I am, I was, I still don't know if I'll give CIMA a crack but -
If this is your intention and you plan to take the exemptions buy CIMA certificate Economics and CIMA certificate Law study texts.
Both of those books cover what AAT does not - both are also very interesting, they have answered a few questions I've often wondered too.
It may also be worth also investing in the Business Maths text too. I know this has now been dropped from certificate level but CIMA obviously contains a fair amount of maths and the higher papers will assume you've the basics already.
This is not a dig at the AAT at all. But I've replaced all 12 of my AAT texts with the CIMA five certificate texts. Great for reference, I've also ACCA F6/P6.
I'd personally say the same is true if you plan on ACCA, buy their first three study texts and become accustomed to those before taking ACCA on. I know ACCA law is F4 but you'll see my point if you get the texts.
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Johnny - Owner of an overly-active keyboard.
A man who can read, yet doesn't, is in no way wiser than a man who can't.
Neil (Spam Kebab) did much the same by studying ACCA in order to pass AAT.
You might want to also consider watching / listening to the lectures over on Opentuition (except the tax ones which I find really dry. Much better when you have lectures interspersed with students being berated by the lecturer for looking at their mobiles).
My collection includes (amongst many other books) study texts and exam preps for ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW and AAT as like yourself I'm of a firm belief that we are learning a subject and everything around that subject. Not simply studying one text in order to pass an exam.
Actually, on that point, there have been cases with ACCA where exam questions have not appeared in any of the standard texts but the ACCA's response to that is that you are learning the syllabus, not a text book.
The law papers are fun. I absolutely loved that one espechially the contract law part but it's often the one where people drop their studies as it's the realisation that accountancy is perhaps not quite what they thought it was.
Right stuff to do, votes to be cast and a Chinese meal to be consumed.
Laters matey.
Shaun.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
When I initially completed AAT I'll admit I didn't know much about business. To add to that when I initially started on this road it was bookkeeping that I was interested in - I had no idea that accountancy is one of the only professions that through hard grit you can reach the top, as an oppose to say medicine or law whereby you need to (although there are some exemptions) take the degree route.
Professional qualification V Academic qualification - again it comes back to accountancy, for an adult learner who has a pocketful of dreams it pays back - and well at that.
Having left track slightly above -
Firstly AAT is an awesome qualification, the association like others isn't perfect. But which is?
Secondly, I love reading, I love to get a better view of the subject matter in hand. When I've an interest in something it does become OCD like.
What I like about the CIMA Certificate, and ACCA texts is that they both either cover a subject differently to the AAT, or go into it deeper, even at the foundation level.
I'd like to see the AAT incorporate law and economics into the syllabus for future students.
The more I read the more I not only understand the subject but also understand the world we live in - it's amazing how everything is interconnected.
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Johnny - Owner of an overly-active keyboard.
A man who can read, yet doesn't, is in no way wiser than a man who can't.
Economics - pants. Hated it! Vile subject! Forgot everything I had 'learnt' for my exam, sat there for 15 minutes writing, went blank, only stayed the restof the three hours cos my lift to the college was furiosuly scribbling away in front of me and I didnt want to get the bus home (besides we were going to get pished afterwards). Some of it came flooding back in the last 15 minutes so I just answered it all with some bullet points. My pal failed and I passed! Safe to say, she wasnt best pleased.
Now law - loved every minute of that. Was something I had toyed with going into when I was 16, pre A levels. But then dumped the A levels and got a job instead so it just didnt happen. A regret in a way, although I did cover two years worth of law exams via my previous job and did get heavily involved in contracts and legals during my time in Corp Finance. Still enjoy that side of it although not as much chance to get invovled these days.
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Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
What I like about economics is how it relates to almost everything. I'm by no stretch of the imagination an expert but after learning certain amounts here and there I find it easier to work out when the spin is being played out on TV.
It's amazing how everything interacts.
But as I say, I've only touched the surface.
The law book is a great read, you've got to want to read it else I can see how your mind would wonder.
Contracts, share issue situations, fixed and floating charges, Companies Act, Partnerships agreements and everything inbetween are massively important subjects. I know one text book can not answer or inform you totally, but definitely grab a copy of CIMA Law, or ACCA F4.
I think you'd have made an ace Lawyer Joanne.
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Johnny - Owner of an overly-active keyboard.
A man who can read, yet doesn't, is in no way wiser than a man who can't.
What I like about economics is how it relates to almost everything. I'm by no stretch of the imagination an expert but after learning certain amounts here and there I find it easier to work out when the spin is being played out on TV.
It's amazing how everything interacts.
But as I say, I've only touched the surface.
The law book is a great read, you've got to want to read it else I can see how your mind would wonder.
Contracts, share issue situations, fixed and floating charges, Companies Act, Partnerships agreements and everything inbetween are massively important subjects. I know one text book can not answer or inform you totally, but definitely grab a copy of CIMA Law, or ACCA F4.
I think you'd have made an ace Lawyer Joanne.
Are you saying Im argumentative Johnny?
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Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
I said to my wife the other day. "You're so argumentative you are" she replied "No, I'm not" I said "Yes you are" "No, I'm not".........................
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John
Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.
