Job hunting Interview tips Career profiles Inspiring stories CV tips

Social media mistakes that are costing you the job

74% of employers will look you up on social media before hiring you. So before you post another 'What kind of bread would you be?' quiz, it's time to career-proof your social accounts.

5 steps to kick start your career in accountancy

This action plan will help you along your journey, making you go from strength to strength.

How to get the job you deserve

You’ve got the qualifications, but suddenly it seems like everyone else does too... And when you're competing for the top accountancy and bookkeeping roles, how do you stand out?

Key things to consider before taking that new job

So you’ve had the job offer, and the salary looks tempting, but is it really the job for you? We talk to experts about how to be sure before you sign the contract.

Why cyber security skills are in demand within accountancy

The Big Four accountancy firms are now the top cyber security hirers in the UK - get cyber security savvy today to stay ahead of the curve

What questions should you ask at an interview?

It's a pivotal point in the interview, the tables are turned and you’re asked if you have any questions for the interviewer.

How to ace a competency-based interview

A competency-based interview is designed to test whether you have the specific skills that match the job, as opposed to finding out about your qualifications and experience.

How to ace a phone interview

You can increase your chances of getting through to a second interview by following a few simple steps.

The most common interview mistakes and how you can avoid making them

While you may look like the ideal candidate on paper, it is essential you make a good impression in person.

Operation preparation: how to achieve the perfect interview

The day is your chance to shine, make the most of your opportunity.

Modern roles: What is an Outsourcing director?

We take a look at some of the emerging roles you could undertake in the modern accounting industry, so you can find the perfect fit for your career.

Modern roles – is Finance Business Partner for you?

We look at the emerging role of Finance Business Partner in the modern accounting industry.

Career profile: Assistant Accountant

Ellie Garratty is an assistant accountant with Mazars, an international audit, tax and advisory firm.

Career profile: Audit Associate

Being an audit associate requires financial skills, and a willingness to ask searching questions.

Career profile: Finance Manager

Want to be a finance manager? Then you need to undersand how business sworks

From self-doubt to self-starter with AAT

After redundancy Katrina Borissova fought off self-doubt to start a small soap business

From adversity to diversity, one member’s battle with racism

You can never tell where an AAT qualification will take you - or what it will lead to.

Surviving Brexit and overcoming obstacles with AAT

Diana Mikolajewska, MAAT, has overcome many challenges to build her accounting career.

For the love of tax: meet the accountant helping clients become financially free

Caroline Hocking has bright red hair, rides a motorbike. Her approach to accountancy is a little different, too.

From AAT apprentice to director – there’s no limit to success

Apprenticeships work for high-flying professionals who want to make rapid progress, just ask Laura Whyte MAAT,

How to supercharge your CV

Do you think you're right for the job, but not sure how to prove it ? Consider our tips to make you stand out to employers.

How to get the job you deserve

You’ve got the qualifications, but suddenly it seems like everyone else does too... And when you're competing for the top accountancy and bookkeeping roles, how do you stand out?

How to get your CV noticed

Top tips to make sure your CV doesn’t end up on the rejection pile.

How to make your CV stand out – we answer your questions

Karen Young, Director at Hays Accountancy and Finance, provides expert advice on how to make sure your CV has the best chance of getting you selected for that all important first interview.

Make yourself stand out: how to write a CV with no experience

A CV featuring lots of work experience isn't the only way to put yourself in the running for your dream job.

Brexit Making Tax Digital Coronavirus Future of accounting News

Compliance challenges of the new VAT distance selling regime

What are the practical challenges for accountants and finance teams?

Supply chain issues from COVID and Brexit

How are UK businesses dealing with the rising costs and lead times from a double whammy of Covid-19 and Brexit?

Brexit support fund: limited time to apply

Can the SME Brexit Support fund help clients cope with red tape?

What’s changed about the VAT returns process this quarter?

VAT returns for March 2021 are looking different to previous years. Here’s what accountants say about the changes.

A guide for accountants to the Brexit deal and life after the transition period

What accountants need to know about the changes affecting customs, taxes and personnel.

The pain points of MTD ITSA and how to deal with them

Making Tax Digital for Income Self Assessment is two years away, but action is needed now.

Making Tax Digital Deadlines

As the next phase of Making Tax Digital (MTD) approaches, businesses need to make sure they’re clear on the Making Tax Digital deadlines. Here’s a summary of key dates to bear in mind.

Transition to Making Tax Digital is proceeding smoothly – so far

With HMRC taking a constructive approach to enforcement the outlook is positive.

4 tips for accountants helping small businesses with MTD for VAT

Accountants play a greater role than ever in ensuring the wellbeing of small businesses.

One-year delay for MTD will help businesses but could feed complacency

A delay will help business - but is it a mixed blessing?

HMRC update following the Spring Statement

Including details of the NI increase, Plastic Packaging Tax and the withdrawal of gov.uk Verify.

HMRC update – Ukraine aid and Self Assessment payment plans

Moving humanitarian aid to Ukraine will now be easier, thanks to new steps announced by the UK Government.

Should office parties get a tax break?

Some experts want a relaxation of the rules to help the return to the office - are they right to do so?

Are you prepared for another lockdown?

Omicron is raising the possibility of another lockdown, so how are businesses preparing?

HMRC update – coronavirus grants and self-assessment returns

After a difficult year, HMRC is encouraging the early filing of self-assessment returns.

