When KPMG announced it would be launching its own AAT Accounting Apprenticeship programme, KPMG360°, staff actually cheered.

Michael Walby, KPMG’s director of professional qualification training, wasn’t surprised. “I think a large part of it is about the reputation of the qualification,” he says. “Our apprentices recognise AAT as a respected qualification in the marketplace.” KPMG360° was set up to give school leavers a chance to experience all aspects of the business before deciding on a role in a specific team. KPMG took on 110 apprentices in the first intake last year, and this year is expanding the scheme to include its Reading and Edinburgh offices. “We felt AAT would give the apprentices a broad understanding that would help them transition into whatever business area they choose to specialise in,” says Kathryn Roberts, senior manager of KPMG360°. “It’s about making sure we have a range of ways in which to attract talent into the organisation.”

Accounting for taste

Leticia Nascimento, one of KPMG’s apprentices, didn’t know what she wanted to do before she came across the programme. She’d applied to universities and apprenticeship placements, hoping to find something that appealed. But the chance to try a range of roles at one of the biggest accounting firms in the world swung things for her. “You can take something from every area,” she says. “Even if you’re unsure about one area, you can take the knowledge you get from it and apply it elsewhere.” Leticia started off working in KPMG’s Learning Academy, creating e-learning programmes for clients. She has now entered the world of forensic accounting and financial risk management. “The programme is definitely the best option for me,” she says. Fellow apprentice Igne Alisauskaite loves the social aspect of the job: “Because there’s quite a large intake on the programme, you know a lot of people around the office,” she says. “As you’re working in different areas, you can share your experiences.”

In good company

KPMG is one of many accredited employers that actively employ and develop AAT students. Others include Asda, Procter & Gamble and travel company TUI Group, owner of Thomson Holidays. Sharon Bessell, a financial controller at TUI Group, knows the power of good on-the-job training. Sharon relates the tale of one of her team members who was often crippled by shyness and a lack of self-confidence. The team member decided to study AAT Accounting Qualifications. To begin with, she expected to fail, but pushed herself to try anyway. To her surprise, she did very well, and it transformed her as a person. Her confidence grew with her knowledge, and now she is one of TUI Group’s rising stars. “If there is some untapped talent we can bring to the surface, we will,” says Sharon. “There’s a really big benefit for us in encouraging staff to study.” Studying leads to job satisfaction, which creates a positive atmosphere at work. “We like to have a happy team,” says Sharon. “We have social activities across the year. We have a really good buzz in the team and want to encourage and maintain that.” At TUI Group, once people have the right skills, they can travel the world and work in any of the company’s offices, in countries such as Italy, Spain, Canada, India and China, providing a further incentive to gain new skills.

Photo: Team KPMG: Igne Alisauskaite (third left) and Leticia Nascimento (far right) with their KPMG360° colleagues, including Michael Walby and Kathryn Roberts (both centre).

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Do you want a new career, a better work-life balance or simply to earn more? Here’s how studying AAT helped an entrepreneur fulfil her potential.

Cristina Patel, MAAT

Then: Lacking the necessary skills to grow her business
Now: Helping her clients realise their dreams

Cristina Patel started her business, Priority Point, in 2011 when she noticed a gap in the market: lots of Romanian expats were unaware of UK regulation around becoming self-employed. Cristina understood the challenges that they faced when setting up a business, so was well placed to help them out. She could also speak Romanian, giving her an additional advantage.

“We would educate them with regards to their responsibilities as self-employed individuals,” she says. “It was very niche.” Then the business was dragged in an unexpected direction. As well as individuals, more and more companies started using Cristina’s service.

Demand was becoming greater and greater: “I realised it was time to expand my skills, so that we could expand our services. That’s why I started AAT.” She was lucky to find great AAT tutors right across the street from her office: Professional Accountancy Tutors in Wembley.

“They’re amazing. I loved the fact that they were so flexible. I was always looking forward to going to the classes.”

Cristina’s company now offers everything from tax returns to careers advice, with 150 clients, the vast majority of which are start-ups.

Cristina loves the excitement of working with new businesses: “It’s great to see somebody who, four years ago, started from scratch and now has 15 employees. We’ve been there with them. It’s such a nice feeling.” AAT has given her everything she needs to create her dream company, she says: “I have my business where I want it to be.”

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Do you want a new career, a better work-life balance or simply to earn more? Here’s how studying AAT helped Stefanie Lilley fulfil her potential.

Stefanie Lilley, student

Then: Unemployed and eager to get back to work
Now:  Equipped with new skillsand ready for a fresh challenge

Having spent a long time out of work, mum-of-three Stefanie Lilley decided to learn something new. Stefanie’s friends, who were working as accountants, drew her attention to AAT. When she researched the jobs market, there were so many part-time roles available that it seemed like the perfect route.

It had been a long time since she had studied, but Stefanie was surprised by how much she enjoyed studying AAT through ICS Learn. “Learning something new was really fun,” she says. “When I passed my first exam, I felt such a sense of achievement. It felt amazing.

