Everyone talks about the skills gap in the world of accounting, but many aspiring finance professionals would argue that the bigger challenge is gaining experience in the first place. 

This month our expert guests explore what employers are really looking for in today’s entry-level candidates, how expectations are evolving, and the practical steps students and early-career accountants can take to build the skills and experience that matter most.  

Wherever your career is taking you, our monthly podcasts are here to help you progress and thrive. From starting out and exploring fresh opportunities to finding greater fulfilment and balance, you’ll discover encouragement, expert insights and practical tips along the way.

Every episode brings you honest conversations with people from across the AAT community and beyond, sharing their journeys, experiences and advice to inspire your next move and help you achieve your goals with confidence.

Watch balancing ambition for members

Join our experts as they discuss the skills employers can reasonably expect new recruits to bring with them, and what should be learned on the job, along with how AI and automation is changing traditional entry-level work, and what that means for the next generation of accountants.

Watch Balancing ambition for students

If you sometimes feel like you’re trapped in a cycle of needing experience for a role but not being able to get it, you’re not alone. Our experts highlight whether or not to apply for roles even if you don’t meet every requirement, building evidence of your employability while studying and how to talk about qualifications and transferable experience in applications and interviews.

More ways to enjoy this episode

Explore the topics we’ll be covering in episode 4 through the below content:

• Download your own practical guide to track your first three months in a role – helping you make a good impression and get the information and support you need to succeed. Or, if you’re an employer, try out our 90-day practical guide to help new employees settle, contribute and succeed.
• Hear from a range of employers to see what they are looking for in AAT students, and how you can prepare for the world of work.
• See what training providers providers and AAT’s experienced team have to say about the best way to approach onboarding new staff.

If you would prefer to read through the highlights of the episode, rather than listening or watching in full, you can do so via the links below:

• The balance sheet: highlights from episode 4 of Balancing ambition
• The balance sheet: highlights from episode 4 of Balancing ambition for students

Subscribe to Balancing ambition

You can subscribe to Balancing ambition on your preferred platform via the links below:

Members:
YouTube
Spotify
Apple podcasts
Amazon

Students:
YouTube
Spotify
Apple podcasts
Amazon

Other resources to help you achieve your ambitions 

Interested in starting your own business? Explore Informi’s range of expert guides, templates and practical resources to support every stage of your start-up and small business journey

Ready to find a role you’ll love? Visit AAT’s Careers Hub for expert advice, career inspiration, and opportunities to help you find your dream role.

Previous Balancing ambition episodes

Finding success without a straight line | Ep. 1: Hear from industry experts and inspiring professionals as they share practical advice, fresh perspectives and experiences to help support your career development. Listen or watch it here.

Human skills you need in an AI world | Ep. 2: From critical thinking to communications, technical knowledge and working experience, these episodes explore the skills people need to focus on as they look to start and grow their careers alongside AI. Listen or watch it here.

Building trust | Ep. 3: expert guests discuss how finance professionals can strengthen trust, improve working relationships and create better outcomes for the people they work with. Listen or watch it here.

Harry Rogers is AAT Comment’s news writer.