Posted 25 January 2024
AAT or Uni?
Hi. I'm currently doing an AAT level 2 course and I really enjoy it. I was thinking about progressing to level 3 once (should I say if?) I pass this level 2. I'm starting to look for some part time job opportunities to be able to work in the field , but seems very little around where I live and an awful lot of candidates going for the positions,many of whom probably have better qualifications and loads of experience. My question is from people that have done this- is the level 3 worth it? Or should I just go uni doing accounting and finance? This is all new to me and I feel that I might be a bit too old (32)to start something from the very beginning. I'm worried that I might go through either and still struggle to find a job. I wish I had started a lot sooner , but life happened,kids ,house and comfort zone. Any experiences anyone can share? Positive and negative
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sorted byGlad to he's you're enjoying the AAT course, I did the full AAT qualification and can say it was the best thing I did, finding accounts work without experience can be tough but certain organisations (e.g. NHS) don't always mind, especially for an entry level accounts role. Companies take into account how you would fit in a team too, as the job itself can be trained.
In my experience employers prefer AAT for accounts role, also some companies will pay for your AAT. Also you mentioned you have kids, AAT is flexible where as Uni is full time (unless open university). AAT is cheaper than Uni too.
Level 3 is worth it, with level 2 you're currently looking at double entry bookkeeping and producing a trial balance, with level 3 you're taking it further with an extended trial balance, you'll also be looking at topics like tax and management accounts, with level 4 you'll be looking at topics like financial statements and advanced management accounting.
Also you're never too old to start again, I'm 37 and recently moved into teaching. And you will pass level 2
Assume ACCA/CIMA is the path you would go after this and is usually paid for by companies.
Also, ACCA used to offer a degree option after a number of exams. Think its around the final stage you get an option to get a finance degree with an essay or something. You then would have both.
Noone laughs at anyone applying for roles. (edited)
This, 32 is certainly not old, you may think it is but it's not, in theory you have another 30 years of working life ahead of you, and a lot of good employers see someone of your age as an asset, old enough to be experienced and sensible and able to deal with problems but still young enough and willing to learn new things.
In theory you should be at the top of the list for any decent employer to take on. (edited)
Level 3 was certainly a lot more fun for me, starting to understand costing analysis. It was probably this year that prepared my most for the type of stuff I did in my first few roles.
Level 4 was a whirlwind at my college personally (a few tutor changes), but the mandatory units were still l a welcome expanse on knowledge, and whilst my year was the last to the Synoptic Assessment (I think), I'm sure its replacement is just as engaging.
If you're still apprehensive, or lacking the confidence that you can do it - then sticking with AAT is a lot more 'loose' than Uni, and a lot less disruptive. Definitive stop points on the pathway (I had course friends stop for a year) would be a real plus for you I imagine.
My college course were all over 20, and about half over 30 - so dont trap yourself in thinking you're too old to try this.
Guess she got lucky finding a job she wasn’t originally qualified to do but maybe you could find an employer who’s willing to invest in you and Kay for your training
First up, good on you for taking this on and trying to better yourself….its so hard when life has happened!
You definitely are not too old, you bring maturity, life experience and communication skills to a role that most younger people just don’t yet have, I find this incredibly valueable when recruiting.
The person fit, desire to improve and attitude is far more important to me these days than quals, for most roles anyway.
AAT is a brilliant qualification and gives you the foundations (as Oli rightly points out) to build an excellent finance career. If you really got got the bug, then if you get to L4 it can exempt you from the first year of some higher level professional qualifications such as CIMA.
Personal opinion here and it won’t be the same for everyone but I’m in a senior finance role now and uni was a waste of time and money for me. I could likely have got to the same or further in my career quickly by doing AAT while working (I’d probably do an Apprenticeship these days), and have both experience and no debt.
Finally, in my region, we are really struggling for good AAT teachers so this could open up that door too if that interested you. I’d suggest popping into your local college, they will be a great source of info for you.
Good luck you are working on your life timescales not that of others.
I have been considering whether I could get an apprenticeship too. I'm a firm believer that you gain best knowledge whilst doing the job so that would be a great option if it could allow me to work around family commitments.
In the long term I'm debating whether it's better to move on to l3 and 4 and then ACCA with the exceptions or to go straight into ACCA.
Popping into the college is good advice,thank you. I will see if I can make an appointment with someone from the careers team.
Thank you ,that is ever so true. Things in life have come to me the wrong way round (not necessarily by choice) and I felt that I compared myself too much to others who were a lot more fortunate.