AAT qualification

[edwfaith]

What kind of jobs can you get with a level 4 AAT qualfication?

Well, accountancy would be the obvious choice - either in practice or industry. I know ledger clerks and credit controllers who have AAT too and suspect it would be looked upon favourably in a fair few jobs.

Do you have any relevant work experience? I have heard it can be tricky getting a foot in the door without the work experience to back the qualification up, as the majority of people doing the qualification will already be employed in an accounting role, and will be funded by their employers.

I don't, no, which is why I'm worried about doing the qualification if it's in vain. Am I able to get a basic type of accounts position and work up from there? I'm just not sure how it works :/

I work for a firm of accountants.

Most people we take on at 'junior' (ie no experience) level come to us through writing speculative letters - we rarely need to advertise vacancies.
If it's an area you're interested in, I would get online, find a list of all the local accountancy practice and write to each one expressing an interest in joining them in a junior role, tell them you're looking into studying AAT etc etc.

Most firms will fund your studies and give you paid time off to study for exams, which is a bonus.

Alternatively, if you're not in a position to return to work right now, I would start the qualification and do some voluntary work in order to get experience - bookkeeping for charities, even acting as treasurer for clubs will look good when it comes to getting out there.

Good luck!

I should add, that having AAT would edge it between two potential applicants who were otherwise equal, but not having AAT wouldn't be enough to discount a candidate on its own, IYSWIM.

I am AAT qualified - I did the foundation stage with no relevant experience then got a purchase ledger clerk job, then had the intermediate and advanced stages funded by my employer. Halfway through advanced stage I was promoted to management accounts assistant.
Salaries are not brilliant for those with AAT qualification - I was on 17k about 8 years ago (have since changed careers completely) but it's then possible to progress to accountancy qualifications afterwards. For me I'd had enough of it after 3 years study!

I think after getting my AAT I was on about the same a similar lenght of time ago hazel.

Of course, it does act as a gateway for further quals - ACA, CIMA, CTA if that's what blows your frock up. I went down the tax specialisation route glutton for punishment and money is now much better.

I think current AAT salaries with two years of experience range between 15 - 20k around our area. A lot more of the local colleges seem to be offering it alongside A levels so there are a lot more of them about than previously.

I'm in practice and when recruiting look for people that have an interest in AAT- either to be supported through by the company, or already started.

It's a good wide ranging qualification if you're definitely wanting to do something accountant-y, can either lead to practice, industry, or further qualifications.

It's a long slog but worth it once you've finished!

Lenght? Length!