Has anyone done the AAT Diploma pathway via distance learning ? Although I started off with the ICB and currently have a few clients, the accounting firms I have approached so far are only interested in someone with AAT qualifications. I have checked out some recruitment agencies who specialise in accounts and the vast majority of their vacancies list AAT as desirable.
Due to current work / home responsibilities I am wondering about the distance learning method, also I think I should have gone down the AAT route as it appears to be more acceptable.
Any comments and suggestions would be most welcomed.
We would also suggest AAT, particularly if you are looking to get in with accounting firms.
Two members of our team have been AAT distance students and it has worked well for them. Not sure about your specific situation but they both have University education in Accounting and undertook AAT to help familiarise and qualify with the UK.
Is there anything to hold you back from doing AAT?
I have worked within accounts departments since leaving school XX years ago and until recently have not really thought about taking it any further. By chance I took the ICB levels I and II and surprised myself at the results. I have managed to acquire a few clients whilst still working full time, but apart from my ICB qualifications I am self taught.
I want to step up my qualifications and stretch myself, and the AAT seems to offer what I need. I just wondered if anyone had taken the distance route as the most common route is day release if your employer is feeling generous, which mine is not or part time day/evening classes, neither of which I am particulary keen to do.
You say that two members of your team took the distance route, did they do the simulation skill tests and if so, where they carried out in the workplace or at a centre, or did they produce a portfolio of work?
I have AAT Intermediate via Long Distance Learning and moved house right after the exam.
It worked for me but when I did the FRA I did go back to college for a very short spell 1 night a week as I felt it was a large unit which I needed more unerstanding on. The rest was long distance learning.
I haven't enrolled on Technicians yet although I would like to due to family commitments and a new job and private clients as well there aren't enough hours in the day to commit to about 10 hours study a week. So will do it when my kids are abit older.
I sat my skills test at the local college along with the Central exam as well. I would go for it, I had a tutor via e-mail and it worked very well.
I was working full time and did the AAT intermediate and technician distance learning. I managed to do this in two years and it was not too difficult. I was studying with FTC financial training college. I really do advice them.
