steeleys

Hi

This had probably been asked before, but, I am now in WA (mandurah) and qualifed to AAT Technician level in UK. I wish to continue my studies now in W.A at Tafe/Uni but dont know what level to go in at?

My final objective is to be Tax Accountant - any thoughts on routes from here to there?

Thanks for any help, have a good day now

fay

JAJ

Start at http://www.aat.org.au

Also look at http://www.taxinstitute.com.au and
http://www.charteredaccountants.com.au

Do you want to be a tax agent or professional accountant (CA/CPA) specialising in tax?

Options open to you include upgrading to an accountancy degree and/or doing the CA or CPA Program afterwards, and/or looking at the requirements to register as a tax agent.

steeleys

Thanks JAJ much appreciated, hoping to be CPA specialising in Tax.

fay

JAJ

Out of interest, why not a CA instead?

steeleys

CPA seems more common from what I have seen. Whats the difference? I would like to be more in practice as opposed to industry - what do you think?

JAJ

CA is just as accessible (you don't need to be working in Big Four or anything). Both CA and CPA are well regarded, however CA does have a slight edge.

CA is also better recognised in other countries, eg New Zealand, should you ever choose to go there.

It's up to you, but given a free choice I would go for CA.

You might need to complete a bachelors degree (eg by distance learning) to enter either the CA or CPA Program.

worzel

I used to work with a guy who came here with AAT qualifications intending to use it towards a full accounting qualification with work to subside study / allow time off etc. But he failed to find an institute which would give him any credit for the AAT qualification. Faced with starting from scratch he went back to uni to pursue an entirely different career. I am not saying that there were no options for him, but he couldn't find them.

JAJ

Things may have changed more recently for the AAT in Australia:
http://www.charteredaccountants.com.au/A119060922

That said, to progress to be a CA, I would think you need to do a bachelors degree in accounting (AAT might get some credits) and then do the CA Program.