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Help with my accountancy course

Hi guys can someone please give me some advice. I have graduated from Undergraduate Business Management and Economics with no exemptions to any accounting qualifications e.g ACCA,CIMA etc, but to do ACCA you need 5 GCSEs and 2 Alevels, but I have failed all my A-Levels. I want to start doing my ACCA qualification but I don’t think I can. What is the best way to start ACCA? Do I do AAT? If so how? Please help

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Original post by hello9.0
Hi guys can someone please give me some advice. I have graduated from Undergraduate Business Management and Economics with no exemptions to any accounting qualifications e.g ACCA,CIMA etc, but to do ACCA you need 5 GCSEs and 2 Alevels, but I have failed all my A-Levels. I want to start doing my ACCA qualification but I don’t think I can. What is the best way to start ACCA? Do I do AAT? If so how? Please help

If you failed your A Levels, how did you get into uni? Did you do an alternative NVQ Level 3 qualification? If so, ACCA does accept other types of NVQ Level 3 qualifications other than A Levels.

If you did something that ACCA doesn't recognise, then yes it's recommended that you do AAT Level 3 (you don't need prior qualifications to do this) in order to do ACCA. The alternative to AAT would be the FIA qualifications, which is similar but it takes longer to get onto the ACCA qualification.

See the minimum entry requirements for the UK:
https://www.accaglobal.com/uk/en/qualifications/glance/acca/minimum-entrance.html

Reply 2

Original post by MindMax2000
If you failed your A Levels, how did you get into uni? Did you do an alternative NVQ Level 3 qualification? If so, ACCA does accept other types of NVQ Level 3 qualifications other than A Levels.
If you did something that ACCA doesn't recognise, then yes it's recommended that you do AAT Level 3 (you don't need prior qualifications to do this) in order to do ACCA. The alternative to AAT would be the FIA qualifications, which is similar but it takes longer to get onto the ACCA qualification.
See the minimum entry requirements for the UK:
https://www.accaglobal.com/uk/en/qualifications/glance/acca/minimum-entrance.html


I got into university through clearing. I didn’t do nvq level 3. Where do I go to do aat level 3? Do I fund FIA by myself or through a work? What would the next steps be for someone like me?
Original post by hello9.0
I got into university through clearing. I didn’t do nvq level 3. Where do I go to do aat level 3? Do I fund FIA by myself or through a work? What would the next steps be for someone like me?

I got into university through clearing. I didn’t do nvq level 3
This doesn't make any sense. You are saying that the university accepted you with no A Levels or equivalent at all? Pass at A Level is at least an E grade. I fail to see how this is valid.

Where do I go to do aat level 3?
See the following: https://www.aat.org.uk/qualifications-and-courses/accounting/level-3-diploma-accounting

Do I fund FIA by myself or through a work?
Probably yourself if it's FIA since I have yet to come across an employer who would fund it; most would fund the AAT without issue. FIA is sort of limiting yourself to ACCA, whereas AAT would allow you to go into at least ACA, CIPFA, ACCA, and CIMA (not entirely sure about ICAS, CAI, AIA since they don't offer such information on their websites). See the following: https://www.accaglobal.com/my/en/student/FIA.html

What would the next steps be for someone like me?
Get employment in an accounting role and get the employer to fund you for your studies where possible.
Should you fail to do this, I would recommend getting onto the AAT qualification (you would only need to do Level 3), and then transition onto ACCA.

However, if your information regarding A Levels is inaccurate and you did managed to get onto your course with some passes or some other means, then I would look into that and check with ACCA if you meet entry requirements without needing to do FIA or AAT.
(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 4

