Anyone done the AAT Accounting Technician Qualification (diploma pathway)?

pinky13_2

I am thinking of going back to studying to do the AAT Accounting Qualification (diploma pathway) to become an Accounting Technician (at least this is what I think I will become, not quite clear).

Anyway, I am thinking of doing the diploma via distance learning as I have a child and don't have much chance to get into college. I was given the name of BPP Professional Education in London and wonder if anyone is familiar with this college who offer distance learning and/or the course itself?

I also want to know how recognised this qualification is abroad as it is possible we will be moving in the next year out of the UK?

Sorry this is a bit vague but I am trying to find out as much information as I can and it is not that clear.

Thank you!

janetv

Hi PinkyHave a look at the website www.aat.org.uk it gives details of all course providers including distance learning and also funding options.(I haven't done the course but I work in education so know about the qualification).

Oldernotwiser

Which country will you be moving to; they're all different in what they recognise.

CIS

Have you thought about the Open University (most people get full funding) as they do the Certificate in Accounting - course B680. https://www.open.ac.uk

pinky13_2

CIS wrote: »

Have you thought about the Open University (most people get full funding) as they do the Certificate in Accounting - course B680. www.open.ac.uk

Unfortunately, I don't think I would get funding as my husband earns over £50k and we have some savings, plus I already have a degree.

The OU course looks good but it is much more than the homestudy course from BPP.

timbellina

Hi Pinky;

I teach the AAT in Gibraltar. It's recognised all over the place; there are certainly students doing it in Gib, India, Cyprus, Malaysia; to my personal knowledge. The AAT website would probably tell you more; but it's very international.

It is what I would call an entry-level accounting qualification. In the UK, newly qualified AAT's get around 25k. Internationally, it probably depends more on their ability to churn out the work, than having the qualification. In Gib, I'd guess most qualified AATs are on 20k, I know one on 11 (he's not using it), and I know one on 35k.

Quite a few people look at the CAT instead. It's virtually identical, but it's run by the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (CACA). You can use the CAT or the AAT to go on and do the ACCA. The ACCA is a full-blown accounting qualification; and much tougher.

The BPP books are good - I use them to teach from. They have very good pass rates. There are lots of centres in the UK you can study at, or you can do distance learning. If I'm being brutally honest, your best chance of passing is to attend a course and study your socks off at home as well. But that's not always possible.

If you've got any queries; whack me a message. I'm flying back to Gib tomorrow (in Geneva at the moment. Life is tough as a Chartered Accountant!); so I might not see anything until Monday.

Tim

PS - I should have said - if you're a grad, of any subject, you should pretty much slaughter the AAT. Couldn't you distance learn the CIMA? That's a real accounting qualification, but not as tough as the ACCA. For industry, it's good enough to get you an FD's position.

Strapped

I studied with BPP & can recommend them. My course was a mix of home study and attending their centre in London. The most helpful attendance days were the exam prep/revision.

AAT is a fairly basic qualification, but well regarded. If you hope to study further, you may be able to get your employer to pay. Do you have any practical experience, btw, because that makes it a lot easier to relate the theory to.

Oldernotwiser

timbellina wrote: »

Hi Pinky;

I teach the AAT in Gibraltar. It's recognised all over the place; there are certainly students doing it in Gib, India, Cyprus, Malaysia; to my personal knowledge. The AAT website would probably tell you more; but it's very international.

I'm sure that's true but the OP still hasn't said where she's moving to. Unless she's checked a specific country's policy she would be unwise to embark on this. It wouldn't, for instance, be recognised in France AFAIK.

MrsE_2

Hi
I'm AAT qualified.
I studied it one day a week at college for three years.
First year is cheap, next a bit more & third the most expensive.
If you do decide to go on to ACCA, you are exempt from part 1.
I used the a mixture of BPP & another books (need to root in the loft!), but I preferred the other one!
If you do 2, 3 & 4 you will end up with loads of books (they are about £20 each).
I'm so glad I did it & I think employers seem to rate it as a very practical accountancy qualification.
Any questions, ask away!

Colleges usually bend over backwards to help mums improve their skills.
Have you asked them, what they offer?

Bismarck

one thing that you need to look into is the practical experience to go with the qualification...having some already would make all the difference.

pinky13_2

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I'm sure that's true but the OP still hasn't said where she's moving to. Unless she's checked a specific country's policy she would be unwise to embark on this. It wouldn't, for instance, be recognised in France AFAIK.

Thanks to everyone who has replied, your replies have been very helpful.

The country we might be moving to is Israel and I have no idea what qualifications are taught or recognised there in terms of accountancy.