In the current economic climate, a lot of people are turning towards new careers, and many are also surprised to learn that there are still firms recruiting in well paid sectors such as accounting. Research has shown that those with an AAT Diploma can expect to earn more than an average shop manager, and that qualified AAT Accounting Technicians earn around 15% more than their colleagues without the qualification.

Some firms might already offer some support towards AAT, whilst there are many others that used to, but have stopped due to the recession. Applicants looking for jobs who already possess the skills that firms are looking for can stand a better chance of getting a job than those who are entirely new to the field, or have some experience but no qualification to back it up. Taking a home learning course yourself also demonstrates a serious commitment to your career to a prospective employer, and can be used as a talking point to make you stand out at interview.

AAT qualifications are designed to lead students into a career as an Accounting Technician. In this job, you may find yourself working for a large accountancy firm, preparing or auditing (i.e. checking) accounts for clients, or perhaps for a smaller firm, who may undertake more specialist work, such as taxation or insolvency. Alternatively, some large businesses may employ their own Accounting Technicians, which can be more cost effective than paying an outside company to do their work. This can allow you to become familiar with the company and build a specialist knowledge, based on what you've learnt through an AAT Qualification. Similarly, there are opportunities for Accounting Technicians in the public sector, and with charities, meaning you can use your qualification to become involved with something you are interested in.

There is a structured career path available for those who have started on the AAT route. An NVQ level 2 AAT Certificate is available to those entirely new to accounting, and is designed as a very practical introduction to accounting techniques that are used, rather than merely general principles. Following from this, a level 3 AAT Diploma is designed for those looking to progress from level 2 skills, and for those with some significant experience already. After you have the level 3 qualification and enough relevant experience, you are able to become a Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians, using the designation MAAT after your name.

There is opportunity to later move even further in future, as the AAT can provide exemptions to professional membership of the full chartered accountant bodies, such as ICAS, CIPFA, ICAEW and CIMA. This makes an AAT qualification an alternative route to going to university for those who wish to become chartered accountants. Indeed, one in eight chartered accountants now come through the AAT route, which means no university debt, no entry hurdles to cross, as well as the opportunity to remain in employment while you study.

Related Courses: ICB Level 3 Professional, AAT Level 2 Certificate, AAT Level 3 Diploma, Sage Payroll Management, ICB Level 2 Associate, Sage Computerised Bookkeeping, AAT Level 4 Diploma, AAT Level 2 and 3, ICB Level 2 and 3, IAB Sage 50 Accounting