“There’s little to lose but much to gain from a new qualification,” she adds. “The increase in pay and job satisfaction will more than make up for the hours spent revising.” Stefanie is currently in the middle of her studies, and has made a conscious decision not to take a job until fully qualified. She has given herself until the end of the year to complete the qualification.

“Setting my goals high and having a tight schedule helps me to push myself harder,” she says. “That’s how I work best.”

Studying while looking after three children is a challenge. How does she make time? “Life is unpredictable and your free time varies wildly,” she says. “I work my studies into my free time, around my children and daily chores.”

Stefanie is excited about the new opportunities that her skills have opened up for her. She wants to encourage others to follow in her footsteps. “After being at home for so many years and not working, I fully embraced the whole experience and I’m so glad I became an AAT student,” she says. “If you’re thinking of a change of career or new challenge, you should just go for it.”

Case study provided by Britta Lowack-Connell, ICS Learn

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Do you want a new career, a better work-life balance or simply to earn more? Here’s how studying AAT helped this role model fulfill her potential.

Amy Scott, student

Then: Single mum, unfulfilled at work
Now: Working in her dream job and making her son proud.

Stuck in a job with no prospects, Amy Scott was determined to gain an AAT qualification. The only problem was the cost. “I’m a working, single mum, so I was reliant on benefits to supplement my wages,” she says. But Amy came across the Premier Training sponsorship programme when researching training options.

The programme allows one student to study through the AAT Accounting Qualifications free of charge. Amy decided to apply: “I never thought I’d get it. But you’ve got to be in it to win it.” In her application, Amy told a very personal story about her wish to give her son a better future.

Three months later, she got a call; she’d won the sponsorship. “I didn’t believe it at first,” she says. “Then it sunk in: I can do the course.”

“I want to show my son that, if you work hard, you can get a really good job, no matter what your age,” she says. “I left school when I was 16. I didn’t go to college or university; I just went straight into work. I didn’t have any qualifications behind me, so all I could do was manual labour and basic retail.”

Amy has now nearly completed all three AAT Accounting Qualifications, and works in the accounts department at Unilever. “The job I’ve got now is amazing; the benefits, the pay, the flexibility – it’s my dream job,” she says.

The qualification has also boosted Amy’s confidence – her knowledge of accounting has allowed her to take on new tasks with ease. “When people talk about journals and expense accounts, it’s really nice to know what they’re talking about,” she says. “That’s thanks to AAT. I wouldn’t have got this job without it.”

Case study provided by Jane Hasler, Premier Training

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You may have come across the terms ‘bookkeeping’ and ‘accounting’ when looking into courses. Here’s a guide to which profession is right for you.

Where should I start with AAT?

Your starting point is the Foundation Certificate in Accounting. Give AAT a call on +44 20 3735 2400 if you are unsure where to start. You can also take the online skill check to find your most suitable starting point, at aatskillcheck.org. You may be entitled to some exemptions based on previous qualifications or prior work experience. We can put you in touch with a training provider to discuss exemptions if applicable.

How do I find a training provider?

A list of approved AAT providers is available via our find-a-training-provider service on the AAT website. A list of some training providers can be found on page 26.

I have a full-time job. What study options are available?

You can do a distance learning course and do all your studies at home. You could also take evening classes, or there are many apprenticeship placements available that allow you to learn as you work.

How much will training cost?

The cost of a qualification is made up of tuition, assessment and membership fees. The Foundation Certificate in Accounting, for example, will have a total cost of between £1,000 and £2,000, depending on the level of tuition support. Each provider offers differing levels of support and prices its tuition accordingly. Fees for membership are £129, and the five assessments you will sit for the foundation qualification cost around £70 each.

What funding options are there?

There are various funding options available, depending on your location, current situation and study method. Some training providers offer flexible payment methods, including interestfree payment plans. Please contact us for more information.

How long does it take?

As much or as little time as you need, but on average the course takes:

● Six to 12 months for the Foundation Certificate in Accounting

● 12 months for the Advanced Diploma in Accounting

● 12 to 18 months for the Professional Diploma in Accounting

What are my job prospects after I complete each qualification?

AAT is highly sought-after in the accounting and finance industry, and most employers use AAT qualifications as a requirement for finance roles. Companies such as KPMG, Sainsbury’s and Procter & Gamble hire AAT staff. We have a careers advice service and CV builder, giving great tips to help you find a job.

What are the sort of roles I could apply for after completing AAT?

After the foundation certificate, roles include: accounts assistant, accounts payable manager, bookkeeper and trainee accounts technician. After the advanced diploma, you can be a finance assistant, tax assistant, audit trainee or accounts payable and expenses supervisor. After the professional diploma, roles include: cost accountant, fixed asset accountant, VAT accountant and indirect tax manager.

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Do you want a new career, a better work-life balance or simply to earn more? Here’s how studying AAT helped this determined distance learner fulfill his potential.

