Accountancy jobs - what's yours?

geek84

Hi Folks

Is it true that if you have a degree, then you do not have to do the AAT - you can go straight on to the ACCA/CIMA? Or does it depend on the type/classification of the degree?

Thanks

jessicamb

geek84 wrote: »

Hi Folks

Is it true that if you have a degree, then you do not have to do the AAT - you can go straight on to the ACCA/CIMA? Or does it depend on the type/classification of the degree?

Thanks

You dont need a degree to do acca/cima. You can start at the foundation level with A levels. AAT isnt a prerequisite either- it just gets you some background knowledge and an exemption from the first level of CIMA (and prob some ACCA) exams. If you dont have much business/finance or academic experience AAT can be useful background knowledge or a step into learning though.

barmaid

Having read all of your posts, I thought I would pipe in my experiences to date.

I finished Uni in 2007, worked hard at getting a graduate job (which I don't think I would have been as successful at if I was looking in the current market) embarked upon my CIMA studies and have recently just finished my TOPCIMA.

It has seemed like a long struggle especially watching my friends enjoy weekends in the sun whilst I have been stuck in stuffy college, however I have managed to double my starting graduate salary in less than 3 years.

My advice, if you can put your life slightly on hold for a few years - do it!!

RedSoleShoes

Hello. I have spent the last hour reading through this thread and think the information provided is better than any website I have been looking at!

After a 15 year career in healthcare administration (leading to an Office Manager role), I left my job in London in January to start a job locally, unfortunately it did not turn out to be what I thought it was and I have drifted for the last six months. I have now decided to study for accountancy.

From the posts on here, it seems AAT is the best starting point (i do not have a degree). Do I actually need to be working in an accounts role to study AAT (or to complete any part of the exams)? I realise it would help if I was but is it a necessary part to complete the qualification?

Thanks for any info :-)

jessicamb

LilyDeTilly wrote: »

Hello. I have spent the last hour reading through this thread and think the information provided is better than any website I have been looking at!

After a 15 year career in healthcare administration (leading to an Office Manager role), I left my job in London in January to start a job locally, unfortunately it did not turn out to be what I thought it was and I have drifted for the last six months. I have now decided to study for accountancy.

From the posts on here, it seems AAT is the best starting point (i do not have a degree). Do I actually need to be working in an accounts role to study AAT (or to complete any part of the exams)? I realise it would help if I was but is it a necessary part to complete the qualification?

Thanks for any info :-)

Its not necessary to complete AAT. You need a minimum of three years relevant work experience for CIMA and ACCA.

RedSoleShoes

I have just started my AAT training and I'm loving it!!

:beer:

katebl

LilyDeTilly wrote: »

I have just started my AAT training and I'm loving it!!

:beer:

Good luck!

lisa1981_2

Hi all

Thank you to all for the fantastic advice on this thread its very helpful. I am 28 and likely to made redundant at some point in the next 12 months - working in public sector and its not looking good.

I want a skill to help me progress in the private sector and have always been interested in accounting - but not brave enough to take the risk until now that i am pushed to.

I want to continue working full time whilst i can and study aat. I am in the Leeds area and am trying to find the best value course provider i.e. fair price with good reputation for results. I am thinking about doing distance learning, is this cheaper and does this make life more difficult?

Advice much appreciated thank you

Lisa:j

jessicamb

lisa1981 wrote: »

Hi all

Thank you to all for the fantastic advice on this thread its very helpful. I am 28 and likely to made redundant at some point in the next 12 months - working in public sector and its not looking good.

I want a skill to help me progress in the private sector and have always been interested in accounting - but not brave enough to take the risk until now that i am pushed to.

I want to continue working full time whilst i can and study aat. I am in the Leeds area and am trying to find the best value course provider i.e. fair price with good reputation for results. I am thinking about doing distance learning, is this cheaper and does this make life more difficult?

Advice much appreciated thank you

Lisa:j

BPP are good or one of the colleges in leeds. Ive seen some complaints about home learning college on here.

sf123

jessicamb wrote: »

BPP are good or one of the colleges in leeds. Ive seen some complaints about home learning college on here.

Jessica - have you experience of BPP in Leeds? Planning on starting ACCA this year (assuming employer will fund it), but still trying to decide who to go with. Would be Leeds or Hull for me by the looks of things, possibly Sheffield...