2012
edition
Your guide to the AAT Accounting Qualification
Five steps to AAT
With AAT, you’re only a few moves
from a successful career.
If it’s all new to you, don’t worry; accountancy is one
of the most interesting and varied professions in
the world, with its challenges rewarded by a higher
earning potential. And, even if you’re already working
in an accountancy role, qualifying with AAT will renew
your confidence to set your sights still higher.
1. Read this guide
Get to know the qualification outline and take a look
at some of our success stories. You’ll find more details
about the AAT Accounting Qualification on page 11.
2. Select your training provider
Pick and enrol with a training provider whose learning
options suit you. Providers are always happy to advise
you without obligation, so feel free to ask about the
course before you register.
2
Above: AAT Student Recruitment team
3. Register as an AAT student member
To start your training, you’ll need to register with us as
an AAT student member. Join a network of 120,000
members – go online at aat.org.uk/start
4. Qualify
Develop your skills and underpin them with
knowledge. Two to three years of practical training
and diligent study, and you’ll have achieved a
recognised, professional qualification for your CV.
And with full support from AAT, you’ll keep your
career on the right path.
5. MAAT status
Once you’ve qualified, and built up your work
experience, you’ll be entitled to apply for AAT
professional membership: a respected sign of
accounting excellence. And, with the letters MAAT
after your name, it’s a great way to stand out from
the crowd.
Contents
04Taking care of business – and you
05Your professional career path
07 Tried, trusted and totally
respected: AAT means you’re
a qualified success
08AAT student membership – we’re
here to help things move along
6
09 Moving on up to MAAT
11Let’s get down to business.
What about the qualification?
12What’s covered – level by level
17 How and where can you train?
10
18How long will it take to qualify?
19 Cost breakdown for your training
20 Financial support while you train
21 Where next?
22 Yes, I’m ready to apply
16
Register now online at aat.org.uk/start
3
Taking care of business – and of you
The Association of Accounting
Technicians (AAT) is the membership
body that’s all about you: your
support and training, your most
promising career moves, your
opportunities to succeed.
AAT represents the highest standards of
professionalism. So it’s not surprising there’s
universal recognition of the AAT Accounting
Qualification – your route to some of the most
in-demand skills in the world, and a professional
status you can be proud of.
In just over 30 years we’ve become a membership
organisation for over 120,000 ambitious accounting
professionals. AAT qualified members occupy senior,
well-rewarded positions with thousands of employers,
from blue-chip corporate giants to public sector
institutions. Vodafone, the NHS, the Metropolitan
Police, KPMG and many more continue to hire
AAT qualified members for their knowledge, skills,
diligence and enthusiasm.
Qualifying with AAT is only the start – join our
50,000-plus full and fellow members (MAATs and
FMAATs) and your career prospects will gather pace.
With a wealth of membership benefits as part of
the package, you’re closer than ever to increased
earnings, responsibility and job satisfaction.
If further training or chartered status is your goal,
we can help make it happen. And, because
we’re recognised nationally and internationally,
your career path is laid before you.
In short, as a qualified and professional
member of AAT, your future couldn’t be brighter.
“AAT gives such a thorough
background in accounting concepts.
Having the qualification has given
me more confidence, and I believe
AAT students are more equipped
for the workplace than graduates
in this field.”
Bhavi Bhudia MAAT
Business Partner
Snack Time
4
Your professional career path
The term ‘accounting technician’
covers a huge range of key accounting
roles. From Finance Administrator
to Head of Finance, they’re all
crucial to every type of business.
For any accounting technician qualified with AAT,
finance is second nature. This opens up huge
opportunities. You could become a Senior Forensic
Accountant, or find yourself dealing with tax,
corporate finance, investments or restructuring
at the highest levels of industry and commerce.
Look at the big players in any market. It’s a safe bet
that many CEOs and senior directors were trained
in one or more of the many accountancy disciplines
covered by AAT. From advertising to zoo keeping,
beauty salon to football club, business wouldn’t be
business without qualified accounting staff.