Wade Newell, MAAT

Then: Wanted to follow in his mum’s footsteps
Now: Working for an upmarket hotel in London

Not every workplace is as glamorous as Wade Newell’s. He handles all the payments for the London Edition, a five-star hotel near the British Museum. A lot of his work revolves around food purchasing; the hotel is home to the highly rated Berners Tavern restaurant, as well as a manor house-inspired cocktail bar and a well-stocked lobby bar. But Wade is used to opulent settings, having made a career out of finance for luxury services.

Previously, he worked for bespoke tailor Tom James, whose suits range from £599 to over £20,000: “There was one client who bought six suits that came to around £120,000,” he recalls. Wade’s mother is also an accountant, and he always wanted to work in a profession that pays well. “People have always told me that I was good at maths, so my mum said that accountancy would be good for me,” he says.

Wade chose to study via distance learning, as he’d always learned more by studying in his own time, rather than in a classroom. This requires self-discipline, though. “A lot of the time, my family distracted me,” he says. “I’d come home and everybody would end up in the kitchen talking about their day. So, when it was study time, I’d go straight to my room and just get on with it. You have to set a routine.”

Since qualifying, Wade has been getting involved with AAT branch events and forums. Most recently, he went to a Be Your Own Boss event in London, which has left him thinking about starting his own practice in the future.

“I always get people saying to me: ‘Oh, you’re an accountant! Can you do my accounts?’ These days, everyone’s becoming an entrepreneur, so everyone wants an accountant. I might do it as an extra source of income,” he notes.

Wade is also considering becoming chartered: “AAT is a pretty strong foundation to have in the accountancy world. Once you’ve got that foundation behind you, you can learn more as you go.”

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Do you want a new career, a better work-life balance or simply to earn more? Here’s how studying AAT helped this relentless self-starter fulfill his potential.

Thomas Brinsley, student and 2016 AAT Distance Learner of the Year

Then: School leaver seeking a great job
Now: Aspiring chartered accountant

When most of his peers were headed to university, Thomas Brinsley was desperate to start working. “It’s hard to be extremely ambitious and yet not want to follow the usual academic path,” he says. Working for a great company was a priority for Thomas, so he threw himself into winning a place in Nestlé’s Youth Employment Initiative, which he succeeded in doing aged 18.

His commitment made such an impression that he was offered a permanent job working in HR in his first month. However, above all, Thomas wanted to work in accounting, and began studying AAT through online learning with Home Learning College.

“I needed a way of studying that wouldn’t impact my career in a negative way,” he says. “Studying online means I can study whenever suits me. The flexibility that the Virtual Learning Campus offers is perfect.” “I’ve always said I would never allow my course to affect my job,” he notes.

“I will make time for both and, if a sacrifice has to be made, it will be my spare time – a small price for a lifetime of reward.”

Having recently left school, paying for the course was a struggle at first, but Thomas budgeted carefully to meet the monthly costs. Then, a few months in, he was offered a job at another company.

Nestlé didn’t want to lose a talented employee, so it offered to pay for Thomas’ AAT studies. It also promised to fund a future chartered course.

Thomas was set for the rest of his studies. “Studying AAT has unlocked so many career paths,” he says. “If it wasn’t for the opportunities offered by AAT, I couldn’t follow my dreams or believe I could have the career I want.”

Case study provided by Anita Skurr, Home Learning College

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Changing careers can be a challenge when you don’t have relevant experience in a new field. But it’s not impossible. Here are some steps you can take to make the transition.

1. Identify transferable skills

Research job descriptions for the sort of roles you’d like and highlight the skills you already have. Transferable skills include organisational abilities, use of office programs, communication skills and attention to detail. You need to be able to demonstrate these skills with examples.

2. Do voluntary or temporary work

Such work adds valuable experience to a CV. You need to have a clear idea of your transferable skills to sell yourself into these posts, but you don’t necessarily need in-depth knowledge of the subject in order to land a job. If you’ve completed a course, it will give you a distinct advantage over others when looking for voluntary work.

3. Get networking

Contacts open doors. Attend networking events and careers fairs in your area. Research the companies you want to work for and reach out to HR managers, team leaders and PAs of managers and company directors, who could help you get a foot in the door. Also stay alert at personal events – those you meet might have the perfect job opportunity.

4. Take a course

While you can learn a lot on the job, becoming qualified in a new skill set will help you leap a few rungs up the ladder and improve your prospects. It also gives you another chance to make contacts, offering you another way into your dream job.

5. Don’t give up

You may get some knock-backs, but persevere. Researching your industry, improving your skills and making contacts are valuable investments in your future and will make you a more desirable candidate.

Case study: from wedding assistant to accounts manager

Andy Murray worked as a weddings assistant for five years before he made the move into accounting. He started studying AAT Accounting Qualifications in 2012 and, by 2013, was working as a junior accountant. He had three promotions in two years, and now manages a team of three, aged just 22. Andy’s progression has been fuelled by his enthusiasm for accounting. He studied through distance learning, and was incredibly self-driven. “Where my accounting career is concerned, the sky is the limit,” he says. “When I complete my AAT pathway, I plan to keep studying and eventually want to become a chartered management accountant.”

Insights provided by Anita Skurr, Home Learning College.

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