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 – 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 good financial skills, the ability to communicate effectively, and a willingness to ask searching questions. In our interview, Caitlin M Davis, Audit Associate at Grant Thornton UK LLP, talks about choosing a firm with the right culture, talking to CEOs on a daily basis, and the excitement of understanding how... Read more »

Career profile: Finance Manager

Being a finance manager requires a deep understanding of how the business works, great communication skills, and a love of figures. Jess Brindle is 23 and finance manager of Social Chain, a digital marketing company in Manchester. In our interview, she talks about how she was headhunted to become finance manager of a start-up social... Read more »

Career profile: Finance apprentice

Jade Cheshire is a Finance Apprentice at Network Rail. In our interview, she talks about how she decided to become an apprentice rather than going to university; how she has enjoyed studying with AAT, the challenges and excitement of working for the public sector, and how communication is a big a part of her job.

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

When Jacqui Burnett (FMAAT) was repeatedly shunned by a colleague, she placed a vase of flowers between them and got on with making a difference. You can never tell where a finance qualification will take you. Back in the eighties, Jacqui Burnett (FMAAT) found it hard to even get a job. Now she is an... Read more »

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, tattoos, piercings and rides a motorbike. Her approach to accountancy is a little different, too. Caroline Hocking FMAAT, the founder of Cornwall-based Mona Accountancy, is on a mission: to bring financial freedom to clients. A big part of this, she says, is opening up conversations and being comfortable discussing... Read more »

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

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.

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

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

Landlords and MTD for ITSA: your questions answered

This content is brought to you by FreeAgent. With the introduction of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) drawing ever closer, award-winning software provider FreeAgent has been helping practices and their clients get ready for the changes that lie ahead. From April 2023, sole traders, partnerships and landlords with income... Read more »

How to communicate to your clients about MTD

The next phase of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT and the introduction of MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) are fast approaching.

How to sell Making Tax Digital to small businesses

Small businesses need persuading MTD is a positive step, rather than Big Brother dictating.

Is Estonia a blueprint for how digital taxes could work in the UK?

Welcome to the future - tax returns filed in minutes; pension and payroll data available in a few clicks

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.

How businesses need to ‘wrap up’ the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

The furlough scheme may be closed, but paperwork and record-keeping requirements remain.

Why we need lower, flatter taxes to pay for Covid-19

As we return to work, the pandemic bill has to be paid. Eamonn Butler of the Adam Smith Institute believes he knows how

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?

Run your business

Introducing the experts for the experts

This content is brought to you by Xero. Running an efficient accounting practice can be difficult. Even with great processes and systems, finding the time or resources to move clients onto cloud software can be a challenge. But we can help. At Xero, we have something that nobody else does – a (soon to be... Read more »

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.

Neil Johnson

Neil Johnson is a freelance business journalist who contributes regularly to trade publications and member organisations, covering employability, recruitment, business trends and industrial analysis.

Making Tax Digital

MTD phase 2: time to get small businesses on the slipway to digital taxes

Are businesses, clients, accountants, and software providers ready for the next phase of Making Tax Digital? Accountants looking ahead to the full implementation of Making Tax Digital (MTD) might think there is plenty of time to get their house in.

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 – is Finance Business Partner for you?

Career profile: Assistant Accountant

Career profile: Audit Associate

Career profile: Finance Manager

Career profile: Finance apprentice

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

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

Landlords and MTD for ITSA: your questions answered

How to communicate to your clients about MTD

How to sell Making Tax Digital to small businesses

Is Estonia a blueprint for how digital taxes could work in the UK?

Should office parties get a tax break?

Are you prepared for another lockdown?

HMRC update – coronavirus grants and self-assessment returns

How businesses need to ‘wrap up’ the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Why we need lower, flatter taxes to pay for Covid-19

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?

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

Neil Johnson

Twitter Feed

What questions should you ask at an interview?