Winning the 2014 CPD prize – my journey to success

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Continuing Professional Development (CPD) refers to the process of tracking and documenting the skills, knowledge and experience that you gain in a formal and non-formal work environment.

At AAT we are continually encouraging all learners to keep abreast of changes to legislation, technology and working practices. By continually investing in learning, AAT members can be at the top of their game.

Since 2002, the CPD prize has been awarded to full or fellow AAT members (MAAT and FMAAT) for their unique approach to CPD.

Here we talk to the winner of the 2014 AAT CPD prize, Georgia Moss.

Tell us how did you use your CPD to progress in your career?

Well it helped me get a new job! CPD keeps you focused as you document your learning whilst improving your skills and knowledge. As I achieved and completed different stages of CPD, I became more confident and with this new confidence I applied for a position that I felt would fully utilise my skills. I was lucky enough to get my new job in June.

I work as a Finance Officer for a multi academy trust, offering support and advice to schools that have transformed into Academies within Hereford. This new role is really varied; I enjoy working with the schools and doing more pure accountancy work.

What did you do previously?

I worked as a Finance Officer at Ludlow Secondary School. This job involved supporting the School Business Manager, and administering and accounting for the school fund. Additionally I organised trips and completed the preparation for audit. I liked this role however I feel in my current job, there is room for growth and I’m continually learning; adding more strings to my bow.

I will continue tracking and documenting my learning, CPD allows me to do my job better. My studying won’t stop. Next I plan to do the CIPFA certificate in financial reporting for Academies and ultimately, I plan to become a chartered accountant. I hope to achieve this goal within the next five years; I want to continue working in a finance function within the education sector.

Why else do you think the AAT judges were impressed?

Well, recently I volunteered to supervise an apprentice and really enjoyed it. It allowed me to informally manage someone and gain experience of looking after a colleague. I worked closely with the apprentice. I wrote the evaluation reports for the apprentice’s NVQ assessor as she progressed onto each stage of the qualification. I also made sure she was settling into office life and the workload was manageable. I think this experience may have helped me get a winning entry!

What advice would you give to those that don’t keep record of their CDP?

My advice would be start now. It’s really not hard. Just reviewing your records every few weeks is really useful, and to note down any achievement or new career.

And to top it all off, here is a supporting quote from AAT’s Membership Coordinator, Aleksandra Trzmiel, who commented: “Georgia really impressed us with her strong drive and determination to develop skills outside of her role to help progress her career. This, along with her CPD records, made Georgia a perfect candidate for the first prize.”

Georgia Moss is an accounting professional and former winner of AAT's Continuous Professional Development prize.

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