How Long Does CIMA Take After AAT (And Why?)

How Long Does CIMA Take After AAT (And Why?)

Exact Answer: 3 Years

Accounting makes it possible to systematically record, analyze and report important financial information and communicate the financial health of a business to all interested parties. It’s the backbone of any company.

If you are an accountant, you can work in almost any industry. The job of an accountant is to record and classify the financial data which is being generated by the company, in a structured format and summarize that financial data into meaningful data. So, how do I get into accountancy as a career? Where do I begin? How much can I earn being an accountant? These questions arise in everyone’s minds.

How Long Does CIMA Take After AAT

How Long Does CIMA Take After AAT?

QualificationNumber of levelsLevels
AAT – Association of Accounting Technicians3Foundation, Advanced, Professional
CIMA – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants4Certificate, Operational, Managerial, Strategic

Individuals can enter accounting at any age. But if you haven’t finished your schooling or if you are entirely new to accounting, you may wish to look into obtaining a diploma in accounting. One of the most recognized diplomas in accounting is the AAT which stands for Association of Accounting Technicians.

AAT is a professional body for accounting technicians. AAT aims to produce high-quality accounting technicians who can help run efficient finance functions across all kinds of business organizations. You will gain the knowledge needed to be a valuable member of an accounting team and a qualification that is recognized by accounting professionals across the world, by completing an AAT qualification.

AAT is made of three separate levels which are the Foundation, Advanced and Professional levels. These are referred to as level 2, level 3, and level 4. So, which level is suitable for me?

The AAT Foundation level is suitable for individuals with no prior experience and who is an entry-level role in finance and accounting. The AAT Advanced level is suited for the one who is looking for progress in their career and for an individual with some or little finance experience. The AAT Professional level is suited to an individual who wants to become their manager and start their own business. The AAT can take 6 months to 3 years to complete. It can also take longer if you take gaps between each level.

What can I do after completing AAT? Based on your interests, you can study ACCA, CIMA, or ACA after completing AAT. Here we are talking about CIMA. You may have heard of CIMA which stands for Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. It’s a UK-based professional body in management accountancy aimed at accountants working in the industry.

Management accountants analyze data, forecasts, and budgets. They create reports to be used internally, compile future information, and measure operational as well as financial performance. If you don’t want to do much Tax or Audit and if you are good at learning the fine details then CIMA is the best qualification for you. If you don’t see yourself in a Financial analyst or Financial Accounting role and if you are looking for management accounts or strategic management, then CIMA is the best for you.

Why Does It Take 3 Years To Complete CIMA After AAT?

The CIMA qualification is split into a certificate which is a standalone qualification. CIMA has four levels which are known as Certificate in Business Accounting, Professional Operational, Professional Management, and Professional Strategic. Each of these levels has four exams each.

It roughly takes 3 to 4 years to complete CIMA. AAT students holding a level 4 qualification can start studying CIMA’s Professional qualification straight away and can complete CIMA in 3 years. If you are a graduate it will take you anywhere between 18 months to 2 years to complete 3 levels. If you have finished school, it will take 4 years to complete all four levels.

Conclusion

As an AAT student, you can start studying for the globally recognized CIMA qualification anytime. If you have an interest in management accounting, adding value to the business, and looking at the strategic level then this is a great start. Gaining a global professional degree is always beneficial and can add weightage to your profile in building your career. Such exposure to global management accounting and skills are always welcomed everywhere. AAT is great for basics, but if you want to go further into an accounting career then CIMA is the way forward. With CIMA, you can gain new skills like financial analysis, project management, negotiation, and leadership.

References

  1. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=hv-0WSTDxHcC&oi=fnd&pg=PP2&dq=aat+cima+qualifications&ots=k8WXilVzew&sig=eNQvEeuEc3GulrOLehEz3eJx4Uo
  2. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED377404
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25 thoughts on “How Long Does CIMA Take After AAT (And Why?)”

  1. CIMA’s 3-4 year completion period might deter some people from pursuing this qualification. Perhaps it could be shortened?

    1. While it may be lengthy, the thoroughness and quality of education in CIMA might justify the duration of the course.

  2. It’s fascinating to learn about the different levels of AAT and how it serves as a stepping stone towards more advanced qualifications like CIMA.

  3. The article’s conclusion provides a clear recommendation for those considering a career in accounting. It’s an insightful read.

  4. I believe the comparison between AAT and CIMA gives clarity to those considering these paths. It’s well-presented.

  5. The comparison of AAT and CIMA, along with the detailed explanations, gives prospective candidates a well-rounded view of available paths in accounting.

  6. The detailed information about CIMA’s duration and eligibility is immensely helpful for aspiring accountants. It’s a well-researched article.

  7. The detailed explanation of CIMA’s four-level structure and the duration of the qualification is enlightening. It helps in making an informed decision.

    1. Avatar of Helen Robinson
      Helen Robinson

      Absolutely, the in-depth details provide valuable insights for individuals seeking professional qualifications in accounting.

  8. Avatar of Alexander Bailey
    Alexander Bailey

    The thorough explanation of the AAT and CIMA qualifications is excellent. It provides a clear understanding of each level and the time it can take to get certified.

  9. The differentiation between AAT and CIMA as career prospects is clearly depicted. It’s an enlightening piece for individuals interested in accounting.

  10. AAT and CIMA are evidently well-aligned for those aspiring to become management accountants. The article does justice to explaining their roles and advantages.

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