Bookkeeping figures significantly on the up: AAT
8 November 2018
AAT has reported a sharp increase in its number of students studying bookkeeping qualifications, according to new figures published today.
As part of AAT’s bookkeeping week, being held between Monday 5 and Friday 9 November 2018, AAT has revealed a 39% rise in total bookkeeping registrations in the 10 months from January to October 2018, in comparison with the same period from 2017. This comprises a 32% rise over the period in those taking AAT’s Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping, and a 57% increase for the Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping, completion of which can be used as a route to professional AAT Bookkeeper membership (AATQB).
In addition, the total number of bookkeeping completions rose by 68% in January to October 2018, compared to January to October 2017. This comprises a 58% increase in completions of the Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping and an incredible 99% rise in those completing the Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping.
A total of 3,770 members have now achieved AATQB status since its launch two years ago (as of October 2018).
Rob Alder, Head of Business Development at AAT, said: “AAT’s qualified bookkeeping membership status is a visible mark of quality, competence and commitment for students who achieve success in our advanced bookkeeping and accounting qualifications. These figures demonstrate quite how popular a career path bookkeeping is for those who are strong with numbers, and with high demand for bookkeepers, the popularity of these qualifications is set to continue for a long time to come.”
How I became a bookkeeper leading a team of four: Lindsay Gray FMAAT
Lindsay Gray FMAAT (Fellow Member of AAT) took on an administrative course after leaving college, studying bookkeeping as an evening course. This led her to apply for an apprenticeship with a firm specialising in chartered accountancy and tax advice. She now leads a team of four at Sweeting and Smedley, where she is the firm’s VAT and bookkeeping manager.
“I’m a firm believer that you learn better with experience,” says Lindsay. “I’ve met people who have gone to university, done exams without work experience and have then gone into working in a practice. They don’t always understand how to apply their knowledge to the workings of a firm.
“I love providing management information for clients alongside their own bookkeeping requirements. It gives them an idea of where their business is, where it’s going and how to grow it rather than just speaking to them on an annual basis.”