• S
ought after by all – from small local
enterprises to the biggest multinationals.
• A
n exciting, exacting business discipline,
full of opportunities.
• P
lay a key role within a large financial
team – or as the single crucial expert in
a small business.
• W
ork freelance, providing accountancy
services for small businesses and other
self-employed people like you.
“The AAT qualification bridges the
gap between technical knowledge
and practical experience. It has been
essential for me in securing my first
finance role.”
Ceris Williams
AAT student member
AVOW
Register now online at aat.org.uk/start
5
“AAT gave me practical accountancy
skills needed to develop in my role.”
“I was lucky enough to start an
apprenticeship with a local accounting
firm. At first, I was preparing financial
statements for small sole traders
but have gone on to work with limited
companies. I’m now at Morgan
Stanley and have almost finished
my AAT training.
AAT has helped me develop core
business skills and given me the
confidence to apply this knowledge
in a variety of different
working environments.”
Arman Hussain
AAT student member
Morgan Stanley
6
Tried, trusted and totally respected:
AAT means you’re a qualified success
Our qualification is founded on a
simple rule. It’s called the real world.
The AAT Accounting Qualification is based on
real-world knowledge supported by in-depth
expertise. You can choose how, when and where
you study. Training is flexible, practical and open
to everyone. And we train students across a range
of ages and levels of experience.
Qualifying with AAT is good news for employers too.
The value of our training is so widely acknowledged
that many firms actively seek AAT qualified staff.
Heading for your first job, or simply seeking
a change of scene?
Employers recognise the value of practical
accountancy training underpinned by
comprehensive knowledge.
Already working in accounting?
Being a qualified full member of AAT is a
great way to build on your skills and grow
your career.
We’ll support you at every turn
As we want to give you the very best chance to
succeed, we work closely with our approved training
providers to make sure you have all the support
you need while you’re training. As an AAT student
member, you’ll be part of a network of like-minded
individuals and we’ll provide opportunities to network
and share experiences, both online and in person.
With full professional membership the logical
next step after qualifying, our support’s there for
the long-term. Throughout your career, AAT can
provide additional training and support to help you
stay ahead. And you’ll be welcome to call on AAT
resources whenever you need.
Arman Hussain
AAT student member
Morgan Stanley
Register now online at aat.org.uk/start
7
AAT student membership –
we’re here to help move things along
Before you start your training, you’ll
need to become an AAT student
member. It’s your introduction to a
host of resources to help your studies.
Job-finding and CV builder service
• T
ips on interviews and job searches, an interactive
online CV builder plus employers’ videos.
• F
ind job vacancies, apprenticeships and useful
career advice at our job site aat-jobs.co.uk
aat.org.uk
• MyAAT account: manage your AAT membership.
• S
tudy support and e-learning: practice
assessments, interactive audio-visual tutorials
and quick tests to help you progress.
• L ively discussion forums: share ideas with
other AAT student members.
• C
omprehensive archive: articles relevant to
your studies.
Accounting Technician magazine and e-newsletters
• E
very other month, you’ll receive our magazine
which is packed with news and advice. You’ll also
get our regular email newsletter StudentPlus.
Great opportunities to network
• O
ur branch network activities offer support,
invaluable contacts and seminars.
• Over 350 events a year, at 45 UK-wide branches.
Dedicated telephone helpline
• O
ur Membership Support team can help with
membership issues on 0845 863 0801, any time
between 09.00 and 17.00, Monday to Friday.
Or email us at membershipsupport@aat.org.uk
Exclusive discounts: AAT Additions and NUS Extra
• G
reat offers from AAT Additions: our exclusive
membership benefits scheme with discounts on
many professional, social and lifestyle items,
from holidays to insurance.
• N
US Extra card from National Union of Students
provides a range of student benefits for just
£11 per year.
