How far do you want to go in accounting?

1. How far do you want to go in accounting?

2. What we’re going to look at • Introducing AAT • Where could AAT take you? • The AAT Accounting Qualification • Support from AAT • Full membership and progression opportunities • Life after qualifying

3. Sian Parkin, AAT student member, PKF

4. Who are AAT? Association of Accounting Technicians • A professional membership body. • Providing qualifications for those working, and looking to work at all levels of accounting and finance. • All learning and assessment areas will be assessed by some form of computer based assessment (CBA). • 120,000 members worldwide • 70,000 student members • 50,000 full and fellow members

5. Why study the AAT qualification? Maximise your potential • Develop skills and progress your career • Relevant and widely respected • Flexible studying, open to all • Gain an internationally recognisedand respected qualifications • You’ll be worth more to your current and future employers • Support throughout membership

6. Ian Grant, AAT student member, Morrisons

7. Where else could AAT take me? As an AAT member in practice As an AAT member in practice As an AAT member in practice Gain exemptions from first stage chartered accountancy exams: CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA, ICAS, ACCA Gain exemptions from first stage chartered accountancy exams: CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA, ICAS, ACCA Gain exemptions from first stage chartered accountancy exams: CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA, ICAS, ACCA Gain exemption from part of some university degrees Gain exemption from part of some university degrees Gain exemption from part of some university degrees A rewarding career helping others develop their careers A rewarding career helping others develop their careers A rewarding career helping others develop their careers

8. AAT qualification: open access • Available to all, whatever your age, previous qualifications or experience. • Students are required to have a basic level of literacy and numeracy. • AAT qualifications are ideal for those just starting out in the workplace.

9. AAT qualifications are designed to give you the broad range of skills required in accountancy

10. Follow our steps to success Read our student guide • Familiarise yourself with the course outline and take a look at some of our success stories. • Full details of the AAT Accounting Qualification can be found on page six of our guide.

11. Getting started Register with AAT by: • completing the form in your Student Guide • online via the AAT website aat.org.uk/join Training provider registration • Your chosen training provider can advise you on how to enrol with them.

12. How long does it take to qualify? • Study at a pace to suit you. • Take our computer based assessments whenever you feel ready. • With previous experience and qualification(s), training can take two years or even less. • It is possible to take a break from your training.

13. Assessment methods Computer based assessments • Test your knowledge and understanding. • You will sit assessments when you are ready, as agreed with your training provider. Or, in some cases, workplace evidence • Evaluate your practical abilities, like processing data using a PC. • Skills tests take place throughout the year.

14. From an AAT student Mark Lyon, AAT student member,Proctor & Gamble

15. Help from your employer There are a number of ways your employer can help you get the most from the course. • Match your workload with your studies so you can put the theory into practice. • Provide a mentor or appropriately experienced member of staff who can answer technical questions. • Provide study leave to revise for assessments. • Provide financial support for the course and study materials.

16. How will the AAT help me? Membership support • Dedicated Membership Support team works to ensure you are supported in your training and development. AAT branch network • Offers excellent opportunities to supplement your learning. AAT website • Hosts a range of support materials to help you as you progress through the qualification

17. AAT website Student resource centre Dedicated student member area offers a wealth of training and career advice. • Study zone – study, revision and exam tips • Practice papers & guidance from assessors– including model answers and Chief Assessor’s reports • Guidance notes – for all units • Discussion forum – share ideas and swap advice • Career advice – including CV and job hunting tips

18. Regular magazine Accounting Technician magazine • Sent to all student members, includes: • Study Zone (related to course units) • Feedback on assessments • Career opportunities • Accountancy news and technical articles • AAT updates and membership information Online version • Searchable archive of technical articles • Unique news and articles • Up to the minute jobs database

19. Careers in accountancy AAT opportunities • AAT members can be found worldwide across all sectors • Accountancy jobs can be found at AAT-jobs.co.uk • UK’s largest and best known organisations recruit and train staff with AAT including:NHS, HMV, Sky, MoD, Morrisons, KPMG • Progress to various roles including: • Purchase Ledger • Finance Manager • Sales Ledger • Executive Support Manager

20. from a qualified AAT member Mark Wong MAAT, KPMG

21. You’ve qualified - so what’s next? After 12 months relevant work experience, you can apply for professional AAT membership. • Designatory letters MAATafter your name. • Study for a higher education degree. • All UK accountancy bodies offer generous exemptions to holders of the AAT Accounting Qualification.

22. from a qualified AAT member Myra Geater MAAT, Vodafone

23. The AAT qualification - summary Key benefits • Offers relevant, practical accounting skills for life. • Recognised and respected by employers in all sectors. • Internationally recognised. • Based on up to date, agreed standards of competence - so you can be assured of its quality. You’ll be worth more with AAT