Who are the judges for this year’s AAT Impact Awards?

The judges for this year’s AAT Impact Awards have done some extraordinary things in their own lives. Let’s meet them.

The AAT Impact Awards are back! And they’re bigger than ever. This year’s ceremony on 7 November is a rare opportunity to celebrate the unsung heroes and inspirational figures in AAT’s community who go the extra mile to make a difference or have overcome significant challenges.

The AAT Impact Awards 2025 submission deadline is Friday 5 September. Make sure you submit your nominations in time.

Many of this year’s judges are also former AAT award-winners, such as Libby Walklett, aka The Ethical Bookkeeper, who won CPD Champion of the Year in 2017.

“The AAT Impact Awards highlight the full breadth of our community, from rising stars and technical leaders to those driving fairness, inclusion, ethics and connection,” she says. “That’s why they matter and why they resonate so deeply.”

Here’s more info on the judges…

Sam Gooding

Founder, Gooding Accounts

Eleven years ago, Sam launched Gooding Accounts in his spare room using an abacus. Now? The Wiltshire firm is a £2 million turnover business, with over 2,500 clients.  

Throughout his career, Sam has mentored new recruits or those who might be struggling. “Many are anxious about exams, juggling study with work or questioning their careers. My role is to give them confidence and show there’s light at the end of the tunnel.” A passionate mental health advocate, Sam also supports self-employed accountants facing the pressure of running their own businesses.

On the AAT Impact Awards: “Sometimes talented people don’t get the acclaim they deserve. These awards give them a well-earned moment in the limelight.”

Chris Argent

Founder, Generation CFO

Chris started his career in media sales, but after qualifying in AAT, moved into management accounting – once uncovering a £1.5 million fraud in his organisation.

In 2009, Chris started a LinkedIn group for finance professionals, which has morphed into Generation CFO, a content platform, training provider and events company with a 100,000-strong community.

A leading voice on digitalising finance functions, Chris has helped global brands such as Amazon, Vodafone and John Lewis on their digital transformation journeys.

On the AAT Impact Awards: “The accountancy role is evolving. Because this ‘role revolution’ will not be televised, championing the changemakers and spotlighting those who excel at their roles is critical to directing the disruption.”

Becky Glover

Director of Finance and Technology, Yutree Insurance

Becky began work as “pretty much the tea girl” in a law firm’s finance department after leaving sixth-form. The job inspired her to become an accountant, with Becky studying AAT at night school and landing a job at a practice. Her meteoric career has since taken her to senior roles, such as finance director of Cambridge-based software firm VNC Automotive and her current position at Suffolk-based Yutree Insurance. She’s also got a side-hustle as a vintner, running Elizabeth Rose Wines, which sells English and Welsh wines.

On the AAT Impact Awards: “They shine a spotlight on stories that might otherwise be overlooked, highlighting not just accountants’ technical excellence, but the real-world influence they have on organisations too.”

Libby Walklett

Founder, The Ethical Bookkeeper

Libby started her award-winning accounting career nearly 30 years ago, working in sectors such as catering, hospitality and education before founding The Ethical Bookkeeper in 2020, with a promise to “always do the right thing; it’s about sleeping at night knowing you’ve acted with integrity and built a business to be proud of”.

Libby sees accountants as being “part consultants, part counsellors”, a stance she brings to the AAT community, where she mentors members and serves on the Members’ Advisory Council.

Cotswolds-based Libby is well-known among AAT members for her trademark cerise-coloured hair and delicious homemade cakes. Her hobbies include DIY and am-dram, while she’s recently achieved a certificate in nail art.

On the AAT Impact Awards: “At last year’s celebration [the finalists] brought tears of joy to the room; their stories give our members the confidence to push for even greater success… The knowledge, experience and generosity in this profession is immense. When we share it, we all get stronger.”

Ellis Harris-Boulter

Founder/Director at FieCo Accountancy

Ellis has run Leicestershire-based FieCo for six years, helping small businesses grow through its accountancy, web design and marketing services. A proudly sustainable firm, FieCo’s website is powered by renewable electricity, while they plant 25 trees for every new client.

Ellis won AAT Professional Member of the Year at last year’s Impact Awards thanks to helping students in his role as AAT tutor (“one of the most rewarding things ever”) and for championing mental health and career opportunities in his community.

He’s also previously volunteered as a sergeant in the Leicestershire police force and as an NHS first responder for the East Midlands Ambulance Service.

On the AAT Impact Awards: “It’s important accountants have a place to recognise their hard work while keeping organisations up-and-down the UK ticking along… Accountancy can sometimes feel lonely with lots of pressure, so the awards ceremony is also a great reason to grab a glass of prosecco and catch up.”

Francesca McClory

Managing Director, Future Cloud Accounting

Francesca was a 26-year-old stay-at-home mum with two kids when she made the life-changing decision to study AAT. After six years at Duncan & Toplis, she launched Future Cloud Accounting in 2019. Driven by her belief that the profession needs “more people from all walks of life”, she’s currently championing this vision as an AAT non-executive director and board member. Interesting fact? Francesca narrowly missed out on a spot in the next series of The Apprentice.

On the AAT Impact Awards: “They highlight the incredible work accountants and bookkeepers do every day – which often goes unseen outside of client conversations. They also inspire the whole profession to aim higher, creating a ripple effect across communities and the profession.”

Julie Spence

Director/Founder, Noexpence

Leaving school at 16, Julie began as a business administrator for a construction firm. Later, an Open University business course led her to AAT and her passion for accountancy. Roles at several Glasgow practices followed before Julie set up her own award-winning bookkeeping firm Noexpence (described as “accounting with heart, strategy and purpose”) shortly after gaining her AATQB licence. Julie won ‘One to Watch’ at last year’s AAT Impact Awards.

On the AAT Impact Awards: “The Awards are a moment to recognise other’s achievements, to become inspired and motivated by their unique stories and feel a part of something bigger than yourself. It truly is a day for us to honour and celebrate each other.”

Paul Lyn

Chief Performance Officer, Business Pro Limited, Jamaica

Paul studied in Washington, DC before becoming project accountant on some of Jamaica’s largest hotel construction projects. Alongside accountancy, Paul runs successful businesses in pharmacy, wholesale and foods, employing over 100 people in Jamaica and the US. He also lectures at colleges and universities, and mentors people in his native Jamaica. At last year’s AAT Impact Awards, Paul was awarded the Global Champion Award for his efforts expanding AAT’s international reach.

On the AAT Impact Awards: “They remind us that our work as accountants goes far beyond the numbers: it’s about trust, integrity and using our skills to create opportunities that change lives.”

Christian Koch is an award-winning journalist/editor who has written for the Evening Standard, Sunday Times, Guardian, Telegraph, The Independent, Q, The Face and Metro. He's also written about business for Accounting Technician, 20 and Director, where he is contributing editor.