8
“I have used the online assessment
and always read the magazine. I have
also made a number of friends on the
AAT Facebook page, and we keep in
touch comparing notes, stories and
helping each other with study tips.”
Nicola Johnstone
AAT student member
Freeland Automotive
Moving on up to MAAT
Just four letters, but a wealth of
opportunity. MAAT represents your
professional membership of AAT.
Available once you’ve qualified, AAT full membership
speaks volumes and open doors. Embodied in the
letters MAAT after your name, it’s proof of your
authority as a finance professional. It signals that
you’ve not only qualified with AAT and gained
the relevant work experience, but that you’re
keen to excel.
Better prospects
For organisations hiring the best available
accounting and finance staff, MAAT is increasingly
the decisive factor.
Full membership boosts anticipated earnings beyond
those of non-member AAT qualifieds. With more pay
comes greater responsibility and job satisfaction.
Long-term MAAT benefits
Designed to stand you in good stead over the long
term, the advantages of AAT full membership are
widely acknowledged. Among the many advantages
you’ll enjoy as a MAAT are:
• h
elp with your continuing professional
development (CPD): where you’ll cultivate your
hard-won skills and stay at the top of your game.
• o nline services: from blogs to podcasts and
dedicated e-learning resources, featuring
professional speakers and key AAT members.
• A
AT events: including free branch and Connect
events, and exclusive rates for mastercourses
such as our popular Tax update series.
Opportunity to run your own
accountancy practice
You could also join over 3,500 of our professional
members and become your own boss as an AAT
licensed member in practice (MIP).
As a MIP you can choose:
• your services, clients and hours
• to become a sole trader, partner or director
• to work from home, around your family or
an existing job
• to be self-employed part-time while working
for another employer.
Visit aat.org.uk/membersinpractice for
more information.
Register now online at aat.org.uk/start
9
“I wanted a qualification to show
employers my credentials.”
“I wouldn’t say I was a star pupil at
school. Expelled at 16, I then became
a young mum.
After a series of dead end jobs,
I realised I needed something more.
I wanted a qualification to show
employers my credentials and give
my life some direction.
AAT turned everything around.
I’m now on the way to being fully
qualified and have a great job as a
finance controller. I love my job and
the stability it’s brought to my life.
Thanks to AAT, I can provide for my
daughter and work towards a better
future for her and me.”
Claire Cardwell
AAT student member
Welcome Break Gordano
10
Let’s get down to business.
What about the qualification?
The AAT Accounting Qualification
is divided into three levels, each
providing you with a new set of skills
underpinned by knowledge.
Each qualification level is made up of several learning
and assessment areas. At the final level, you’ll have
the option to choose which areas you cover, enabling
you to tailor your training. Every level is a qualification
in its own right and completion of the final level leads
to the full AAT Accounting Qualification.
How will I be assessed?
To demonstrate the skills you’ve developed during
your training, you’ll be assessed using our flexible
and practical computer based assessments (CBAs).
Agreed with your training provider, you’ll sit
assessments as and when you’re ready.
Your understanding of many learning and
assessment areas is measured using formal tests.
These are marked automatically with provisional
results available straight away.
Some learning and assessment areas use other
computer-administered methods, including projects,
reports and workplace evidence. These are manually
marked and you’ll normally have the results
within six weeks.
An overview of each level
Level 2 or Level 5 in Scotland
At Level 2* you’ll get to know finance
administration, including double-entry
bookkeeping, basic costing principles
and purchase, sales and general ledgers.
Approximately equivalent to GCSE grades
A to C, Standard Grades and Intermediate 2s.
Level 3 or Level 6 in Scotland
At Level 3* you’ll encounter more complex
financial processes, including final accounts
for sole traders and partnerships, reports and
returns and professional ethics. Approximately
equivalent to A Levels or Scottish Highers.
