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My AAT woes

I am really unhappy about the ongoing and severe problems with AAT’s new AQ2022 syllabus, which launched on 1 September 2022, at the same time as their new assessment platform Atlas Cloud.

As you pointed out in your last issue what we have is a very unreliable assessment platform, which eight months on still contains various widespread glitches.

I also understand that students’ results have also been very poor, with pass rates nowhere near the previous AQ2016 syllabus levels. It is going to be very interesting when AAT finally gets around to publishing pass rates for the AQ2022 units.

Are Londoners the happiest?

As a Londoner studying in the North West, I find it hard to believe your story in last month’s issue that claims students in London are the happiest (PQ, April ’23).

It is so expensive for students there, it is one of the main reasons I now study and live in wonderful Manchester. I did notice that the study was a Living and Learning in London report by London Higher, and although I would not say they are biased it did raise an eyebrow. You also say it is about expectations, and perhaps people expect the capital to be crowded and expensive. That’s not to say the cost-of-living crisis has escaped students up here too, it is very tough at the moment. I have had to take on paid work and have missed classes because of the way the shifts work.

Name and email address supplied

Shortages can be good

Am I being naïve in saying a skills shortage (lead story, PQ, April ’23) is a good thing for us part qualified accountants?

These problems are serious, especially at a time when AAT has increased the student membership cost by 100%+, with their lifetime qualification membership fee rates.

It takes me back to the launch of AQ2010 syllabus, when the AAT first started using CBA. Regrettably, there was a lot of ‘denial’ shown from the AAT back then, and it seems to be being replicated this time around.

Can PQ magazine please investigate these issues with the AAT, and perhaps provide an article in the magazine that can reveal the AAT’s formal response? Hopefully this will reassure students that they are not alone in dealing with these issues.

Name and address supplied

The Editor says: We are on the case, and will certainly keep our readers updated on any developments in this story.

Our ‘Graduates don’t want a career in accountancy!’ cover story certainly got a big reaction on social media. Prabin Jha said: “Mr. Graham Hambly, I partially agree with you here. Accountancy can’t be seen as standalone profession anymore.” Rupal Panchal explained: “It also has to do with increasing and complex compliance burden and deadlines.”

Marie Speakman added: “So true Graham. It’s pointless to train and study for a qualification and never get to use any of it. Too many accountants doing mundane and repetitive work. I think the salaries haven’t kept

If the demand is there but fewer people come into the profession then salaries will rise. The fact that some of the mundane tasks are no longer seen as a rite of passage also has to be a good thing. Technology is changing every profession and it is going to be the accountants who embrace it that will get ahead. I am ready to learn!

Name and email address supplied

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What shortages?

You have a story talking about shortages on page one (PQ, April ’23), but then on pages 8 and 9 you write about firms taking on record numbers of trainees. Surely the market is readjusting itself after the Covid years and any shortages were just because firms found it difficult to recruit during the pandemic?

Name and email address supplied up; they seem quite low.”

Geoff Nightingale agreed: “Good article. Interesting and engaging work is the only way to attract and retain employees in most industries.”

We got some great advice back too when we posted CIMA’s feature on how to pass the OTs. Lucille said you need to start early, check your understanding and do as many mocks/tests before you sit your exam. She went on: “OTs are intimidating as they are not absolute in nature and require a solid knowledge of the subject matter.”

Finally, take a look at all the great April Fool’s jokes on our fun page. Sunil Bhandari got in on the act and claimed he was swapping roles with his wife. While Sunil is a top ACCA AFM tutor his wife Rita is an ‘art of living’ teacher. This includes meditation and yoga. Let’s just say I haven’t seen Rita’s securitisation vs sukuk finance recording yet!