Why we need to be constantly evolving as accountants

Georgia Duffee has created a dynamite one-woman accountancy business by committing to continually streamlining her strategies alongside the ever-changing economic landscape.

5 ways to power-up your accounting firm post-lockdown

Here are five things to implement now in order to kick-start your business and bring success post-lockdown.

4 things that could reshape the future of audit

After three critical reports, the prospect of a new regulator and the break of the Big Four, audit could be on the cusp of meaningful change. Financial auditing is frequently in the news, thanks to a growing list of court cases and fines. Public perception of auditors is low due to failings; while the regulator... Read more »

Expert predictions on how tech will change in the next 10 years

How will accounting technology develop over the next five years? AT spoke to experts to find out.

Does accountancy still offer a safe career after the mayhem of Covid-19?

In times of crisis the accountancy industry tends to thrive. But will the profession still be a stable career choice in the months and years to come?

Why there is a strong case for simpler, lower taxes

Sir John Redwood, Chairman of the Conservative Economic Affairs Committee, argues for a new way of looking at tax. This article is part of a series on AAT’s call for a national debate to create a fairer, more effective tax system. Read the full report here. Tax is always taxing. Taxes do harm to the... Read more »

How will rising interest rates affect clients and businesses?

Can rate rises stop long-term inflation - and at what cost to clients and businesses?

Shape AAT’s future – and accelerate your development – by joining Council

Council is an excellent opportunity to shape the profession - and accelerate your development

FRC publishes three-year plan to establish successor body

Audit regulator’s plan welcomed by auditors and accountants, but some are frustrated at the pace of change.

5 reasons AAT is moving to Canary Wharf

Hitting net zero is just one of the reasons AAT is relocating to Canary Wharf next month.

Run your business

Introducing the experts for the experts

Running an efficient accounting practice can be difficult, but Xero can help (sponsored)

How to set up your own accountancy business

There are lots of advantages to working for yourself. You can set your own hours, choose your own clients, and decide where and how you get the job done.

The psychology of getting your price right

How to feel confident in charging what your service is worth

Why building a business plan is so important and how to create your own

Alastair Thomson is a Portfolio Financial Director and the author of How To Build A Better Business Plan, here we’ve picked his brains about why a business plan is so important and what makes a great one.

4 reasons now is a great time to set up as an AAT Licensed Accountant

How to become an AAT Licensed Member and the steps to go through to set up on your own.

Brian Palmer

Brian Palmer, former tax policy adviser for AAT. He served as president of the Association during 2006-07.

Tax

How to apply the VAT cut to flat-rate schemes

How to make adjustments for the Chancellor's VAT cut for restaurants, hotels and attractions.

AAT Comment uses cookies to give you the best browsing experience. By continuing to use the site, you are agreeing to our cookie policy. However, you can change your preferences at any time by clicking on the cookies policy

Find out more

Social media mistakes that are costing you the job

5 steps to kick start your career in accountancy

How to get the job you deserve

Key things to consider before taking that new job

Why cyber security skills are in demand within accountancy

What questions should you ask at an interview?﻿

How to ace a competency-based interview

How to ace a phone interview

The most common interview mistakes and how you can avoid making them

Operation preparation: how to achieve the perfect interview

Modern roles: What is an Outsourcing director?

Modern roles – is Finance Business Partner for you?

Career profile: Assistant Accountant

Career profile: Audit Associate

Career profile: Finance Manager

From self-doubt to self-starter with AAT

From adversity to diversity, one member’s battle with racism

Surviving Brexit and overcoming obstacles with AAT

For the love of tax: meet the accountant helping clients become financially free

From AAT apprentice to director – there’s no limit to success

How to supercharge your CV

How to get the job you deserve

How to get your CV noticed

How to make your CV stand out – we answer your questions

Make yourself stand out: how to write a CV with no experience

Compliance challenges of the new VAT distance selling regime

Supply chain issues from COVID and Brexit

Brexit support fund: limited time to apply

What’s changed about the VAT returns process this quarter?

A guide for accountants to the Brexit deal and life after the transition period

The pain points of MTD ITSA and how to deal with them

Making Tax Digital Deadlines

Transition to Making Tax Digital is proceeding smoothly – so far

4 tips for accountants helping small businesses with MTD for VAT

One-year delay for MTD will help businesses but could feed complacency

HMRC update following the Spring Statement

HMRC update – Ukraine aid and Self Assessment payment plans

Should office parties get a tax break?

Are you prepared for another lockdown?

HMRC update – coronavirus grants and self-assessment returns

Why we need to be constantly evolving as accountants

5 ways to power-up your accounting firm post-lockdown

4 things that could reshape the future of audit

Expert predictions on how tech will change in the next 10 years

Does accountancy still offer a safe career after the mayhem of Covid-19?

Why there is a strong case for simpler, lower taxes

How will rising interest rates affect clients and businesses?

Shape AAT’s future – and accelerate your development – by joining Council

FRC publishes three-year plan to establish successor body

5 reasons AAT is moving to Canary Wharf

Introducing the experts for the experts

How to set up your own accountancy business

The psychology of getting your price right

Why building a business plan is so important and how to create your own

4 reasons now is a great time to set up as an AAT Licensed Accountant

Brian Palmer

Twitter Feed

What questions should you ask at an interview?