A revamp of Hong Kong's accredited accounting technician qualification (AAT) and a new syllabus from next June will provide technicians with a broader perspective of the world economy and business operations, more in-depth knowledge of accounting software and new technology, and a deeper understanding of business and commerce.
This is according to Johnson Kong, vice-president of the board of the Hong Kong Institute of Accredited Accounting Technicians (HKIAAT). 'Business in Hong Kong and the mainland has become increasingly sophisticated and globalised with complicated business transactions and standards,' he said. 'Conventional accounting functions have also been taken up by advanced technology.
'The restructured and upgraded AAT training introduces new subjects and skill sets, including business economics, financial mathematics, organisation and management, and management information systems. It also introduces a capstone professional assessment, which aims to develop the technicians' values and ability to demonstrate professionalism.'
The reorganised coursework focuses on broader business and financial understanding and reduces detailed study in some topics. This is a reflection of the requests from accounting firms, private companies and public entities to train accounting technicians with a more focused view of business.
The introduction of professional assessments is a major change with the aim of developing AAT's professional values, and instil a strong sense of ethics and professionalism. In Hong Kong, accounting technicians come under the aegis of the HKIAAT, which is a subsidiary of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The HKIAAT has been administering the AAT qualification since its establishment in 1988. More than 8,000 graduates have attained the AAT qualification with another 6,000 currently being trained.
Among other duties, the work of accounting technicians includes preparing simple accounts, providing clerical accounting and book-keeping support for business entities and organisations of all sizes.