Original post by MindMax2000
I got into university through clearing. I didn’t do nvq level 3
This doesn't make any sense. You are saying that the university accepted you with no A Levels or equivalent at all? Pass at A Level is at least an E grade. I fail to see how this is valid.
Where do I go to do aat level 3?
See the following: https://www.aat.org.uk/qualifications-and-courses/accounting/level-3-diploma-accounting
Do I fund FIA by myself or through a work?
Probably yourself if it's FIA since I have yet to come across an employer who would fund it; most would fund the AAT without issue. FIA is sort of limiting yourself to ACCA, whereas AAT would allow you to go into at least ACA, CIPFA, ACCA, and CIMA (not entirely sure about ICAS, CAI, AIA since they don't offer such information on their websites). See the following: https://www.accaglobal.com/my/en/student/FIA.html
What would the next steps be for someone like me?
Get employment in an accounting role and get the employer to fund you for your studies where possible.
Should you fail to do this, I would recommend getting onto the AAT qualification, and then transition onto ACCA.
However, if your information regarding A Levels is inaccurate and you did managed to get onto your course with some passes or some other means, then I would look into that and check with ACCA if you meet entry requirements without needing to do FIA or AAT.


I got UUU at A Levels and got accepted at Clearing. So do I have the option to do FIA and AAT at the moment? If yes, can I get an employer to pay for my AAT? Or do I have to do it myself?

Sorry for so many questions, I’m just confused:smile:
Original post by hello9.0
I got UUU at A Levels and got accepted at Clearing. So do I have the option to do FIA and AAT at the moment? If yes, can I get an employer to pay for my AAT? Or do I have to do it myself?
Sorry for so many questions, I’m just confused:smile:

Then I would be very curious to know why your uni accepted you with UUU. If you got UUU, you wouldn't be able to do a degree at uni.

So do I have the option to do FIA and AAT at the moment? If yes, can I get an employer to pay for my AAT? Or do I have to do it myself?
Yes, you can do AAT or FIA since they don't require you to have any prior qualifications.
Yes you can get your employer to pay for your AAT. Your problem is getting the job in the first place as entry level jobs in accounting is very competitive. I would only pay for the course if and only if you can't secure an entry level role in a reasonable amount of time e.g. after 1000 applications or 6 months.
You don't have to pay for the course yourself, but if it means it's easier for you to get an entry level job just by having the qualification then it's a small price to pay.

To clarify, your other alternatives are to:

resit A Levels and get at least E in 2 of them - you will need to do this as a private candidate; this will cost you

go to an adult college and do a NVQ Level 3 e.g. BTEC Extended Diploma, Access to HE - all at cost to yourself, unless you take out an advanced learner's loan.

go to an adult college and do AAT Level 3 - some colleges offer it as a professional course.

These alternative options will be more expensive than the £228 AAT Level 3 online from AAT
(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 6

Original post by MindMax2000
Then I would be very curious to know why your uni accepted you with UUU. If you got UUU, you wouldn't be able to do a degree at uni.
So do I have the option to do FIA and AAT at the moment? If yes, can I get an employer to pay for my AAT? Or do I have to do it myself?
Yes, you can do AAT or FIA since they don't require you to have any prior qualifications.
Yes you can get your employer to pay for your AAT. Your problem is getting the job in the first place as entry level jobs in accounting is very competitive. I would only pay for the course if and only if you can't secure an entry level role in a reasonable amount of time e.g. after 1000 applications or 6 months.
You don't have to pay for the course yourself, but if it means it's easier for you to get an entry level job just by having the qualification then it's a small price to pay.
To clarify, your other alternatives are to:

resit A Levels and get at least E in 2 of them - you will need to do this as a private candidate; this will cost you

go to an adult college and do a NVQ Level 3 e.g. BTEC Extended Diploma, Access to HE - all at cost to yourself, unless you take out an advanced learner's loan.

go to an adult college and do AAT Level 3 - some colleges offer it as a professional course.

These alternative options will be more expensive than the £228 AAT Level 3 online from AAT


I think I got UUE in A levels, does this make any difference at all?
Original post by hello9.0
I think I got UUE in A levels, does this make any difference at all?

You need at least 2 passes at A Level, not one. If you only have one pass, then you can resit the exams for one A Level or you can pick one of the entry level accounting/bookkeeping qualifications (FIA or AAT).

Reply 8

Original post by MindMax2000
You need at least 2 passes at A Level, not one. If you only have one pass, then you can resit the exams for one A Level or you can pick one of the entry level accounting/bookkeeping qualifications (FIA or AAT).