Level 4 or Level 8 in Scotland
Finally, Level 4* covers financial team leader
skills, including financial statements for limited
companies, complex management accounting
tasks, management skills and specialist
learning areas. Approximately equivalent
to the first year of an honours degree.
A word about our qualification levels
You might be wondering why we’ve only
discussed Levels 2, 3 and 4*. In fact, Level 1
is AAT Access – a new, short course giving
you the basic business and accounting skills
that will start you off on the right foot. Some
of our training providers offer AAT Access as
a stand-alone qualification, while others
include it along with your Level 2 training.
Find out more at aat.org.uk/getstarted
*In Scotland, Levels 2, 3 and 4 equate to Levels 5, 6
and 8. For more information, see Your guide to SCQF
in Scotland on the AAT website.
Register now online at aat.org.uk/start
11
Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
(Level 5 in Scotland)
What’s covered and is it for me?
A range of basic accounting practices and techniques,
from costing and double-entry bookkeeping to
computerised accounting.
Perfect if: you’re new to finance or you’re looking to
brush up on your foundation knowledge and skills.
What’s on the learning agenda?
Basic accounting 1
• P
rinciples and procedures related to processing
business transactions, financial documents and
payments for customers and suppliers.
• D
eveloping skills in processing ledger transactions
and preparing an initial trial balance.
Basic accounting 2
• M
aintenance and reconciliation of a cash book
by accurately entering receipts and payments,
balancing off the book and reconciling
with bank statements.
• K
nowledge and understanding of the UK banking
system and related organisational activities.
• P
etty cash transactions and the importance
of the Journal as a primary accounting record.
• M
aintaining control over debtors and creditors,
aided by preparation and use of debtor and
creditor control accounts.
• N
on-standard bookkeeping transactions and
double-entry bookkeeping records.
12
Working effectively in accounting and finance
• D
eveloping transferable skills and effective
working in an accounting environment.
• T
eamwork skills and the ability to
work independently.
• D
emonstrating workplace-ready standards
of literacy and numeracy.
Basic costing
• C
ost recording systems within an organisation
and how best to respond to requests for
information relating to costs and expenditure.
• R
ecording and extracting information, and
using a costing system to provide information
for management.
Computerised accounting
• S
electing and using computerised accounting
or bookkeeping software to input and process
data for orders, invoices, receipts and payments.
• Preparing management and period-end reports.
Additional learning and assessment
area for Level 2 apprenticeship
students only
Professional ethics in accounting and finance
• Importance of ethical duties and how to work
within the code to ensure that the public can gain
confidence in accounting practices or functions.
• P
rotecting both your and your organisation’s
professional reputation and integrity.
For full guidance on the content of the qualification, please speak to an AAT Approved training provider or contact us.
Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
(Level 6 in Scotland)
What’s covered and is it for me?
This second level introduces more complex
accounting tasks, like maintaining cost accounting
records and the preparation of reports and returns.
Perfect if: you’ve completed Level 2, or you’re already
at a more intermediate level and you’re looking to
develop your accounting skills.
What’s on the learning agenda?
Cash management
• P
rinciples of managing cash balances and deficits
within an organisation.
• A
dvising on options available for raising finance and
on investment of surplus cash, without detriment to
the cash flow of normal business activities or risk
to the organisation’s ongoing liquidity.
Costs and revenues
• Identifying why cost accounting is an important
tool for an organisation.
• D
ifferent approaches to cost accounting and
making informed and reasoned judgements to
guide management and help decision making.
Indirect tax
Accounts preparation 1
• Recording and accounting for non-current assets.
• A
dvanced bookkeeping, including final
adjustments ready for preparation of
financial statements.
• D
eveloping your understanding of accounting
systems and the environment and principles under
which organisations operate.
Accounts preparation 2
• P
reparing accounting records from
incomplete information.
• Preparing financial statements for sole traders.
• Preparing financial statements for partnerships.
• D
eveloping your understanding of accounting
systems and the environment and principles
under which organisations operate.
