What job can I get with an AAT qualification?

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AAT is one of the most popular and accessible routes into finance, with more job opportunities opening up as you progress through each level. But what kind of jobs?

AAT is made up of three levels: Foundation, Advanced, and Professional, plus a series of Bookkeeping courses.

Below we list some of the great careers available to AAT members.

Firstly, what qualifications do I need to study AAT?

None. You don’t need any prior qualifications or accountancy experience to begin studying AAT. Anyone, from school leavers to career changers, can start the qualification. Kaplan offer training for all entry levels.

What type of job could I get?

There are a whole host of career paths ahead of you if you embark on a course with AAT. Here are just some of your potential options:

Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers allow businesses to have a full view of their finances at any time. They keep financial records up to date and accurate. They also deal with other tasks such as:

• purchase orders/invoicing
• sales accounting and credit control
• financial admin
• data processing
• payroll accounting
• preparing financial statements.

Average salary: £24,000 (reed.co.uk)

AAT course: Bookkeeping / Advanced Bookkeeping

“Job security levels have increased since 2011 – from 74% to 85%” – AAT Salary Survey 2019

Accounts assistant

Accounting Assistants are a key function of the Accounting department. They perform tasks such as:

• processing and recording transactions
• preparing reports and budgets
• act as a go between for clients and suppliers
• fact checking
• filing
• admin.

Average salary: £19, 500 (AAT Salary Survey 2019 )

AAT course: Foundation or Advanced Level

Payroll Manager

Payroll Managers are required to be responsible for the payroll team. They deliver training and supervision to ensure legislative compliance.

Essentially they are the link between finance and HR, and address any payroll issues that employees may experience.

Average salary: £37,000 (indeed.co.uk)

AAT course: Professional Level

“77% of students agree that studying for the AAT has increased their earning potential” – AAT Salary Survey 2019

Finance Analyst

Financial analysts typically work in banks, pension funds, insurance companies, and other businesses. They advise businesses and individuals on investment decisions.

The work involves the assessment of stocks, bonds, and investment performances.

Average salary: £36,000 (Glassdoor.co.uk)

AAT course: Professional Level

Tax Manager

They create, implement and oversee tax plans for their clients, which can be businesses or individuals.

Their primary goal is to accurately manage clients’ tax reporting for compliance.

Average salary: £57,000 (totaljobs.com)

AAT course: Professional Level

Chartered Accountant

Completing Professional Level with AAT gives you exemptions if you decide to continue with your studies in order to become a fully chartered accountant. This means you can fast-track your route to Chartered status compared to those who have not started with AAT, as you could be exempt for up to 6 papers for certain qualifications. These exemptions apply to CIMA, ACCA or ACA (ICAEW).

These are world-renowned qualifications, which can bring huge benefits for your status and career.

Average salary: £35,000 (reed.co.uk)

AAT course: Professional Level and beyond

“92% of AAT Licensed Accountants who are purely self-employed say they are ‘very’ or ‘quite’ satisfied” – AAT Salary Survey 2019

Plenty of options to specialise

The AAT Professional Diploma lets you choose from 5 options. This gives you the chance to become an expert in your chosen field; Tax, Audit or Credit Management.

Combined with the knowledge you’ve already developed, these specialisms will vastly enhance your career prospects.

Boost your earnings

Whilst overall earnings vary according to level, location and experience, gaining AAT qualifications has been proven to impact your salary.

It can also bring greater responsibility in terms of your career and enhance your CV, making you more marketable.

Learn from the best, be the best

Whether you’re a learner or employer, at Kaplan we offer the full range of AAT options, driving you to succeed. We have:

• 70+ years training accountancy
• 75 FTSE 100 firms using our services
• 45,000 students per year
• 8 out 10 top accountancy firms using our services

So what are you waiting for? Carve out your AAT career with us now.

Kaplan is the UK’s leading global provider of diverse education and training.