is studying the ACCA/ACA/AAT exams by yourself worth it?

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  1. Astudentinneed's Avatar
    • Benevolent Member
    • Location: london
    is studying the ACCA/ACA/AAT exams by yourself worth it?
    im currently working fulltime in retail and struggling to find a graduate financial job with a 2.2 degree and it's tough.

    i was thinking of passing some exams to better increase my chances of getting a finance job but reading this:

    http://forums.aat.org.uk/showthread....light=graduate

    makes me wonder if it actually worth going through this route?

    has anyone taken the exams without having a financial job? how did it work out in the end?
  2. monk_keys's Avatar
    • Exalted and Worshipped Member
    • Location: London, UK
    • Posts: 902
    Re: is studying the ACCA/ACA/AAT exams by yourself worth it?
    Everything you do will increase your chances of getting a better job but nothing will guarantee it.

    What sort of job are you looking for and what's your degree?

    Important to keep in mind that AAT and ACA/ ACCA are two different types of qualifications. ACA and ACCA offer chartered status and is used by all the largest accountants (along with CA); you are either qualififed or partially qualified. AAT is more common within smaller accountancy firms and has multiple levels that can be completed.
  3. kevinfosterft's Avatar
    • Junior Member
    • Location: West Midlands
    • Posts: 25
    Re: is studying the ACCA/ACA/AAT exams by yourself worth it?
    I am studying AAT, and I have back-up (my dad's firm). I am getting all the practical exposure I need from my family firm. However, I think, jobs and studying are two different things. You can study for accounting while holding a job in sales. These days, volunteering is also counted as experience.

    Increase the chances of getting employed in accounting by being a professional certified accountant. If you are new to accounting, then start off with AAT and progress on to either ACCA or CIMA. One advice I have always given to anyone starting off an alternative career is: never let go off of you current job till you are a certified professional. This will keep your income inflow stable you can also learn at the same time.
  4. GlassesFreak's Avatar
    • Junior Member
    • Posts: 50
    Re: is studying the ACCA/ACA/AAT exams by yourself worth it?
    Im studying for the C FAB qualification as a non-numerical undergrad. I think it will show commitment to career as a competency as well as possibly leading to exemptions. I spoke to a partner who said that one of their trainee goes on many science companies they audit as she has a bioscience degree.
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