• U
nderstanding current VAT regulations and
building your knowledge of VAT registration
requirements, different VAT schemes available,
penalties for non-compliance and the different
types of classification of supplies.
• P
erforming the calculations needed to complete
a VAT return.
• S
ubmitting completed documentation in a timely
manner while maintaining an effective working
relationship with the relevant tax authority.
Spreadsheets software
• H
ow to use software for recording data in rows and
columns, perform calculations with numerical data
and present information using charts and graphs.
Professional ethics in accounting and finance
• Importance of ethical duties and how to work
within the code to ensure that the public can gain
confidence in accounting practices or functions.
• P
rotecting both your and your organisation’s
professional reputation and integrity.
Register now online at aat.org.uk/start
13
Level 4 Diploma in Accounting
(Level 8 in Scotland)
What’s covered and is it for me?
The final level covers higher level accounting tasks,
including drafting financial statements, managing
budgets and evaluating financial performance.
You’ll also have the opportunity to specialise in
areas from tax to auditing and credit control.
Perfect if: you’ve progressed through Levels 2 and 3,
or you’re at a more advanced stage in your career and
you want a qualification to give you the confidence
and proof that you have the skills to do the job.
Once you’ve achieved this level, you’ll be the
proud owner of the AAT Accounting Qualification.
With proof of relevant work experience, perhaps
gathered while you were training, you’ll be able
to apply to become a full member of AAT and
use the letters MAAT after your name.
What’s on the learning agenda?
Financial statements
• T
he external reporting environment for limited
companies and groups which need to
publish accounts.
• P
rinciples of consolidated accounts, and analysis
and interpretation of financial statements.
• P
reparing a range of financial statements and
identifying an organisation’s financial position.
14
Budgeting
• H
ow and why budgets are prepared, helping you
prepare revenue forecasts and a range of budgets
for different circumstances.
• U
nderstanding budgetary procedure to aid
organisational planning and control.
• P
reparing budgets, analysing variances and
making recommendations for improving
organisational performance.
Financial performance
• M
anaging and measuring financial performance;
the range of techniques for analysing information
on expenditure and making judgements to
support decision making, planning and
control by managers.
• C
ollecting and analysing information,
monitoring performance and presenting
reports to management.
Internal control and accounting systems
• Identifying the role of internal control within an
organisation and recognising different approaches
to making informed recommendations on how
to implement or improve systems.
• C
ommunicating this to management and
identifying the impact that changes would
have on the system and its users.
Specialist learning and assessment
areas for Level 4 (or Level 8 in
Scotland) – two options from the
following four.
Credit management and control
• P
rinciples of credit management in an
organisation, advising on the granting of credit,
setting credit limits, collection of monies owed
and the likelihood of receipt of payment.
• A
dvising on debt management and ways to
minimise risk to the organisation.
Personal tax
• H
ow Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax is
applied to income.
• C
alculating Income Tax liabilities and income
from all sources.
• A
pplying relevant allowances, deductions
and reliefs to prepare accurate Income
Tax computations.
Business tax
• P
reparing tax returns for sole traders, partnerships
and incorporated businesses. You’ll recognise
trading profits, make adjustments and apply
current relevant legislation.
External auditing
• L egislative and professional requirements, and
how to act as part of an audit team in planning
and conducting an external audit.
• Drafting working papers and a final audit report.
• V
erifying accounting records and recognising
deficiencies or errors.
“I started studying AAT at 18 and
became a full member by 21. I gained
a promotion within the company and
this was all down to AAT.
AAT has given me an enormous sense
of achievement and respect; and has
been invaluable in my working life.”
Donna Culliford FMAAT
Accounts Supervisor
On Tap Water Treatment
Register now online at aat.org.uk/start
15
“I wanted training that would give
me the flexibility to work full-time.”
“I first heard about AAT when studying
for my A Levels. I’d always enjoyed
maths so accounting seemed a
good career choice.
