01 Jun How you can Begin a Career in Accounting and Finance

Accounting and finance are one of the most versatile careers that an individual can enter. Every business needs to have skilled accounting professionals to succeed, to help guide them in making the best decisions about their finances. As a respected professional career, many would expect that to get into accounting you would need to go to university. However, this is not the case; a successful career can be started without ever having to study for a university degree, through studying for an AAT qualification.This can also lead on to university in Cyprus or the UK or onto studying for chartered qualifications.

AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) offer accounting qualifications which were designed in the United Kingdom, but which have now been made available for students in Cyprus. The organisation was founded in the UK in 1980, and launched its qualifications in Cyprus last year. AAT qualifications are vocational qualifications that can be studied full time or part time whilst working in accounting or finance roles.  This allows students to practice their skills at the same time they are learning and help them to relate their studies to real situations.

AATs accounting qualifications offer anyone who is interested in studying a degree in the United Kingdom exemptions from several UK universities in cities such as London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Manchester. Partner universities offer places on degree programs and some offer unconditional offers and exemptions from the first year of study.

Many here in Cyprus have previously taken their first step into the accounting profession through completing an LCCI (London Chamber of Commerce and Industry) bookkeeping qualification. These students could still also benefit from studying AATs qualifications, as they can get on to a fast track route to becoming a qualified accountant by using the exemptions AAT offers to those who have completed their LCCI.

AAT students will then be fully qualified with the practical skills needed by employers, putting them further ahead than others their age who went to university and who did not get work experience. The course can also be completed in less time than a university degree.

Studying AAT means that you will also be able to move into chartered accounting more quickly. Once you have completed your studies with AAT, you will be able to get generous exemptions from chartered and certified bodies including from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC).

A career in accounting can open many doors to different roles, in many different and interesting sectors such as sport, music, and technology. Many high level business executives start off by studying an accounting qualification, and then are able to progress higher through the ranks of their organisation because of the business knowledge the accounting qualification has given them. Many entrepreneurs and business owners also benefit from studying accounting, which gives them the skills they need to make a success of their businesses. With us in the middle of the Pancyprian exam season, if you haven’t still decided what you want to do next, but have thought of beginning a career in business and finance, maybe you should consider an AAT qualification.

If you want to find out more please contact our student advisers at 22274470 or visit our AAT course page here