What is the aat level 3 course/ apprenticeship called? Can I find it myself?
Original post by hello9.0
What is the aat level 3 course/ apprenticeship called? Can I find it myself?

AAT Level 3 course:
https://www.aat.org.uk/qualifications-and-courses/accounting/level-3-diploma-accounting

You can also do the Level 3 course at any random adult college (you would need to google for the colleges local to you, but it's a common qualification). Personally, I would rather do it online.

For apprenticeships, you would need to google for these. See the following for example:
https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=8951f3b57f2905cb&q=aat+level+3+apprenticeship&l=england&tk=1i7j9l765ic0p86g&from=web&advn=2659713537913231&adid=434778520&ad=-6NYlbfkN0CBSjxKTo4C974EfHgTuYyAeH8OgJ4vVilSM-SPONf_01wGJ3LFJGMVKvLsE4nzAHYvovKOUbGvyUmVDIrTdtxC2ZLqQ3s47Q40260iBYRT8y1RC_GAbxM8NpcdNQEx-UKhunP0CD9qaMMQVy-AIvrqrePp8XdJK1XS5lx51uPeOvVqlICWf1n3HONCMl5Tjy1c95vl-GRBvc4JJTu0my0TBGaE4uJ5S5-1Ym_-f3I8ECrW6cCcYgWLobFaCwqzGu_te9mRqZwKWGV3HR8M23C14kP-xkMfn6OWPPf6cYvzJdJL15lxyiOB-aPZ_OOFaXXT8j42YcNTWSwOXAGWLdUKmdiQ5m8npE46INLVBkqJ2l-61id2KZclug9yCWLF4tugLQVxlo-ZL8Q-Mal9m0V90sDeeyqpf6t8Yn23dtZMFQvKob5twZ11f-0fn_jkA7FNl7T-kxVTE2mNVyILpqIZ4k5Mir6B1-X-giz9zaMdNhTdLswk-Nqp95GPvSiiiGLWl3Sb5FnQVP9v1AnjJuQ3&pub=4a1b367933fd867b19b072952f68dceb&camk=nUmJqO2E8rgbTl9Mqn8ZXg%3D%3D&xkcb=SoCo6_M38zbbM_SKWp0LbzkdCdPP&xpse=SoCJ6_I38zbUvMxUj50PbzkdCdPP&xfps=91968587-872b-4274-87ae-aad604c4f884&vjs=3
https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=5660d9050bb24b69&q=aat+level+3+apprenticeship&l=england&tk=1i7j9l765ic0p86g&from=web&advn=8218980459569407&adid=276955525&ad=-6NYlbfkN0AeApjN8TxLMYFdlC40YvhaMvnleMrHvSzncWbaDmUlrpkAHQeGfY2EsEIOiISokPFwmYwle3BON0_KFHS5CtIK0hz5PwJP1e5LR63I-96dx7qlofESknAEPPnZAIDsXxpY3AX7ztezfBJjjYg9HfoM6ur4xY_lCIqhF-R4HwchTeN2wHl8-EDSEZmxnWaFbO99uasnjC758to4sHSQPGJcAkbDJrZirEuUBFI39khtUJN8OKRWexgS7jYnrt49jTW1R54y80CbvJO1CykPW_V2LWqx_an348SshOY4nqBVyFWhW7QDYuNZeuDSTTbvu53gNIp0l_54zUudwDSps_FrqKq3F1VSEugjLIQkXCHxB6th2VGTMmoFziklwxJozlwhUjaoK6cuNbAO8iZMZDkpoAmfpClj8peY2CtY97vMuyfOnBsziTdPaTA7m-jms2hhfKRYhuvCF4O8zkoJpCkcDesu4lKS9TbpEBCBrspE4AjsO6HWw06fxghsDJLUxMWrcDsst7qz2hs0ZYR4JmM9PaVOoUNRl9M%3D&pub=4a1b367933fd867b19b072952f68dceb&camk=aSqGVPs8WEm8MKNeuq1dWg%3D%3D&xkcb=SoAc6_M38zbbM_SKWp0KbzkdCdPP&xpse=SoAm6_I38zbT6WSKTx0IbzkdCdPP&xfps=b354183f-169b-4930-9cf9-208201478ea2&vjs=3

