AAT vs. CIMA: Which accountancy qualification is for you?

Are you considering a career in accounting or want to advance your current accountancy role to take on more senior responsibilities? If so, choosing the right qualification is important in achieving success in your accounting career.

Accounting qualifications are industry-recognised certifications that validate your skills and provide advantageous benefits in your career. Among the various accounting qualifications you can choose from, there are two popular options among accounting professionals: The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Ultimately, the best accountancy qualification for you should align with your career goals and learning preferences. Always consider the key differences between AAT and CIMA and understand how they can support your career aspirations.

So, how do AAT and CIMA differ? Let's explore their differences across key comparison areas in this comprehensive AAT vs CIMA guide. We’ll help you decide between AAT and CIMA by comparing them across different areas.

Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)

The AAT is a well-established professional body in the UK, renowned for its practical approach to accounting education. This association provides a robust foundation in accounting principles, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking to enter the accounting and bookkeeping profession.

AAT qualificationsare widely recognised by employers across countries and various industries. These qualifications ensure that AAT professionals have the skills for various accounting and bookkeeping roles.

In-demand roles for AAT-qualified professionals

With AAT Levels 2 or 3, you can apply for entry-level to mid-level accounting or finance roles.

Here are some of the typical roles that you can apply to with the Level 2 or 3 AAT qualification:

• Accounts Administrator: Handles data-entry tasks such as processing invoices, managing financial records, and supporting the finance team with day-to-day accounting duties.
• Bookkeeper: Records daily business transactions and maintains the accuracy and completeness of multiple accounts.
• Tax Assistant: Prepares tax returns, manages tax records, and assists with tax compliance.

After completing the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting, you can apply for various mid-level to manager roles. Each role comes with unique responsibilities and growth potential.

Here are some of the career opportunities that will be available to you after completing the AAT Level 4 accounting qualification:

• Accounting Technician: Manages financial records, prepares reports, and assists with budgeting and financial planning.
• Assistant Auditor: Supports the auditing team by verifying financial records, checking for compliance, and helping ensure accuracy in financial reporting.
• Commercial Analyst: Analyses financial data to inform business strategy and improve profitability.
• Cost Accountant: analyses and manages the company's costs and expenses to optimise resource efficiency and profitability.
• Indirect Tax Manager: handles tax compliance, particularly for VAT and other indirect taxes.

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

CIMA, on the other hand, is a globally recognised professional body focusing on management accounting. The institute is highly respected for its emphasis on strategic management and business skills, making it suitable for those in finance leadership roles.

CIMA qualifications are recognised by employers worldwide and help holders secure career opportunities. CIMA is also a partner of the American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA), enhancing its credibility and global reach.

In-demand roles for CIMA-qualified professionals.

Once you complete all the CIMA qualification levels and gain the CGMA designation, you can then apply for job roles related to accounting and finance. Some of the positions include:

• Finance Managers: Have varying roles depending on the size of the organisation. Their core responsibility, however, is to oversee the company's financial health.
• Chartered Management Accountant: Conducts thorough financial analysis and applies accounting principles to support organisational leaders in decision-making.
• Finance Controller: Oversees all aspects of an organisation's financial activities, including budgeting, cash flow management, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Management Consultants: Help organisations solve issues, create value, maximise growth and improve business performance by providing objective recommendations and proposals.
• Chief Finance Officer (CFO): The highest-ranking financial executive within a company and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of an organisation's finances, including making strategic decisions to improve its financial health. A CFO can earn anywhere between £100,000-£150,000.

AAT vs. CIMA: Key Comparison Overview

When deciding between AAT and CIMA, it's important to identify which qualifications align with your career advancement better. Below is a table that shows an overview of the key differences between AAT and CIMA:

Focus

Every accounting qualification has a different focus and specialisation that affects the skills you'll develop and the career paths available.

AAT qualifications emphasise technical skills in core accounting areas such as bookkeeping, financial accounting, management accounting, and tax processes. These practical skills will help you become job-ready for entry-level roles or advance in mid-management and senior roles.

On the other hand, CIMA prioritises management accounting, financial strategy, management, and broader business acumen. This qualification covers everything you need to excel in business leadership and strategic decision-making roles.

Course structure

AAT and CIMA's structure and course content align with their focus and specialisation.

Let's explore the core content areas covered in AAT and CIMA qualifications.

AAT course structure

Starting with the AAT, the qualification consists of three accounting levels:

• Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
• Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
• Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting

Additionally, AAT has three bookkeeping that focus on providing technical bookkeeping skills:

• Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping
• Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
• Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping

When you earn the Level 3 Diploma in Accounting or Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping, you can apply for an AAT professional membership and receive the AAT Qualified Bookkeeper (AATQB) designation. With the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting, you can apply for the AAT full membership and receive the MAAT designation.

CIMA course structure

If you are new to accounting and finance, CIMA offers an entry-level qualification, the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting. This qualification provides the CIMA Cert BA designation and a formal entry route to advanced professional qualification levels.

