6 ways that AAT can help you build a career in finance

Here are just six of the many ways in which AAT is on hand as the first port of call to help anyone looking to enjoy a career in finance.

Recent proposals from Andy Burnham to strengthen technical education and create more routes into employment have reignited an important conversation: how do we ensure every young person can access the skills and opportunities they need to succeed?

The reforms aim to give technical pathways the same status as academic routes and help tackle the growing number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Sometimes though, the opportunity isn’t always equally accessible. That’s why AAT offers qualifications, career support and apprenticeships which are designed to help people build careers in finance and accounting, whatever their background, age or stage of life.

Here are six ways that AAT helps to open up a career in finance to everyone.

1. Start at a level that’s right for you

Whether you’re leaving school, changing careers or returning to learning after a break, AAT offers qualifications from entry level through to professional accounting. There are no degree requirements to get started, making finance an accessible profession for people from all backgrounds.

2. Gain practical skills employers need

Finance and accounting skills are in demand across every sector. AAT qualifications focus on real-world knowledge and workplace skills, helping learners develop the confidence and expertise employers are looking for.

In 2024-25 alone, more than 30,000 qualification completions were issued, helping thousands of learners take the next step in their careers.

3. Access apprenticeship opportunities

Apprenticeships offer a powerful route into work by allowing learners to earn while they learn.

AAT plays a huge role in this space, with 81% of students completing finance and accounting apprenticeships in England up to Advanced level doing so via AAT. For many people, apprenticeships provide a direct pathway from learning into long-term employment.

4. Explore careers before you begin your journey

For people unsure whether finance is the right fit, gaining experience can be invaluable.

Since April 2025, more than 3,200 people have enrolled on AAT’s free virtual work experience programme, giving aspiring professionals an opportunity to explore the sector, build confidence and develop workplace-ready skills.

5. Find jobs and connect with employers

Learning is only part of the journey. Finding the right opportunity is equally important.

More than 120,000 people accessed AAT’s Careers Hub and Apprenticeship Hub, resulting in over 32,000 applications. These resources help learners discover vacancies, explore career pathways and connect with employers looking for finance talent.

6. Get support when you need it most

Financial barriers shouldn’t stand in the way of career ambitions. Through the AAT Bursary Scheme, 42 bursaries were awarded to learners, helping individuals access training and qualifications that might otherwise have been out of reach.

The benefits go beyond learning alone. Research shows that 19 to 24-year-olds who study with AAT achieve an average earnings premium of 11%, highlighting the real value that finance qualifications can bring to future career prospects.

Harry Rogers is AAT Comment’s news writer.