Reply 10

Original post by MindMax2000
AAT Level 3 course:
https://www.aat.org.uk/qualifications-and-courses/accounting/level-3-diploma-accounting
You can also do the Level 3 course at any random adult college (you would need to google for the colleges local to you, but it's a common qualification). Personally, I would rather do it online.
For apprenticeships, you would need to google for these. See the following for example:
https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=8951f3b57f2905cb&q=aat+level+3+apprenticeship&l=england&tk=1i7j9l765ic0p86g&from=web&advn=2659713537913231&adid=434778520&ad=-6NYlbfkN0CBSjxKTo4C974EfHgTuYyAeH8OgJ4vVilSM-SPONf_01wGJ3LFJGMVKvLsE4nzAHYvovKOUbGvyUmVDIrTdtxC2ZLqQ3s47Q40260iBYRT8y1RC_GAbxM8NpcdNQEx-UKhunP0CD9qaMMQVy-AIvrqrePp8XdJK1XS5lx51uPeOvVqlICWf1n3HONCMl5Tjy1c95vl-GRBvc4JJTu0my0TBGaE4uJ5S5-1Ym_-f3I8ECrW6cCcYgWLobFaCwqzGu_te9mRqZwKWGV3HR8M23C14kP-xkMfn6OWPPf6cYvzJdJL15lxyiOB-aPZ_OOFaXXT8j42YcNTWSwOXAGWLdUKmdiQ5m8npE46INLVBkqJ2l-61id2KZclug9yCWLF4tugLQVxlo-ZL8Q-Mal9m0V90sDeeyqpf6t8Yn23dtZMFQvKob5twZ11f-0fn_jkA7FNl7T-kxVTE2mNVyILpqIZ4k5Mir6B1-X-giz9zaMdNhTdLswk-Nqp95GPvSiiiGLWl3Sb5FnQVP9v1AnjJuQ3&pub=4a1b367933fd867b19b072952f68dceb&camk=nUmJqO2E8rgbTl9Mqn8ZXg%3D%3D&xkcb=SoCo6_M38zbbM_SKWp0LbzkdCdPP&xpse=SoCJ6_I38zbUvMxUj50PbzkdCdPP&xfps=91968587-872b-4274-87ae-aad604c4f884&vjs=3
https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=5660d9050bb24b69&q=aat+level+3+apprenticeship&l=england&tk=1i7j9l765ic0p86g&from=web&advn=8218980459569407&adid=276955525&ad=-6NYlbfkN0AeApjN8TxLMYFdlC40YvhaMvnleMrHvSzncWbaDmUlrpkAHQeGfY2EsEIOiISokPFwmYwle3BON0_KFHS5CtIK0hz5PwJP1e5LR63I-96dx7qlofESknAEPPnZAIDsXxpY3AX7ztezfBJjjYg9HfoM6ur4xY_lCIqhF-R4HwchTeN2wHl8-EDSEZmxnWaFbO99uasnjC758to4sHSQPGJcAkbDJrZirEuUBFI39khtUJN8OKRWexgS7jYnrt49jTW1R54y80CbvJO1CykPW_V2LWqx_an348SshOY4nqBVyFWhW7QDYuNZeuDSTTbvu53gNIp0l_54zUudwDSps_FrqKq3F1VSEugjLIQkXCHxB6th2VGTMmoFziklwxJozlwhUjaoK6cuNbAO8iZMZDkpoAmfpClj8peY2CtY97vMuyfOnBsziTdPaTA7m-jms2hhfKRYhuvCF4O8zkoJpCkcDesu4lKS9TbpEBCBrspE4AjsO6HWw06fxghsDJLUxMWrcDsst7qz2hs0ZYR4JmM9PaVOoUNRl9M%3D&pub=4a1b367933fd867b19b072952f68dceb&camk=aSqGVPs8WEm8MKNeuq1dWg%3D%3D&xkcb=SoAc6_M38zbbM_SKWp0KbzkdCdPP&xpse=SoAm6_I38zbT6WSKTx0IbzkdCdPP&xfps=b354183f-169b-4930-9cf9-208201478ea2&vjs=3


Is it the level 3 course or apprenticeship that I can fund it myself ?