The CIMA Qualification has three levels that you need to complete to earn the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation:

• Operational Level
• Management Level
• Strategic Level

Time Commitment

The amount of time commitment to complete the qualification is another factor you must understand when choosing between AAT and CIMA. Both qualifications will have varying course durations and will still depend on the qualification level and your learning pace.

If you're wondering how long does AAT take, it generally depends on the specific level of the qualification and the time you can dedicate to studying. Typically, AAT qualifications can take between 6-12 months per level with consistent effort, depending on how much time you can allocate to your studies.

On the other hand, if you want to know how long does CIMA take, it's determined by the qualification’s structure and your dedication. CIMA qualifications usually take 3 to 4 years to complete if you follow the structured pathway, but accelerated options are available for those with relevant experience or prior qualifications.

Below is a table to break down the time it takes to complete each qualification if you're studying 8 to 10 hours per week:

Cost

Studying for either AAT or CIMA often comes with costs.

Here's a typical breakdown of the costs associated with the qualifications:

• Registration or membership fees
• Exam fees
• Course fees
• Resit fees (if applicable)

CIMA and AAT accounting qualification costs vary, but at e-Careers, we offer this for the following price per course:

Professional qualifications like AAT or CIMA are investments that offer huge returns in your accountancy career. Pursuing them can increase earning potential, career growth, and professional recognition.

If you want to understand the tangible benefits of these accounting qualifications better, you can calculate the return on investment (ROI) using this formula:

ROI = (Net Gain / Cost) × 100

Note that the net gain is your potential salary increase minus the total cost of the qualification.

The table below details the total cost of studying the accounting qualifications, the net gain through salary increase, and the return on investment from them:

Global Relevance

AAT and CIMA are recognised not only within the UK but also internationally!

Starting with AAT, this awarding body has over 130,000 members worldwide. AAT also partners with local accounting organisations in countries like Botswana, Australia, and New Zealand to align the curriculum with the local accounting standards and frameworks. Leveraging these AAT affiliations can help you secure accounting positions in these countries.

Additionally, AAT often becomes a viable formal entry route to advanced qualifications like CIMA or ACCA. Because of that, you can gain exemptions and skip certain exams in the qualifications when you have an AAT qualification.

Meanwhile, CIMA has a broader international reach, with more than 500,000 CIMA students and members globally. It's also recognised as one of the largest institutes for management accounting.

CIMA also partners with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), further enhancing its global reputation and extending global opportunities to its members. Because of that, CIMA graduates are often highly sought after in multinational organisations, particularly in North America, Asia, and Europe.

AAT and CIMA compared to other global qualifications

Aside from AAT and CIMA, other global qualifications target specific focus or areas in accounting. Each qualification offers unique benefits that can benefit your profession depending on your career goals and pathway. Let's explore what these global qualifications offer that's different to AAT and CIMA.

• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants): ACCA covers a broader range of accounting areas, including financial and management accounting, taxation, and auditing.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): The CPA title is tailored primarily to the US market and focuses on accounting and taxation practices relevant to American Accounting standards.
• CA (Chartered Accountant): The CA title is awarded by various institutes, such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) or the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland (ICAS). Both chartered accounting qualifications cover a broader range of accounting areas.

The AAT to CIMA pathway

AAT exemptions for CIMA allow you to transition smoothly from your AAT studies to the CIMA qualification pathway. This is because CIMA credits any prior experience or relevant qualifications that you have—including AAT qualifications.

Here's a step-by-step process of how to use your AAT qualifications to get CIMA exemptions:

• Review your eligibility: Often, AAT graduates, degree holders, and those with prior work experience in accounting or finance are eligible to gain exemptions in their CIMA studies.
• Check the CIMA exemption calculator: You can use the official CIMA exemption calculator to determine the exemptions you'll gain and the exams you'll skip.
• Register as a CIMA candidate: After checking the exemptions, you must register as a CGMA candidate and submit the needed documents.
• Check if the exemptions are applied: The approved exemptions will be reflected in your account during the course enrollment.
• Understand the CIMA professional qualification structure: Knowing the structure and various levels of the CGMA qualifications sets expectations and helps you plan for them.
• Prepare all documents for your CIMA exemptions: Your AAT qualification can help you gain exemptions, so preparing your documents for submission helps make the transition smoother.
• Leverage existing skills: The AAT qualification provides the technical skills and foundational knowledge you can leverage and expand upon on your CIMA studies.
• Familiarise exam formats: The CIMA exam formats will differ from the AAT exams, so familiarising them helps you prepare effectively.
• Gain relevant experience: CIMA requires three years of practical experience before you can earn the CGMA designation. This is an opportunity to apply all the skills and knowledge gained from both qualifications.

Transition from AAT to CIMA: A success story

Studying CIMA is often the natural progression for AAT graduates who want to specialise in management accounting.

Let's see an example of how aspiring finance professionals used their AAT qualifications to study CIMA.

Tom Morfett is a Finance Assistant for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) who used the AAT qualification as a foundation for his CIMA studies. He started pursuing the AAT because he has a history degree and little knowledge of the industry.

