For those keen to progress in the finance industry - to re-train for a profession more recession proof than other professions or jobs, the Association of Accounting Technicians can help give you all the qualifications that you need.
The AAT was founded in 1980 to provide a recognised professional qualification and membership body for accounting technicians. They are committed to improving standards in the industry and supporting the professional development of its members. And, with over 120,000 members worldwide and with 6000 people qualifying each year, it is clear that the AAT has been incredibly successful in meeting these twin aims.
There is no clear definition of what constitutes an accounting technician, but it covers a wide range of accounting jobs from administrative support through to head of finance, depending on experience and employer. However, AAT qualifications are widely recognised across the public and private sector and full members who are fully qualified can run their own accountancy company, move into senior finance roles or even become Chartered Accountants through one of the four main chartered accountancy bodies in the UK. For full AAT members, salaries of up to £80,000 may be on offer.
All AAT qualifications are practical and skills based meaning that from the first day you will learn techniques and skills that you can use straight away. It is also possible to study at home, which makes it easy to fit around your work and family commitments and enables you to study at a pace that suits you.
For those working in payroll roles, the AAT offers a NVQ in Payroll Administration. This specialist qualification allows you to develop your payroll skills through practical training.
The AAT Award in Bookkeeping provides a short, straightforward introductory qualification for those working or looking to work in finance. This qualification will give you exemptions from the main AAT accounting qualification, which makes it a great way to start to your accounting career and its highly flexible approach makes it ideal for home studying.
If you are really serious about a financial career and want to really boost your career prospects, the AAT Accounting Qualification provides the necessary accounting skills. Split across 3 levels with each level a qualification in its own right, completion of all 3 levels leads to the full AAT Accounting Qualification. Exemptions are possible if you have the relevant experience or already have qualifications in this area.
To get the qualifications you desire, you could use an NVQ (which is ideal if you already work in a finance role as real life work examples will be required for assessment). Alternatively, the Diploma route is available where course assessments are based on simulations. Both routes are based on the same syllabus and lead to the same qualifications. And, with a wide variety of study routes supported, both are ideally suited to learning from home, making it even easier to obtain the qualifications you need to boost your career.
AAT qualifications not only give you the skills you need but also demonstrate your commitment to the finance profession and to your own personal development. So what's stopping you investing in your future? Do it today.