Reply 11

Original post by MindMax2000
AAT Level 3 course:
https://www.aat.org.uk/qualifications-and-courses/accounting/level-3-diploma-accounting
You can also do the Level 3 course at any random adult college (you would need to google for the colleges local to you, but it's a common qualification). Personally, I would rather do it online.
For apprenticeships, you would need to google for these. See the following for example:
https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=8951f3b57f2905cb&q=aat+level+3+apprenticeship&l=england&tk=1i7j9l765ic0p86g&from=web&advn=2659713537913231&adid=434778520&ad=-6NYlbfkN0CBSjxKTo4C974EfHgTuYyAeH8OgJ4vVilSM-SPONf_01wGJ3LFJGMVKvLsE4nzAHYvovKOUbGvyUmVDIrTdtxC2ZLqQ3s47Q40260iBYRT8y1RC_GAbxM8NpcdNQEx-UKhunP0CD9qaMMQVy-AIvrqrePp8XdJK1XS5lx51uPeOvVqlICWf1n3HONCMl5Tjy1c95vl-GRBvc4JJTu0my0TBGaE4uJ5S5-1Ym_-f3I8ECrW6cCcYgWLobFaCwqzGu_te9mRqZwKWGV3HR8M23C14kP-xkMfn6OWPPf6cYvzJdJL15lxyiOB-aPZ_OOFaXXT8j42YcNTWSwOXAGWLdUKmdiQ5m8npE46INLVBkqJ2l-61id2KZclug9yCWLF4tugLQVxlo-ZL8Q-Mal9m0V90sDeeyqpf6t8Yn23dtZMFQvKob5twZ11f-0fn_jkA7FNl7T-kxVTE2mNVyILpqIZ4k5Mir6B1-X-giz9zaMdNhTdLswk-Nqp95GPvSiiiGLWl3Sb5FnQVP9v1AnjJuQ3&pub=4a1b367933fd867b19b072952f68dceb&camk=nUmJqO2E8rgbTl9Mqn8ZXg%3D%3D&xkcb=SoCo6_M38zbbM_SKWp0LbzkdCdPP&xpse=SoCJ6_I38zbUvMxUj50PbzkdCdPP&xfps=91968587-872b-4274-87ae-aad604c4f884&vjs=3
https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=5660d9050bb24b69&q=aat+level+3+apprenticeship&l=england&tk=1i7j9l765ic0p86g&from=web&advn=8218980459569407&adid=276955525&ad=-6NYlbfkN0AeApjN8TxLMYFdlC40YvhaMvnleMrHvSzncWbaDmUlrpkAHQeGfY2EsEIOiISokPFwmYwle3BON0_KFHS5CtIK0hz5PwJP1e5LR63I-96dx7qlofESknAEPPnZAIDsXxpY3AX7ztezfBJjjYg9HfoM6ur4xY_lCIqhF-R4HwchTeN2wHl8-EDSEZmxnWaFbO99uasnjC758to4sHSQPGJcAkbDJrZirEuUBFI39khtUJN8OKRWexgS7jYnrt49jTW1R54y80CbvJO1CykPW_V2LWqx_an348SshOY4nqBVyFWhW7QDYuNZeuDSTTbvu53gNIp0l_54zUudwDSps_FrqKq3F1VSEugjLIQkXCHxB6th2VGTMmoFziklwxJozlwhUjaoK6cuNbAO8iZMZDkpoAmfpClj8peY2CtY97vMuyfOnBsziTdPaTA7m-jms2hhfKRYhuvCF4O8zkoJpCkcDesu4lKS9TbpEBCBrspE4AjsO6HWw06fxghsDJLUxMWrcDsst7qz2hs0ZYR4JmM9PaVOoUNRl9M%3D&pub=4a1b367933fd867b19b072952f68dceb&camk=aSqGVPs8WEm8MKNeuq1dWg%3D%3D&xkcb=SoAc6_M38zbbM_SKWp0KbzkdCdPP&xpse=SoAm6_I38zbT6WSKTx0IbzkdCdPP&xfps=b354183f-169b-4930-9cf9-208201478ea2&vjs=3


What’s the difference between level 3 advanced diploma n this one being a normal diploma
Original post by hello9.0
Is it the level 3 course or apprenticeship that I can fund it myself ?