Through AAT Levels 2 and 3, he gained the essential skills and technical expertise needed for his role. When he completed the AAT Professional Diploma at Level 4, he progressed straight to the CGMA qualification and skipped the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting.

Additionally, with some concepts overlapping between CIMA and AAT, he was well-prepared to leverage his skills in the initial CIMA levels. Tom frequently revisited and applied the knowledge he had gained during AAT.

Overall, his story shows how AAT can provide the foundation for your CIMA studies.

AAT and CIMA Study Resources and Techniques

Completing the AAT or CIMA qualification requires the right resources, strategies, and support to help you master core accounting skills and pass your exams. Here, we'll talk about some resources, tools, and techniques available to you that would help with your studies.

Study resources for AAT and CIMA

Technology and tools to aid learning

Incorporating technology into your study routine can boost productivity and make learning manageable. Here are some tools you can consider:

• Note-taking apps: Apps like Evernote or OneNote help you organise your study plan, review your notes efficiently, and keep everything in one place.
• e-Careers eLearning Platform: e-Careers provides a cutting-edge eLearning platform complete with interactive features, comprehensive resources, and tailored tutor support for when you're studying in our AAT and CIMA courses.
• Pomodoro timer: Using a timer based on the Pomodoro technique helps you divide your study into manageable chunks while adding breaks.
• Calendar scheduler: Tools like Google Calendar allow you to create time blocks for study, work, and personal tasks, ensuring a balanced and structured routine.

Study tips for AAT and CIMA

You can effectively study the two accounting qualifications with the right strategies.

Below are some tips you can apply so you can study better.

• Understand the exam structure and format: Familiarise yourself with the exam requirements, types of questions, and criteria. Working with an accredited provider like e-Careers ensures you receive personalised guidance tailored to the exam structure.
• Practice regularly: Practice helps reinforce your understanding of concepts and boosts confidence.
• Mock exams and revisions: Mock exams simulate real test conditions and focus your revisions on areas where you need improvement. Enrolling with e-Careers gives you access to high-quality mock tests and focused revision materials to support your success.
• Utilise real-world case studies: Case studies allow you to apply your knowledge and improve your problem-solving skills.
• Time blocks: Use the Pomodoro Technique to break your study sessions into manageable chunks and schedule time blocks to maintain focus on your studies.
• Active recalling: Strengthen your memory retention by testing yourself on what you've learned instead of passively reviewing materials.
• Mind Mapping: Draw mind maps to visualise connections between topics and understand the concepts better.

Emerging trends in the accounting industry

The accounting industry is continuously evolving, so both AAT and CIMA graduates should adapt to the changes within the sector.

• Digital Tools and Automation: One of the most in-demand skills in the industry is proficiency in digital tools and automation. AAT graduates are expected to leverage automation in their workplace to facilitate an efficient and smoother workflow. CIMA professionals, meanwhile, may need to upskill in using analytical software for their data gathering, analysis, and interpretation.
• Cloud Accounting: Cloud accounting is another game-changing advancement that forever changed the accounting process. Mastering this technology will become necessary as more businesses adopt cloud-based accounting.
• Data Analytics: Data analytics is also slowly being incorporated into the finance industry as it provides a better way to analyse financial information. Because of that, CIMA graduates and senior AAT professionals are expected to include this skill under their toolbelt.
• Green Accounting: Also worth noting is the rise of sustainability compliance and green accounting in the accounting landscape. These new and specialised niches will create new opportunities that both AAT and CIMA professionals can quickly fill in.

How e-Careers can help your AAT or CIMA studies

Whether you choose to study AAT or CIMA qualifications, e-Careers can help you reach your career goals in accounting!

As one of the largest accounting training providers in the UK, you'll benefit from:

• Comprehensive courses
• Extensive learning resources
• Personalised support throughout your qualification journey

With a strong track record of producing exceptionally high pass rates, you can count on us to provide personalised support at every step of your AAT or CIMA journey.

We're incredibly honoured to be recognised within our industry for our achievements as an AAT Training Provider, which includes:

• Distance Learning Training Provider of the Year, 2025 - Shortlisted (winner TBA March 13th).
• Student of the Year: Classroom or distance learning, 2025 (Katy Hickey) - Shortlisted (winner TBA March 13th).
• AAT Tutor of the Year, 2024 - Winner.
• AAT Distance Learning Training Provider of the Year, 2024 - Finalist.
• PQ Magazine's Editor's Choice 2023 - Winners.
• AAT Tutor of the Year Award 2022 - Finalist.
• PQ Magazine’s Accounting Online College of the Year, 2022 - Finalist.
• AAT Distance Learning Training Provider of the Year 2020 - Finalist.

Conclusion

Choosing between AAT and CIMA qualification is an important decision that you must make in your accounting journey. Both qualifications offer different advantages and benefits that support different career pathways in the industry.

For more information about our AAT and CIMA qualifications, call us at +44(0) 20 3198 7700 or email us at ask@e-careers.com to speak with our career advisors.