Is an AAT qualification worth it?

Abbafan1972

I currently have an office job which includes a small amount of accounts, but it's basic stuff and I have no formal qualifications.

I am looking to move on, as I can't see a future with this company at all (long story).

A lot of even basic sounding finance/accounts positions require you to be either working towards, or have an AAT qualification - is this something worth pursuing in order to better my career prospects and what is it likely to cost me?

Thanks in advance.

KeepOnRunning

in my opinion, yes it is worth it.

Firstly, it will give you a good ground knowledge for the accounting/finance environment.
Also, it a well recognised qualification should you apply for other jobs.
Thirdly, it allows you to claim exemptions for CIMA/ACCA (and other accountancy based qualifications) should you wish to further your studies beyond AAT.

As for cost, we can't advise you as cost differs depending on where/how you study, however if you study at a college, expect to pay around £1200 for the first level, and £2500 each for the second and third level.

Makkusu

Yes it's worth it, if anything to get your foot on the ladder.

Don't think it is a free pass to a high salary though, I've worked hard to make it to around £45k within about 3 years of passing but others are on £15-20k. So there is hard work that comes with it, and progressing to a chartered qualification will secure you prestige in your field.

I would recommend buying the books rather than college for the first few levels at least.

spadoosh

If you look at book keeping jobs (usually asking for some kind of aat or experience) most round my area suggest a wage of £16-18k. Its a bit above a minimum wage job, one which is vatly over subscribed (When i did my course it seemed full of women on maternity leave).

It offered little in the way of practical experience (yes youll be able to do t accounts) youll be in exactly the same position when you first look at sage (or another accounting software) with or without a qualification.

I might see it skewed, i spent a lot of time in education (As well as working) before doing aat and its of little benefit to me personally. If youve got an alright business/finance knowledge its probably not worth while, if youre starting out fresh there might be some value (but nothing that cant be found out by a keen learner).

Derwent

If you are already employed then talk to your employer about registering for AAT with someone like Kaplan where a lot of the cost will be funded by the government if your employer changes your employment terms to an apprenticeship.

xapprenticex

Self study lv2 and 3

Pennywise

Whilst AAT is an excellent qualification, don't be under any misapprehension that it guarantees a decent job. The qualification itself is only half the story. Most employers require plenty of relevant experience in a book-keeping/accounting role too.

xapprenticex

Thats what happens when everyone has an AAT.

IMO its best when you are in the job BUT some people do AAT to Lv3 or lv4 and get a job. I work with some of them so it happens.

theroamingnomad

I'm looking at AAT level 3 as you can use the Advanced Learner Loan scheme through the government with approved institutions like Kaplan.

Given that I have defaults on my credit file, I have reached out to the AAT for clarification as to whether that would be a bar to me holding membership and they have passed it to their compliance team for review. In reality I could see future employers holding it against me until they've dropped off (5 years yet!)

I don't want to pay out for qualifications if I can't use them...

Abbafan1972

Derwent wrote: »

If you are already employed then talk to your employer about registering for AAT with someone like Kaplan where a lot of the cost will be funded by the government if your employer changes your employment terms to an apprenticeship.

It's a small company I work for and most things fall on deaf ears when you mention them to the MD - he wouldn't even grit the car park when we had that snow and ice before Christmas - even though he was repeatedly told to after 2 people fell over - One of which had come for an interview! :mad:

I am asking because I want to apply for a job as a Finance Assistant and in the person spec it says a minimum of an AAT qualification is required.

KeepOnRunning

Abbafan1972 wrote: »

It's a small company I work for and most things fall on deaf ears when you mention them to the MD - he wouldn't even grit the car park when we had that snow and ice before Christmas - even though he was repeatedly told to after 2 people fell over - One of which had come for an interview! :mad:

I am asking because I want to apply for a job as a Finance Assistant and in the person spec it says a minimum of an AAT qualification is required.

In that case, self study level 2 and level 3 (it should be easy enough anyway, and Google can help out with any topics you're struggling with) if you can. It'll be a lot cheaper and perhaps quicker this way.
Then you can apply for jobs. I noticed earlier in my career that some companies wanted people currently working towards qualification rather than already qualified individuals, so even if you're half way through your studies getting an interview should be possible.