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

Everyone talks about the skills gap in accounting. But if employers are struggling to find talent, why is it still so difficult for aspiring accountants to get their foot in the door?

In episode 4 of Balancing ambition for students, host Zoe Smith is joined by Becky Glover, CFO at Mazuma, AAT board member and co-founder at Connexion Career Collective, and Savannah Daley, account assistant apprentice at High Clarity Accounting, to explore what employers really want from entry-level accountants, why experience isn’t everything and how to strengthen your applications.

Missed the conversation? We’ve rounded up five of the biggest talking points, with practical advice for students, employers and anyone looking to take their next career step.

1. The phrase ‘entry-level’ is losing meaning

One of the challenges facing people as they start their accounting career is that the term ‘entry-level’ doesn’t always mean what they’d expect it to.

Savannah highlighted a disconnect between employer expectations and applicants’ ideas of what an entry-level position should involve: “Honestly, I feel the word entry-level has lost its meaning.”

For many entering the profession for the first time, entry-level means an opportunity to get started, even without previous experience or qualifications.

However, employers often expect candidates to arrive with at least some experience or practical knowledge, whether that’s using Excel or accounting software such as Xero and QuickBooks.

Zoe questioned whether employers sometimes use ‘experience’ to describe a much broader range of skills that don’t necessarily need to have been developed in an accounting role.

What this means for you: Don’t assume that a lack of accounting experience means you won’t be considered for a role. Focus on the practical skills you already have and how they could benefit an employer. And if a job description mentions software you’re unfamiliar with, why not spend some time learning the basics? You don’t need to be an expert to show you’re keen to learn.

2. Don’t let a job description put you off applying

Both Savannah and Becky agreed that applicants shouldn’t be put off applying for a job because they don’t tick every box.

Becky stressed it’s completely normal to read a job description and think you can only do 50-70% of the requirements, and that most other candidates are probably feeling the same.

“So, still apply, still put yourself out there, still make yourself known to that organisation. Because they might be looking for you. They might be waiting for you and your skills.”

She added that she wouldn’t apply for a role where she ticked every box on a job ad, as then she would no longer be growing and learning.

Savannah agreed, saying: “You have to keep trying. There’s no such thing as ‘I can do it all’ it is a matter of ‘okay, I can’t do this now, but maybe in a year I can do it.”

What this means for you: Don’t just dismiss jobs because you don’t meet all the criteria. Focus more on whether it’s something you believe you could do with the right support and learning opportunities. Focus your application on the skills, enthusiasm and potential you’d bring, rather than just the boxes you can tick.

3. Don’t be afraid to let your personality show

Your qualifications and experience are important, but they don’t tell an employer everything about who you are or what you could bring to their organisation.

As a hirer, Becky explained that when she’s reviewing CVs and cover letters, she’s looking for more than just a list of qualifications and previous roles.

Activities outside work, such as taking part in sports teams, completing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or even running a marathon, can demonstrate valuable qualities that employers are looking for, including teamwork, confidence and determination.

When it comes to drafting a CV and cover letter, Becky warned against relying too heavily on AI tools such as ChatGPT, as they strip away the personality that helps candidates stand out.

“It might sound really professional and use all the lovely long words and whatever it is, but like it’s not as human then, is it?”

And your CV isn’t the only place to make an impression.

Savannah encouraged students to use LinkedIn to showcase what they’re working towards. Whether you’re studying for your AAT qualifications, completing an additional course or taking a gap year, sharing your experiences can demonstrate your motivation and commitment to personal development.

Becky suggested a great way to stand out and show enthusiasm is reaching out to hiring managers on LinkedIn by sending a short video or voice note: “Don’t be afraid to stand out and do something a bit different.”

What this means for you: Let employers see the person behind your qualifications. Include interests and achievements that demonstrate transferable skills, and use LinkedIn to share what you’re learning, doing and working towards. AI can help polish your application, but make sure it still sounds like you. And don’t underestimate the value of taking the initiative to make a personal connection with a potential employer.

4. You’ve probably got more transferable skills than you think

Just because you haven’t worked in accounting before doesn’t mean you don’t have valuable skills to offer an employer.

Whether it’s volunteering, working in retail, taking part in college activities or pursuing a personal interest, the key is being able to explain what you’ve learned and how those skills could transfer into an accounting role.

The conversation also explored other ways to build practical experience. Savannah shared how completing AAT’s virtual work experience programme helped her develop her understanding of bookkeeping and become more confident explaining her knowledge and skills.

Becky also reflected on how setting up her own e-commerce business helped her develop unexpected skills, from negotiating with suppliers to building a website and adapting when things didn’t go to plan.

“Actually, it teaches you that you can figure out anything if you want to.”

What this means for you: Think beyond your qualifications and previous jobs. Make a list of the things you’ve done through hobbies, volunteering, part-time work or personal projects, and identify the skills you’ve gained. Then look at how these match the requirements of the roles you’re interested in. You’ll probably have more relevant experience than you realise.

5. It’s OK to find things hard – just keep going

A particularly important message for students was that starting out on an accountancy career can be tough – but you are not alone. Whether you are finding exams tricky, feel nervous about finding your first job or feel overwhelmed, it’s all part of the learning process.

Becky reassured students that finding things difficult doesn’t mean they’re on the wrong path. In fact, overcoming those challenges is often what makes achieving your goals even more rewarding.

“It’s absolutely okay if you’re finding your exams or trying to get that first job, whatever it is, it’s okay for that to be hard because it’s just a point in time.”

Savannah agreed, emphasising the importance of perseverance and not letting setbacks stop you from working towards your ambitions: “Trying always shows more than just giving up.”

She shared how she actively asked for feedback throughout the recruitment process, recognising that even an unsuccessful interview could be an opportunity to learn and improve.

Becky also encouraged students to recognise that nobody has everything figured out, regardless of how far they’ve progressed in their career. What matters is staying open to learning, embracing new opportunities and continuing to move forward.

What this means for you: Don’t be discouraged if things don’t go to plan. Ask for feedback, learn from your experiences and recognise how far you’ve already come. Whether it’s passing a difficult exam or finally landing that first role, keep going – the challenges you overcome are part of what makes reaching your goals so rewarding.

Harry Rogers is AAT Comment’s news writer.