ATS: Become ICAN-Certified Accountant After High School (2024 Guide)

Not many people are aware they can become certified chartered accountants registered with ICAN without passing through any tertiary institution. This is what can be achieved with the Accounting Technician Scheme or ATS.

Becoming a certified accountant right after high school might seem like a daunting task, but with the Accounting Technician Scheme (ATS) by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), it’s entirely possible. This guide will walk you through the steps to become an ICAN-certified accountant through the ATS program, providing a clear pathway for your career in accounting.

How to Become an ICAN-Certified Accountant After High School with ATS

ATS was originally conceived over a quarter of a century ago to provide chartered accountants with competent assistants in their jobs.

 

Think of how important paralegals are to lawyers; or nurses to doctors. That is what ATS is all about in a nutshell.

However, the good thing about the ATS is that you can eventually become a chartered accountant if you wish to progress in your career.

Since the path to the top is open, there is no reason why you shouldn’t attempt it if you have the chance.

For students just out of secondary school and hoping to be accountants, ATS can offer a pathway to the top if a combination of UME exams and your chosen University’s policy is stopping you from studying your dream course.

And another good thing about the ATS is that once you pass it, you are exempted from the foundation stage of the journey leading to a fully certified chartered accountant.

The foundation stage is normally reserved for graduates of tertiary institutions and professionals with no accounting background.

So, if you are ready, follow this guide carefully to learn how to have an AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) after your name. An AAT signifies someone who has successfully passed all the ATS exams.

What is ATS?

The Accounting Technician Scheme (ATS) is a program designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to support professional accountants.

It serves as a stepping stone for those who aspire to become chartered accountants but do not have the opportunity to attend a tertiary institution.

The ATS program is recognized by ICAN and provides a solid foundation in accounting principles and practices.

Benefits of the ATS Program

  1. Early Career Start: Begin your accounting career immediately after high school.
  2. Professional Recognition: Gain a recognized qualification from ICAN.
  3. Career Advancement: Opportunity to progress to becoming a chartered accountant.
  4. Exemption from Foundation Stage: ATS graduates are exempted from the foundation stage of the ICAN professional exams.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the ATS program, you will earn the title of Associate Accounting Technician (AAT). This qualification opens doors to various career opportunities, including:

  • Accounting Technician
  • Audit Assistant
  • Tax Assistant
  • Financial Analyst

Additionally, you can choose to further your studies and become a chartered accountant by enrolling in the ICAN professional program.

Prerequisites

Before you can register for ATS, you must have at least 5 credits passes, including English and Maths in either

  • WAEC
  • GCE
  • SSCE

…in not more than two sittings.

Other acceptable pre-requisites include

  • Ordinary National diploma from an accredited University
  • National Certificate of Education from an accredited College of Education
  • Any relevant qualification as approved by ICAN.

Obviously, as a secondary school leaver, only the first pre-requisite should bother you.

ATS Examination Structure

The ATS program consists of three stages:

  1. ATS I: Covers basic accounting principles and practices.
  2. ATS II: Focuses on intermediate accounting topics and applications.
  3. ATS III: Advanced accounting subjects and professional ethics.

Each stage includes multiple subjects, and you must pass all exams to progress to the next stage. The exams are held twice a year, in March and September.

ATS Registration Guide

Follow the steps below to register for your ATS:

  1. Go to any commercial bank in the country. Inquire from the bank how and where to pay the ICAN/ATS Professional Examination Registration fee through Pay Direct. Currently, the registration fee is N6000
  2. At the back of the Pay Direct receipt is the online address to log into to complete your registration.
  3. Log into the registration portal.
  4. Scan a coloured passport photograph of yourself and attach it to the online form in the box provided
  5. Print out a copy of the application form after filling it
  6. Sign the printed form
  7. Get a Chartered accountant or an AAT member to act as your referee. Write their name, phone number and membership number in the appropriate section on the form.
  8. Get your referee or sponsor to certify or endorse the application form and photocopy of your credentials.
  9. Submit your application in an official envelope to the nearest ICAN office to you. Most cities in Nigeria have an ICAN liaison office where you can submit your application.

