20 Magazine

20 magazine is where you find the best tips and tools from industry experts to allow you to get ahead in accountancy. Whether you’re looking for study tips to achieve your qualification or the inside scoop on what it’s really like to work in a particular sector, 20 magazine can help.

Launched in January 2018, 20 is AAT’s dedicated magazine for AAT Accounting Qualification students. Published three times a year, each issue features study tips, career advice and industry news to help you succeed in your studies and develop a rewarding finance career. For students, 20 is available online to all current AAT Accounting Qualification students and new affiliate members. 

Here we have compiled all the best bits from the latest issue. From downloads and links to events that are not to be missed! Please note the online magazine is for AAT students and requires log-in.

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Issue: 11

Lights, Camera, Accounting!

In the Autumn/Winter issue of 20 magazine, we meet two accountants working in the exciting world of TV & film. Plus:

  • Learn about the role of critical reflection in synoptic success – Page 18
  • Quiz: Which accountancy profession suits you – Page 26
  • An accounting apprentice looks ahead at the accounting world of the future – Page 30

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Issue: 10

How to avoid common exam mistakes

In the spring/summer issue of 20 magazine, we break down the Examiner’s Reports to highlight the most common errors made by students during exams and let you know how to avoid them. Plus:

  • Accelerate your career: how you can become indispensable in your existing role or prepare for a new one – Page 18
  • From AAT to TEDx: we talk to former AAT apprentice Rachel Martin, who went from studying AAT to hosting her own TEDx Talk – Page 22
  • Wellbeing workout: how you can take care of your own mental health, as well as tips for managers – Page 30

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Issue: 9

Reach your goals

In the winter issue of 20 magazine, we look at how an apprenticeship can help you get ahead. Plus:

  • How do I prepare for exams after a long break? Some tips to get you ready to take on your exams – Page 7
  • Getting your first job: we talk to some organisations that are looking for employees – Page 22
  • The future of accounting: the traditional career path is no longer – here’s what to expect in the future – Page 30

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Issue: 8

Be your own boss

In the autumn issue of 20 magazine, we look at how you can make a success out of working for yourself. Plus:

  • A licence to succeed: We meet AAT Licensed Accountants who have started their own firms – Page 22
  • In good spirits: Sophie Best and Becky Glover have both forged successful careers in the alcohol industry – Page 26
  • Landing an accountancy role post-Covid: How your AAT qualification can help you land a job – Page 30

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Issue: 7

Meet the mentor

In this issue of 20 magazine, we look at the skills you should develop to enhance your employability, plus tips and advice for making distance learning work. Also inside this issue:

  • Future-proof your skillset (page 20)
  • Become a communication ace (page 37)
  • Top tips for distance learning (page 10)

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Issue: 6

How to smash the first year in a new job

In issue 6 of 20 magazine, we find out how to smash the first year of your career from a panel of experts, including two AAT apprentices of the year (p24). Also in this issue:

  • Rebuilding your mental health – how three students coped with conditions like depression and anxiety (p38)
  • Meet the mentor – Hayat Amin advises AAT student Nathalie Njike on finishing her studies forging a career (p42)
  • Manners for the modern colleague – Are half the office staff on holiday? Embrace it! (p59)

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Online magazine is for AAT students and requires log-in.

Issue:5

Digital masterclass (e-learning)

Xero’s Advisor Certification Equivalency Course aims to give accountants and bookkeepers in the UK the online accounting skills they need to succeed in the digital age. This 6 hour course is free for AAT students. Here’s how to access it:

  1. Head to this page at xero.com
  2. Create an account
  3. Enter the code: XeroAATStudents to unlock the e-learning content


Business models (further reading)

A business model expresses how a business will move from it’s early stage towards ultimate, set goals. Below are a few resources that will help you to create your own business model.

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Online magazine is for AAT students and requires log-in.

Issue: 4

Want to build a cash flow statement? (template)

Cash flow statements tell you the position that a company is in. Is it growing? Is it in investment mode? Or does the statement show that the business doesn’t really know what it’s doing? Here’s the link to the template we talked about in How can I manage budgeting?


Motivate yourself by finding a study buddy online

If you can’t find someone on your course, try a forum or Facebook group.

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Online magazine is for AAT students and requires log-in.


Issue: 3

Put Cloud Accounting in your ears (podcast)

Accountant and cloud specialist Blake Oliver discusses the modern practice. The podcast features interviews with innovative accountants and senior figures at cloud software companies, plus news on modern accountancy.

Expand your learning with free content

The AAT Knowledge Hub provides free articles and resources to help you continue learning as you progress through your career. There is also specific content aimed at licensed members.

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Issue: 2

Money laundering and accountancy (podcast)

This podcast explores the prevalence of money laundering in the art market. A combination of education and technology could help to make anti-money laundering efforts in the art market more proactive and less reactive.

The AAT Annual conference – June 13th – 14th 

An unmissable two-day CPD and networking event for all finance professionals. It’s your opportunity to update and develop your skills, connect with hundreds of members, and hear from expert speakers on essential topics in accountancy.

Find out more 

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Issue: 1

Get your head around financial shenanigans (book) 
The fourth edition of forensic accounting expert Howard M Schilit’s popular Financial Shenanigans: How to Detect Accounting Gimmicks & Fraud in Financial Reports comes out in March. Schilit, a pioneer in the field of forensic accounting, first published his book in 1993 but has since updated it to reflect technological changes in the sector. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in forensic accounting, this book is essential reading.
Understand the power of the Big Four (book) 
Investigative journalist and former tax inspector Richard Brooks dug deep into the global workings of the world’s biggest accounting firms for his book Bean Counters: The Triumph of the Accountants and How They Broke Capitalism, which aims to reveal the global economic influence these firms quietly wield. Expect some criticism from Brooks, who isn’t known to pull punches, in a book that provides a great insight into outside perceptions of corporate accounting.
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Online magazine is for AAT students and requires log-in.