I was scared of incurring large
student debt and wanted practical
training that would give me
the flexibility to work full-time.
AAT is exactly what I needed.
It helped me find a job in credit
control and also an employer who
would support my studies financially.
Choosing AAT over university was the
best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve
avoided debt, gained a recognised
qualification, first hand experience,
and, best of all, been promised
a pay rise once I’ve qualified.”
Maddison Grant
AAT student member
O’Neill Wetsuits
16
How and where can you train?
Across the UK, it’ll
be with one of over
400 AAT Approved
Approved training providers.
All AAT training providers have to meet our stringent
standards for approval, with training quality ensured
by our thorough and frequent checks.
You can choose from a wide variety of locations and
types, from further education colleges to private
training providers.
Which training provider is right for me?
To find a training provider in your area, call us to
discuss your options on 0845 863 0802, or go to
aat.org.uk/trainingproviders
Once you’ve shortlisted your centres, consider
these questions:
• w
hat type of training do they offer – full-time,
part-time or distance learning?
• w
hich levels of the AAT qualification are taught
at each centre?
Call us
fo
advice r
o
n
0845
863 0
802
Flexible options for training
Full-time: studying full-time at an AAT
Approved training provider may suit you if
you are not working full-time. Full-time AAT
students often qualify sooner than part-time
or home based students.
Part-time: if you have a full-time job you may
want to train for the qualification part-time.
If you work in an accountancy or finance
position, you’ll be able to practice your new
skills at work, as soon as you gain them.
Your work-life balance is important so we’ll
provide you with some tips to help you get
the most of out of your study time.
Distance learning: distance learning allows
you to train from home, choose where and
when to study, and set your own pace.
You don’t need to worry that you’ll be sent
your textbooks and left on your own. Our
providers offer a variety of tools to help you
succeed, including online live classrooms
where you can ask questions and speak to
other students, online revision seminars and
e-learning. With most providers, you’ll also be
assigned a tutor for any questions you have.
• w
hat books, assessments and other items does
the course fee cover?
• does the course timetable fit in with my schedule?
• how are assessments prepared for?
Register now online at aat.org.uk/start
17
How long will it take to qualify?
Flexible study options and on-demand
assessments mean it’s up to you
Which level should I start my
training at?
One of the great things about AAT qualifications is
the flexibility of our training. You can study at a pace
and place that suits you.
It all depends on your qualifications and accounting
experience. If you can show competence in some
skills, you might not need to complete every learning
and assessment area. Once you’ve found a provider
that sounds right for you, contact a member of their
staff to talk about your course options. To prepare
for this meeting, complete the Skillcheck
questionnaire online at aatskillcheck.org
• Expect to spend around a year on each level.
• If you’re a school leaver, this would probably mean
three years to qualify as you’ll start at Level 2.
• A
ny previous accounting experience? If you’re
further along with your skills, you might complete
training in two years or less.
• W
hat if your situation changes? You might be able
to take a study break. But bear in mind that if the
gap exceeds three years, you may need to retake
parts of the qualification.
• Y
ou should plan to spend three hours a week
outside of class for each learning and assessment
area you’re studying, then increase it in the
run-up to assessments when you’re revising.
• D
on’t forget, you can also draw on a wealth
of further AAT support.
Do I need prior qualifications? All you
need is an aspiration to achieve.
If you do have any relevant school or college
qualifications, a degree or some accounting
experience, these will still be a help. You might
even be able to start with AAT at a higher level.
We only ask that you’re confident with numbers
and that you can complete assessments and
written projects in English.
18
“I chose distance learning as it was
the most flexible option. I can choose
how much and when I want to learn
to fit around my home life.”
Daniel McGuren MAAT
Accounts Supervisor
Message Trust
Cost breakdown for your training
What will my training cost?