You must include the following in the official envelope before submission:

  • Photocopy of your O-level results ( WASSC/NECO). Or a computer printout or scratch pin voucher if you are submitting a statement of result.
  •  Original copy of your payment PIN voucher
  •  2 certified passport photographs
  •  3 self-addressed envelopes with an N50 stamp attached to each of them
  • A photocopy of your birth certificate or sworn declaration of age.
  • Original copy of the bank teller.

After about four weeks, you should get your registration number from the ICAN office near you. Your registration number will enable you to make the full payments after you log in to your student account on the website.

ATS Examination Guidelines-Related Issues

After getting your registration number, you are now eligible to write the ATS exams. The exams come up in March and September each year.

The ATS exams are divided into three parts. Each part contains four papers. All four papers must be passed before a candidate can move on to the next stage.

Once the date of the examination has been announced in newspapers, registered students must now log in to their online account and pay the relevant examination fees.

The mode of payment includes Pay Direct to ICAN account or through credit card payment.

Before payment, students must print out their Examination/financial status here after logging in with their registration number.

Methods of payment

i. Pay Direct

You would pay directly into the ICAN e-collection account and get a receipt at any commercial bank. Log into your account on the main ICAN website and

  • Enter your deposit slip number on the payment receipt
  • Input your receipt number
  • Click on the submit button

You will be given an eVoucher containing 12 digits and a 6-digit PIN and serial number, respectively. You will use them to complete your online registration.

Log into the web address on the eVoucher to finally complete registration for the exams.

ii. Credit card payment

Log into your account and input your registration number to see your financial status.

Under the method of payment, select ‘Pay online on Verve/Mastercard’ or ‘Pay online on Visa card

Click ‘Sign on‘ to set up your account, or simply enter your password if you have already set up your account.

ATS Online Registration

1. Requirements:

  • A scanned copy of your passport
  • A scanned copy of your signature

2. Go to the address on the e-voucher to complete the registration form. Click ‘Submit’ when you finish

3. Print the following after clicking the Submit button

  • Completed online examination form
  • Examination timetable and centres
  • Examination of offenses and sanctions in case of any breach
  • Examination warning

You must study the offenses and warnings thoroughly so as not to be disqualified unnecessarily.

Examination Fees:

The exam fees and the exemption fee are usually communicated to students when the exam dates are announced by ICAN. These fees vary from year to year.

You should note that the fees could he adjusted at any time.

Studying for the ATS Exams

It is advisable to look for a center close to you where ATS students are coached on how to write and pass the exams. All of these centers are not owned or run by ICAN. Though the reputable ones are certified by ICAN.

A simple Google search can bring up a list of good study centers close to your location.

On the other hand, if you feel up to it, you can collect the study packs from the liaison office close to your location and study on your own. You can also download them from here.

These study materials are good aids for preparing for the exams. The payment of the registration fee already entitles you to these study aids.

Download the syllabus here for a comprehensive overview of course outlines and recommended textbooks. Also, download the examination regulation here to learn how examinations are regulated and the grading scheme.

Let’s summarize our Study Tips:
  1. Create a Study Schedule: Allocate specific times for studying each subject.
  2. Use Past Questions: Practice with past exam questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format.
  3. Join Study Groups: Collaborate with peers to enhance your understanding of complex topics.
  4. Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your tutors or mentors.

All things being equal, you would get your AAT status after one and a half years. That should qualify you to move on the intermediate stage of the road toward full ICAN membership as a chartered accountant.

Conclusion

The ATS program by ICAN offers a unique opportunity for high school graduates to kickstart their accounting careers. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve professional recognition and build a successful career in accounting. Start your journey today and take the first step towards becoming an ICAN-certified accountant.

If you have any questions or comments, do well to connect with us via the comment section below. Thank you.

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