Difference Between AAT and ACCA

AAT vs ACCA

AAT is Association of Accounting Technicians and ACCA is Association for Chartered Certified Accountants. Both the AAT and ACCA are related to accounting. AAT can be said to be the first step towards becoming an accountant and ACCA is an advanced qualification for an accountant.

When comparing AAT and ACCA, the former one is only a technical level qualification. An entry-level course, those who complete the AAT course are called accounting technicians.

AAT offers three different qualifications such as level 2 Accounting Certificate, level 3 Diploma course and level 4 Diploma course. Once completing the AAT, a person can opt for higher studies in accounting and become chartered accountant.

ACCA is a UK based body that offers the Chartered Certified Account certification. When compared to AAT, the ACCA is a larger accountancy body. Unlike the AAT, ACCA has more syllabus and examinations. There are altogether 14 exams in ACCA but people who have experience have certain exceptions. If a person has a AAT, then he or she could save one year of ACCA.

When comparing the opportunity, a person having ACCA has more opportunities. The payment that a person with ACCA gets is more than a person having AAT qualification.

ACCA has gone through major changes over the years. It all began in 1904 when eight people joined together to form the London Association of Accountants aimed at providing professionalism to accountancy. After many years, it became Chartered Association of Certified Accountants in 1984 and it became Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in 1996.
The AAT was formed in 1980 after merging two bodies — Institute of Accounting Staff and Association of Technicians in Finance and Accounting.

Summary

1. AAT is Association of Accounting Technicians and ACCA is Association for Chartered Certified Accountants.
2. When comparing AAT and ACCA, the former one is only a technical level qualification.
3. AAT can be said to be the first step towards becoming an accountant and ACCA is an advanced qualification for an accountant.
4. Unlike the AAT, ACCA has more syllabus and examinations. There are altogether 14 exams in ACCA but people who have experience have certain exceptions.
5. The payment that a person with ACCA gets is more than a person having AAT qualification.
6. ACCA has gone through major changes over the years. It all began in 1904 when eight people joined together to form the London Association of Accountants. The name Association of Chartered Certified Accountants became relevant in 1996.
7. The AAT was formed in 1980 after merging two bodies — Institute of Accounting Staff and Association of Technicians in Finance and Accounting.