It's roughly £250 if you do it online through AAT (see the link above).

You can try to do a course through a local adult college, but I would consider using an Advanced Learner's Loan if you have difficulty funding it yourself (e.g. costs over £1000 and you don't have the means to fund the course).

Apprenticeships through employers typically are funded by the employer as far as I know (you might want to double check on this).

Reply 13

Original post by MindMax2000
It's roughly £250 if you do it online through AAT (see the link above).
You can try to do a course through a local adult college, but I would consider using an Advanced Learner's Loan if you have difficulty funding it yourself (e.g. costs over £1000 and you don't have the means to fund the course).
Apprenticeships through employers typically are funded by the employer as far as I know (you might want to double check on this).


The course which costs £250 is it the same course you are talking about to learn at a college through advanced learner loan or different course? Aat ? Please do let me know
Original post by hello9.0
What’s the difference between level 3 advanced diploma n this one being a normal diploma

Huh?

Where does it say anything about an advanced diploma? It's usually a Level 1, 2, 3, or 4 diploma. They go by levels, not whether something is advanced or not.

In any case, I would still go by the levels, since you are looking for a Level 3 before transitioning over to an ACCA.

If you want to do CIMA, you don't need to worry about any of the above, since they do everything from scratch and will require no prior qualifications.
Original post by hello9.0
The course which costs £250 is it the same course you are talking about to learn at a college through advanced learner loan or different course? Aat ? Please do let me know

It should be the same course, unless the college offers something different.

All that matters is the AAT Level 3 needs to be in accounting, and it's this precise qualification that you would be ending up with. It's because this is the qualification that would allow you to move onto ACCA with your current A Level grades.

Reply 16

Original post by MindMax2000
It should be the same course, unless the college offers something different.
All that matters is the AAT Level 3 needs to be in accounting, and it's this precise qualification that you would be ending up with. It's because this is the qualification that would allow you to move onto ACCA with your current A Level grades.


Aat level 3 advanced diploma is equivalent to 2 alevels aat level 3 diploma is normal. So which one do I do? I’m so confused
Original post by hello9.0
Aat level 3 advanced diploma is equivalent to 2 alevels aat level 3 diploma is normal. So which one do I do? I’m so confused

Can you share with me the link to the course that you're referring to? I'm a bit confused myself.

Reply 18

Original post by MindMax2000
Can you share with me the link to the course that you're referring to? I'm a bit confused myself.


https://www.kbmtr.co.uk/aat-accounting-level-3.php


https://www.aat.org.uk/qualifications-and-courses/accounting/level-3-diploma-accounting

Yeah, that is confusing. I am not sure why why KBMTR is throwing around extra terms to the diploma. It's probably a way to add a few extra bells and whistles

The key thing for ACCA is that the AAT Diploma is Level 3 in Accounting.
If you look at the exemptions calculator: https://www.accaglobal.com/uk/en/help/exemptions-calculator.html
...and look up AAT Level 3, you would see the following:
"AAT LEVEL 3 OR LEVEL 6 ADVANCED DIPLOMA/DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS INTERMEDIATE LEVEL, FULL COURSE COMPLETION
There are no course exemptions for this qualification. Your course does however allow you to register for the ACCA Qualification.
There are no further exemptions available, as the modules you have completed haven't been assessed."

If the KBMTR course provides this diploma, it's just as good. However, ACCA would only consider the diploma for entry as opposed to the "advanced diploma" which doesn't mean much to the accounting body.

Having said that, I have looked at the minimum requirements page, and for some reason the only AAT qualification that they seem to accept for entry is AAT Level 4 in Business Skills, which conflicts with the above and doesn't exist on AAT's page of qualifications. You might want to contact ACCA to double check on this.

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