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Agreement with AAT brings benefits to members

02 Aug 2008

ACCA and the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will benefit members of both bodies and the employers who offer ACCA and AAT qualifications.

Employers recognised by the ACCA Approved Employer programme will have the opportunity of being accredited by AAT under its equivalent scheme, without having to undergo AAT's full assessment process. Similarly, employers accredited by AAT will be able to obtain ACCA Approved Employer status through an expedited process.

The agreement will mean that AAT members working for an ACCA Approved Employer will find it easier to meet their continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.

Wyn Mears, director of ACCA UK, said: 'Making meaningful and relevant synergies with like-minded organisations is important to ACCA, so I am pleased that this MoU has been signed with AAT. It is excellent news for employers, members and students who will ultimately benefit from this joint arrangement.'

An early beneficiary of this new arrangement is Wandsworth Borough Council, in London, which has now been granted Trainee Development status as an ACCA Approved Employer. Wandsworth's director of finance and deputy chief executive, Chris Buss, said: 'Wandsworth Council's finance department has, for many years, had a vigorous policy of supporting qualification training as a means of developing staff, ensuring a skills balance and addressing succession planning. 

'We are very pleased to gain Approved Employer status for Trainee Development via the AAT direct route and hope that this will further encourage staff to pursue these qualifications. As an Approved Employer with a number of bodies, including ACCA, we believe that this is an example of partnership that benefits the employees as well as the council.'