so; studying yourself via whichever books you choose, paying the AAT admission and subscription, and simply booking the exams at my local AAT approved centre? Fortunate enough to have 3 pretty close by.

Thanks a lot everyone, I do think that's the last of my interrogation :P. Your patience with me has been much appreciated!

NickCraggs · Guru

Hi,

Your plan sounds to be the sensible option. It is our understanding you could do BA 1 and BA 2 and then apply for the bookkeeping certificate. However, we havent as yet had anyone do it that way, it is normally the bookkeeping certificate and then expemptions from BA 1 and 2, but as it is the same subject there shouldnt be a problem.

Your self study process would be the one i would follow, remember if you do self study you also have the help of everyone on here and the AAT forum.

Good luck with your studies!

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

NickCraggs wrote:
remember if you do self study you also have the help of everyone on here and the AAT forum.

And the address to send your cheques to is.... lol.

Just joshin.

Good luck in your studies and as Nick says, if you get stuck we're always here... Well, not always.... Just seems that way.

kind regards,

Shaun.

EnglishMan · Member

Just ordered the first two books today so shall start on my way next week. Thank for putting up with my Spanish Inquisition, I appreciate I've picked your brains a fair bit here :P can be a little confusing initially wrapping your head around stuff so hopefully this thread can help people with similar questions.

Thanks again everyone, your help's been much appreciated :)

rafapak · Senior Member

Princess wrote:
I hope those people weren't people from learning providers. I was told by one that you HAD to use a company to do your learning. It was only when I looked into it and called a few places to find out about sitting exams just how much I could be saving (and the savings increase as you move on to levels 3 and 4). Books are about £10 on Amazon per topic and the exams are about £40 to sit. BPP don't even charge an admin fee. When I looked distance learning was over £1000 per level (many don't include exam costs in their fees) and lots more for level 3 and 4. You can save hundreds. I used BPP books and they are really easy to follow. You have access to questions and mock exams online so you'll know when you're ready to sit the exam. Level 2 is not too tricky, why don't you buy one of the books from Amazon to see what you think before forking out huge sums of money.

1. What are mock exams?

2.' .....You have access to questions and mock exams online.... ' Does it mean that if you don't buy BPP books you don't have access to questions and mock exams on their website?

3. In order to have access to questions and mock exams is it obligatory to buy books from BPP website ? When you buy BPP books from Amazon you don't have access to mock exams and questions?

-- Edited by rafapak on Friday 21st of November 2014 05:13:13 PM

David Ballantyne · Senior Member

Hello,

Thought I would offer a couple of comments about CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants for the info of the OP).

Like all the other chartered qualifications (and I notice that no one has mentioned CIPFA - Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy) and the AIA qualification, CIMA is a QCF level 7 qualification, that is, equivalent to a masters degree. In terms of academic rigour, I don't quite understand why AIA would be placed below IFA which is a level 5 qualification.

Regarding the marketability of the CIMA qualification, within accounting practices not as marketable as ACA and ACCA (althought I suspect ACCA would only be marketable in accounting practices if that was where the experience was gained). In commerce, the public sector and the charity sector, the reality, is that it has equal standing with all other chartered level qualifications. I have worked in several organisations, the NHS in particular, which employed ACA, ACCA, CIMA and CIPFA working together with no perceived or implied difference in the standing of the qualifications nor advantage or disadvantage in respect of career aspirations.

CIMA is highly successful nationally in the UK and internationally. CIMA recently formed an alliance with the AICPA (the largest professional accounting body in the world I believe) to create a new international accounting qualification, the CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant).

As regards membership of the CCAB, if memory serves, CIMA basically felt that the CCAB was too audit focused (which is not CIMA's raison d'etre), and that the subscription funds could be better spent elsewhere. Happy to be corrected if I have got this wrong.

One small advantage of being CIMA qualified (which I am not), is that if you do choose to go into practice, if you already have a practising certificate with another accounting body (the AAT for example), you do not need to have one with CIMA as well.

That's all I can think of for now.

Kind regards,

David.

P.S. In the housing association I work for the Finance Director is CIMA, the Head of Finance is CIMA, the Head of Corporate Accounting is CIMA. They have ACA and ACCA reporting to them. A similar situation existed when I worked in the NHS.

-- Edited by David Ballantyne on Saturday 22nd of November 2014 08:44:21 AM

Cesare · Newbie

Thank you all for having participated in this query, I have just happened upon it and the answers (after rigorous questioning ... way to go Englishman!) have been a huge help. Having been a mother at home for the last 13 years I am looking to go back to work as the kids enter secondary school, I have little money and so the ideas in here open up a whole new way to study with out the need to borrow (yuck) or having to go without food for the next year or so (ummm might help the waist line ....)!

I am intending to study book keeping with a hope to work part time with a small company or work for myself. May I just ask what level I should study to in order to be proficient in this aim please. Also what are my prospects likely to be given my lack of in work training (I am not sure how far having been treasurer of the PTA will get me).

Thank you all.

superwhisk · Newbie

Sorry for bumping an old thread but my situation is very similar to Englishman's and a lot of the advice in here has proved very useful! I'm a graduate looking to do the AAT with a view to becoming an ACCA. Self-study wasn't an option I'd been considering and it may have been mentioned elsewhere in this thread but if I was to go initially go down that route, are there mock exams available to test how my studies are going or would I have to sign up with a training provider first?

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Hi
Firstly welcome to the forum and can you please add your name to the signature section /profile.

Bearing in mind you are a graduate and I will assume you are a recent one, you might want to consider going direct down the ACCA route, rather than doing AAT first. Have a wander round the rest of the forum for more on this. Before you try AAT - have a go at the skillscheck on their website. If you really want to do AAT first then you will have to sign up as student to actually do any of the exams and once signed up you will generally find a couple of mocks on the AAT site along with some other brief tests.

superwhisk · Newbie

That's useful to know thanks.

I graduated in 2011 and after reading this thread it's something I'm considering now also. What would be the benefit of diving straight in to the ACCA instead of building my foundations with the AAT? One of the big drawbacks I see to going straight in to the ACCA is the work experience you'd need to get.