Students in South Africa to study AAT by distance learning
The first distance learning centre to offer the AAT accounting qualification has opened in Cape Town. Premier Accountancy Training (Pty) Ltd received accreditation from the AAT and FASSET in March 2007 and has been open to students since May.
The AAT accounting qualification is offered at centres in Cape Town, Centurion and Johannesburg. However, the distance for many students to get to these centres means there can be a physical barrier to being able to study the AAT unless they live in one of the bigger conurbations. The option of distance learning means that many more people will be able to study for the AAT without needing to be in a classroom.
South Africa has always been proud of its high quality chartered accountancy qualification. But because of the previous inequality in education, the majority of the population was unable to study accountancy at this level. There has also not been a satisfactory entry level accountancy qualification to give students the necessary skills to perform efficiently in accounting functions in the workplace, and give options for further study. SAICA (South African Institute of Chartered Accountancy) has been keen to support the training of previously disadvantaged students in high quality accountancy. The AAT accounting diploma helps to fill the gap and so SAICA has been very supportive of the UK-based AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians), which provides recognised accounting qualifications and is also a professional membership body.
The AAT diploma is an internationally recognised qualification and is training students to be at the same high standard as contemporaries in similar accounting roles all over the world. As South Africa continues to grow this puts the workforce at an equal to more developed economies and will help us to operate on the same level playing field.
Studying the AAT by distance learning will give access to many more people who wish to get a
qualification in accountancy. There are no requirements for entry but students will need to be reasonably numerate and be able to read and write in English. Students will need access to a computer, either at home or at work, but they do not need access to the internet. Students then work through the material and send assignments to their tutor through the post or by email. Tutors can also be contacted by phone for help and support with assignments during office hours and in 2 evenings until 8pm. Because of the nature of distance learning, students can enrol at any time during the year instead of waiting until the traditional start of term.