There are just so many jobs to choose from when you’re AAT qualified - you can really pick what you feel suits you best.
AAT is an accountancy qualification that makes you instantly more employable, leading to a great career.
What qualifications or experience 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.
85% of AAT members working with UK companies say they feel very or quite secure in their job.
Great careers, in-demand skills
With an AAT qualification there are plenty of careers to choose from. Here are just a few to consider:
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
Accounts assistant
Accounting Assistants support 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: £21, 000 (2021 AAT salary survey)
AAT course: Foundation Certificate or Advanced Diploma
Payroll Manager
Payroll Managers are required to be responsible for the payroll team.
They deliver training and supervision to ensure legislative compliance.
Essentially they have a relationship with HR, and address any issues with payroll that employees may experience.
Average salary: £37,000 (indeed.co.uk)
AAT course: Professional Diploma
80% of those who have completed an AAT qualification agree that it has increased their earning potential
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: £39,000 (Glassdoor)
AAT course: Professional Diploma
Tax Manager
They create, implement and oversee tax plans for their clients (businesses or individuals).
Their primary goal is to accurately manage clients' tax reporting for compliance.
Average salary: £57,000 (totaljobs)
AAT course: Professional Diploma
Chartered accountant
Completing the Professional level gives you exemptions if you decide to progress to fully Chartered Accountant status. This applies to: CIMA, ACCA or ACA (ICAEW). So you’d be exempt for up to six papers for these qualifications.
Essentially, you’d fasttrack through your studies.
These are world renowned qualifications, which can bring huge benefits for your status and career.
Average salary: £38,000-£41,000 (reed.co.uk)
AAT course: Professional Diploma and beyond
Or...specialise
The AAT Professional Diploma lets you choose from five options. This gives you the chance to become an expert in a chosen field such as: Tax, Audit or Credit Management.
Combined with the knowledge you’ve already developed, these specialisms will vastly enhance your career prospects.
Learn from the best, be the best
Whether you’re a learner or employer, 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? Begin your AAT career with us now.