If you’re considering a career in accountancy, an AAT qualification can be a great place to start. But if you’re wondering whether AAT alone is enough to become an accountant, the answer depends on what you mean by ‘accountant’ and where you want your career to take you.
AAT can give you the practical accounting skills you need to start a career in finance and move into a range of accounting roles. However, if your goal is to become a chartered accountant, you’ll need to complete further professional study, such as CIMA's CGMA qualification, the ACCA qualification, or the ACA qualification.
That doesn’t make AAT any less valuable. For many people, it’s the foundation of a successful accounting career, providing practical knowledge and experience that can be built on over time.
What are the AAT qualifications and what do they qualify you for?
AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) offers practical accounting and bookkeeping qualifications designed to develop the skills used in real finance roles.
The qualifications are structured across different levels, allowing you to build your knowledge as you progress. At the higher levels, you’ll develop skills across areas such as financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, and accounting systems.
Becoming AAT-qualified prepares you for roles where you’re responsible for maintaining financial records, preparing accounts, processing financial information, and supporting wider finance activities.
Depending on your qualification and experience, this could include roles such as:
- accounts assistant
- assistant accountant
- bookkeeper
- payroll administrator
- finance assistant
- credit controller
Qualifications are only one part of becoming an accountant, though. Employers will also consider your practical experience, the responsibilities you’ve taken on, and the level of role you’re applying for.
The AAT qualification you choose will depend on your existing knowledge, experience, and career goals. Kaplan offers AAT bookkeeping qualifications at Levels 2 and 3, alongside accounting qualifications from Level 2 through to Level 4.
If you’re not sure which AAT level is right for you, it’s worth considering your existing qualifications and experience before choosing where to start.
What’s the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?
Bookkeeping and accountancy overlap, but they aren’t the same thing.
Bookkeepers are generally responsible for recording and maintaining financial transactions. This can include processing invoices, reconciling accounts, and keeping financial records accurate and up to date.
Accountants typically work with financial information at a broader level. Depending on their role, they might prepare financial statements, analyse performance, manage budgets, advise on tax, or use financial information to support business decisions.
If you enjoy working with detailed financial records and maintaining accurate accounts, bookkeeping could be a good fit. If you’re interested in analysing financial information, supporting business decisions, or taking on broader financial responsibilities, chartered accountancy may offer a better fit for your career goals.
What is a chartered accountant, and do you need to be one?
A chartered accountant is a professionally qualified accountant who has completed the relevant examinations and other requirements set by a professional accounting body.
In the UK, recognised chartered routes include qualifications such as:
- ACA (ICAEW – Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
- CIMA’s CGMA® Professional Qualification through the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
Chartered status can be particularly valuable if you want to progress into senior or specialist finance roles. It can also be important if you want to work in areas such as audit or pursue certain career paths within accountancy practice.
But you don’t need to become a chartered accountant to build a successful career in finance.
There are many accounting roles where AAT, combined with relevant experience, can provide the knowledge and skills you need. If further professional study is worthwhile depends on your ambitions rather than being a requirement for everyone working in accountancy.
Do you need to study ACCA or CIMA’s CGMA after AAT?
No. Further study isn’t compulsory after becoming AAT-qualified.
However, many people choose to continue their professional development because they want to specialise, take on greater responsibility, increase their earning potential, or work towards chartered status.
Two common progression routes are studying towards ACCA or CIMA’s CGMA®, and the right choice depends on the type of finance career you want.
AAT to ACCA
ACCA can be a good option if you want to progress into more advanced professional accounting roles or work towards chartered certified status.
For example, it could suit someone who wants to progress within an accountancy practice, move into a senior finance role, or develop their career in areas such as audit or tax.
Depending on the AAT qualification you’ve completed, you may also be eligible for exemptions from some ACCA exams. You should check your individual eligibility with ACCA before beginning your studies.
AAT to CIMA's CGMA
CIMA’s CGMA qualification could be a good fit if you want to work closely with a business and have a greater role in planning and decision-making.
For example, it could suit someone who wants to progress into a management accounting role, work as a finance business partner, or move towards a senior commercial finance position.
As with ACCA, your AAT qualifications may give you exemptions from some stages of the qualification. The exact exemptions depend on your previous study, so it’s important to check the current requirements before enrolling.
Choosing between the ACCA qualification and CIMA’s CGMA qualification isn’t about which is better, but rather about which one fits the direction you want your career to take.
How many years does it take to become a fully qualified accountant?
There isn’t one fixed timeframe for becoming an accountant.
The time it takes will depend on your starting point, the qualifications you choose, your existing experience, and how quickly you progress through your studies.
If you’re starting with AAT, you can study alongside gaining relevant work experience, so your qualification and career can develop at the same time.
How long you spend studying will also depend on which AAT levels you complete and whether you decide to continue with a professional qualification afterwards.
If you go on to pursue chartered status, you’ll need to complete the relevant professional qualification and practical experience requirements. This means the total time will vary depending on the route you choose and your individual circumstances.
There’s no single timeline that applies to everyone, so it’s worth considering your career goals when deciding how far you want to take your studies.
Take your next step with Kaplan
Choosing the right study route can help you move towards your career goals.
Kaplan offers flexible AAT study options designed to fit around your work and other commitments. Depending on your experience and career goals, you can choose from:
And if you decide to progress further, by studying towards qualifications such as the ACCA qualification or CIMA’s CGMA qualification you can continue your professional development.
Explore Kaplan’s AAT courses to find the right starting point for your career.
FAQs
Can you study AAT while working full-time?
Yes. AAT can be studied alongside work, allowing you to develop your accounting knowledge while gaining practical experience. Kaplan offers flexible study options designed to fit around work and other commitments.
Can AAT help you progress to the ACCA or CIMA’s CGMA qualification?
Yes. Becoming AAT-qualified can provide a foundation for further professional study, and depending on the AAT qualification you’ve completed, you may be eligible for exemptions from some ACCA or CIMA’s CGMA exams. The exemptions available will depend on your previous study, so you should check the current requirements with the relevant professional body.
Is AAT worth studying if you want to become a chartered accountant?
Yes. AAT can help you develop practical accounting skills and gain experience before progressing to a chartered qualification.
It may also provide exemptions from some stages of further professional study, depending on the qualification and route you choose. If becoming a chartered accountant is your goal, AAT can therefore be a useful starting point rather than a qualification you have to complete instead of further study.
Do you need a degree to study AAT or become an accountant?
No. A degree isn’t essential for starting a career in accountancy or studying AAT. AAT provides a vocational route into the profession, allowing you to develop practical accounting skills and gain relevant experience.
Is AAT a respected qualification by employers?
AAT is a recognised accounting qualification focused on practical skills and knowledge. However, employers will also consider your experience, technical abilities, and suitability for the specific role you’re applying for.