Nine Reasons Why You Should Do an AAT Course

Are you leaving school and looking to get into accounting? Do you want to avoid the debt associated with higher education? Or perhaps you’re already working and are an adult looking for a career change?  

Whatever your circumstance, an AAT course is a great option and could open the door to a rewarding career. 

With an average salary of £37,000, accounting is a fantastic, stable career for anyone who’s numerically inclined and enjoys working with numbers. 

If you want to get into the finance industry but don’t want to pursue a degree, here are nine reasons why you should do an AAT course! 

What are AAT accounting courses?

Before we get ahead of ourselves, just what is an AAT course? 

The AAT is the Association of Accounting Technicians, a globally-recognised professional membership body for accountants and those in finance.  AAT courses are skills-based, giving you the knowledge that employers want and need. 

The Manchester College runs several AAT courses: 

• AAT Bookkeeping (Level 1) 
• AAT Business Skills (Level 1) 
• AAT Accounting Foundation (Level 2) Daytime
• AAT Accounting Foundation (Level 2) Evening. 

The AAT Bookkeeping and AAT Business Skills programmes are short courses and an excellent introduction to the world of accounting that prepare you for the AAT Accounting course which takes a year to complete. 

If you already have good English and Maths skills and a basic understanding of accounting principles, then you can jump straight into the AAT Accounting course.  This course is part-time (daytime or evening courses are available) and upon successful completion you will have developed your skills and knowledge in preparation for a career as an: 

• Assistant Accountant 
• Finance Assistant 
• Data Entry Clerk 
• Finance Analyst. 

The benefits of AAT accounting courses

1. AAT courses are a great way to kick-start your career in accounting

There are no entry requirements to the AAT Accounting course so, if you have good English and maths skills and understand basic accounting principles, you can jump right in.  Alternatively, if you don’t feel confident enough to start at Level 2 you can enrol on one of the AAT Bookkeeping or AAT Business Skills courses. 

2. You can study an AAT course while you work

The courses are part-time, so you can continue to work while you study.  There are several benefits to this.  Firstly, you’ll still be able to bring in money while you’re learning.  Secondly, you can build your work experience while gaining a qualification, making you a more attractive candidate to employers. 

In addition, if you’re planning to study an AAT course instead of pursuing higher education, you’ll avoid incurring the debt usually associated with going to university. 

3. AAT courses are as flexible as you need them to be

In addition to being part-time, there are three different levels to the AAT Accounting qualification: Foundation, Advanced and Professional. 

Do you want to be an Assistant Accountant?  Great, study the Foundation course.  Want to advance all the way to Financial Controller?  Carry on studying to gain the Advanced and Professional qualifications.  How far you go is up to you. 

Furthermore, you do not have to do all of your studying in one go; if, after a year or two as an Assistant Accountant you decide you want to advance, you can return to your studies – you’re in control. 

4. Accessibility and inclusivity

AAT courses are renowned for their accessibility. With no stringent academic entry requirements, individuals with a solid foundation in English, mathematics, and basic accounting principles can readily begin their learning journey.  

This inclusivity ensures that aspiring accountants from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their professional goals. 

5. Career progression and development

The tiered structure of AAT qualifications, encompassing Foundation, Advanced, and Professional levels, provides a clear and progressive pathway for career advancement. Individuals can tailor their studies to their specific career aspirations, whether aiming for entry-level roles or aspiring to reach senior management positions. 

6. Industry recognition and employability

AAT qualifications are highly valued by employers across various sectors, from small businesses to large corporations. The practical, industry-relevant curriculum, developed in close collaboration with employers, equips graduates with in-demand skills, including financial accounting, management accounting and taxation. 

Proficiency in using industry-standard accounting software, combined with essential business skills like communication and problem-solving, makes AAT graduates highly sought after and increases their job prospects significantly. 

7. Cost-effectiveness

Compared to university degrees, AAT courses can offer a more cost-effective pathway to a successful career in accounting. Tuition fees for AAT courses are typically lower than university degrees, making them more accessible to a wider range of individuals.  The combination of lower tuition fees and flexible study options makes AAT courses a financially attractive option for many aspiring accountants. 

8. Increased earning potential

An AAT qualification can significantly boost your earning potential. The data shows that AAT-qualified professionals generally earn higher salaries than those without the qualification. As you progress through the AAT levels, your earning potential increases further.  

Also, the enhanced skills and industry recognition gained through AAT courses make you a more valuable asset to employers, leading to higher salaries, promotions, and greater career advancement opportunities. 

9. Accelerating your career path

AAT qualifications can significantly accelerate your progress towards achieving chartered status with leading professional bodies. While AAT itself does not grant chartered status, it has established valuable partnerships with renowned organisations such as: 

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
• Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW)

These partnerships allow you to potentially receive exemptions from specific exams required for chartered membership with these bodies. This can save you valuable time and resources, allowing you to achieve your professional goals more efficiently. 

Why you should do an AAT finance course

You should consider an AAT course if you're interested in a rewarding career in accounting and finance. These industry-recognised qualifications provide you with the practical skills and knowledge highly sought after by employers, opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities. AAT courses offer flexibility, allowing you to study while working, and provide a clear pathway for career progression, from entry-level roles to senior management positions. 

Choose TMC to study an AAT accounting course

Choose TMC to study an AAT course and benefit from experienced tutors, flexible study options and a supportive learning environment. We offer a range of AAT qualifications, from Level 2 to Level 4, to help you achieve your accounting and finance career goals. Enrol now and take the first step towards a rewarding career in accounting!