Ethel Durrant and Cathy Littler
AAT student member and tutor
Milton Keynes College
Though it ultimately depends on how and where
you study, the exact cost of training for the AAT
Accounting Qualification will include:
1. Training provider fees
These cover your tuition and sometimes your
assessment and course materials. Since the cost
of AAT training depends on the size, type and
location of each centre, you’ll find big differences
in fees between providers – so it really does pay
to shop around.
2. AAT admission and student member fees
These cover your student registration and the support
you’ll have throughout your training as a student
member. Being part of a membership body for
accounting professionals is respected by employers,
and by your colleagues.
AAT admission, membership and assessment fees:
Level 2 Certificate or
Level 5 in Scotland
Level 3 Diploma or
Level 6 in Scotland
Level 4 Diploma or
Level 8 in Scotland
Before
01.09.12
From
01.09.12
Before
01.09.12
From
01.09.12
Before
01.09.12
From
01.09.12
AAT admission fee (£)*
36
38
Annual student membership (£)
80
82
80
82
80
82
Training provider fees (£)
Fees vary, so check with your chosen training provider.
AAT fee per assessment (£)
33
38
40
AAT Accounting Qualification
35
36
38
*This one-off fee is also payable if you start your studies at either of the next two levels. This table assumes each level of the AAT
Accounting Qualification is completed in one year. All fees correct at time of going to press – July 2012.
Register now online at aat.org.uk/start
19
Financial support while you train
Can I involve my employer?
Where can I get financial help?
If you’re working, it’s well worth telling your employer
that you’re training with AAT; their support is a real
boost. Because the qualification is practical in nature,
your manager might be willing to help with the costs.
Some pay training providers’ fees, AAT fees or for
books – and sometimes all three. Your employer
might also give you time off for classes or revision,
and may be able to involve you in workplace
projects useful to your studies.
Depending on your circumstances, you might be able
to get financial support from the government or other
agencies. If you’re aged 16-24, for example, some
courses are free. For more information about possible
sources of funding, visit aat.org.uk/funding or ask
your chosen training provider.
“We chose AAT as it’s a great way
to provide the relevant skill set
for those that work in finance.
Our staff have really benefited
from their AAT training. It’s given them greater confidence
in their abilities to progress to more
complex roles and it has also created
a great level of teamwork with
students supporting each other.
We fully fund the course and
students can take study leave for
revision and exam days.”
Mark Baldwin
Head of Payment Services
BT
20
You
becom can
e char
t
much
faster ered
throug
AAT fa
h
stthroug track than
h univ
ersity
or any
o
qualifi ther
cation
.
Where next?
The logical next step
Long after qualifying we’ll also help develop your
career as an accounting professional, bringing closer
those goals you’ll have worked so hard for.
• F
inishing training? Apply for AAT full membership
and gain MAAT status; its development
opportunities mean instant advantages for
you. See page 9 for more benefits.
• L ooking to work overseas? AAT qualifications
are recognised internationally.
• T
hinking about continuing your studies?
You might want to carry on training at university,
or with a chartered accountancy body.
Progression to university. AAT gives
you 160 UCAS points.
While the AAT Accounting Qualification is a great
alternative to university, once you’ve qualified you may
want to continue your training and study for a degree.
On completion of Level 3 or Level 6 in Scotland,
you will be accredited with 160 UCAS points.
And at over 30 UK universities, the AAT qualification
provides exemptions on accounting and
finance-related degrees.
For more information on your options after achieving
the AAT qualification, visit aat.org.uk/afterqualifying
Fast-track route to chartered training
AAT is a fast-track, non-graduate route into chartered
accountancy. In fact, it’s the only professional
qualification that gives you a quicker route to
chartered status with a range of bodies.
All the UK chartered and certified accountancy
bodies recognise the AAT Accounting Qualification
and offer AAT members generous exemptions.
These bodies include CIPFA, CIMA, ICAEW,
ICAS and ACCA.
