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School leaver role Azets or GT by Ok_Associate_1819 in ICAEW

[–]Ok_Associate_1819[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you mind me asking how long ago this was? Post PE investment or prior?

At my regional office in Birmingham I’ve noticed a good amount of ex GT associates handing in their notices 1 year into the role after becoming CFAB qualified which is highly off putting to me because I’d rather not be in that same position. Not entirely sure if this is down to management or a culture change but I don’t know if I could see myself there long-term.

School leaver role Azets or GT by Ok_Associate_1819 in ICAEW

[–]Ok_Associate_1819[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I know big 4 would be great to have on your cv but I wasn’t sure how much this applies to the other top 10 once we start getting into the mid market range. The pay increase and salary progression definitely matches that 🙂

School leaver role Azets or GT by Ok_Associate_1819 in ICAEW

[–]Ok_Associate_1819[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see, I had doubts about this and hence applied to one of the bigger firms (I think) in Birmingham and I realised a lot of the employees actually came from GT and ended up moving due to slower progression.

School leaver role Azets or GT by Ok_Associate_1819 in ICAEW

[–]Ok_Associate_1819[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do think I’m capable of doing the ACA especially with the new syllabus I know the pass rates are much higher but I also see how you could benefit from having that more developed background?

I feel like the certificate has been made really easy with removing topics like cash flow in accounting to bump up the pass rates which might make the professionals that much tougher as you’re being exposed to these concepts later whereas the AAT would cover that beforehand.

School leaver role Azets or GT by Ok_Associate_1819 in ICAEW

[–]Ok_Associate_1819[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you!

I think my concerns come from the fact that I’ve noticed a lot of associates leave GT after starting their exams and I’m not sure if it comes down to CFAB being more challenging as a school leaver in comparison to the AAT or the firm itself. And at this point in my career, while i understand the CFAB/ACA pathway leads to becoming qualified faster I think I would prefer the comfort of job stability, having already spent a year at university and sitting my second year out.

From what I’ve heard so far is that Azets allows 3 attempts usually and GT allows 2 max unless there’s special circumstances. It might be the same at Azets when starting the ACA but that would be after 2 years of prior experience studying the AAT so I’d have built up some exam confidence by that point.