To support you in developing your skills, we’ll reduce
your full membership subscription by over 50%
during your studies. So you can keep the status,
support and benefits that come with professional
membership while you train.
“Being AAT qualified means I can
be a chartered accountant within
four years of starting my studies,
without having to go to university.”
Evie Olley MAAT
Trainee Accountant
Peters Elsworthy & Moore
Register now online at aat.org.uk/start
21
Yes, I’m ready to apply
For the best and quickest way to register as an
AAT student member, please visit aat.org.uk/start
If you’d prefer to register by post, please call our
Student Recruitment team on 0845 863 0802*.
What’s next?
If you register online you’ll receive immediate email
confirmation that we’ve received your application.
To ensure you’re gaining the most from your
membership, it’s important that you register
as soon as you’ve started studying.
Once registered, you’ll have an AAT student
membership number. You’ll be invited to log in
to your MyAAT account straight away to access
support and services.
Need help registering or you’ve any questions?
Please call us on 0845 863 0802. Our lines
are open 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday.
Or email train@aat.org.uk
*If you’d prefer to pay by cheque or Sterling draft, contact us
for a paper copy form, complete it and send it back to us
with your payment to: Student Recruitment team, AAT,
140 Aldersgate Street, London EC1A 4HY. Postal applications
take longer but you should get your student membership
details within three weeks of us receiving your application.
Is there a deadline for registering?
You can register as an AAT student member at any
time. But you’ll need to be a registered AAT member
to sit our assessments. For more information on
registering as a student member before you start
training, talk to your training provider.
“I’d been a full-time athlete for years
but I was ready for a career change. My mum is AAT qualified and
arranged some temporary accounts
work for me at her organisation.
It was then I realised how much I
enjoyed accounting and it felt a
natural choice to study AAT, a
recognised qualification that is
flexible to fit in with my full-time job.”
Alex Greenfield
AAT student member
Atal Y Fro
22
My checklist
Everything you need to join AAT
Before you start the online registration process, make sure that you have the following to hand:
Your debit/credit card or payment code from your training provider*. You’ll need to pay your AAT
admission and membership fee when you join.
✔
✔
If you’re working in accounts and would like your employer to be kept updated on your progress,
you’ll need their contact details.
✔
If you’ve been declared bankrupt, have a criminal conviction or civil offence record, you’ll need to
provide details about the situation when you register. Answering ‘yes’ to one of these declarations
isn’t necessarily a bar to AAT membership, but we will need to make an assessment to establish
if your circumstances affect your suitability to be an AAT student member. For guidance on the
information you will need to provide visit aat.org.uk/declarations
✔
Your Unique Learner Number (ULN) or Scottish Candidate Number (SCN), if you have one.
✔
Where you’re going to study – these are your training provider details.
*If your AAT membership fee is included in your training provider course fees, they’ll issue you with a payment code.
If you haven’t got this to hand, contact your training provider before starting the registration process.
AAT
your professional career
The equals sign is a mathematical
symbol invented in 1557 by
Robert Recorde to represent
absolute equality and is still used
by accountants worldwide today.
It’s also part of the AAT brand
because it symbolises the equality
of partnerships we strive for,
in helping and supporting everyone
we come into contact with.
Register now online at aat.org.uk/start
23
Any questions?
If you’d like to know more about AAT and our qualifications,
please get in touch with us.
Call us on 0845 863 0802, lines are open 09.00 to 17.00
Monday to Friday. Alternatively, email us at start@aat.org.uk
or visit aat.org.uk /start
Association of Accounting Technicians
140 Aldersgate Street
London
EC1A 4HY
Registered charity no. 1050724
21210712 – 50,000
Front cover features AAT students and members: Shiril Patel, Claire Cardwell, Waqas Sagar MAAT,
Maddison Grant, Ethel Durrant with AAT tutor Cathy Littler, Anna Mattocks MAAT,
Donna Culliford FMAAT, Arman Hussain and Lewis Camello.