What to do when you feel like giving up – AAT students share their turning points Posted 12/18/2025 by Sophie Cross & filed under Students. We spoke to three AAT students who nearly walked away from their qualifications about what made them stay. We’ve all been there. Staring at revision notes that might as well be written in a foreign language, questioning whether this whole AAT journey is worth it, and wondering if we’ve bitten off more than we can chew. The fact is that nearly every AAT student has had moments where giving up felt like the only sensible option. The students who make it through aren’t superhuman. They’re just people who found a way to take one more step forward, even when everything felt impossible. When life doesn’t pause for your studies For Marie Thomas, 2024 brought challenges that would test anyone’s resolve. “My mother-in-law has recently died, and prior to this she was poorly with a brain tumour and dementia,” she explains. “On top of this grieving, I have numerous chronic health conditions, severe anxiety and depression and ill health, and my son is autistic with complex mental health needs. I was very close to giving up and had a feeling that I was unable to power through. I lack confidence, and it’s hard trying to study when your body doesn’t want to play along.” Erin Stevenson faced a similar juggling act in 2024. “I was spread incredibly thin between working full time, studying, running my own bookkeeping business part-time and having to go back and forth to the hospital daily to help with my mum, who was in for a period of time. I was so exhausted that studying became really difficult to keep up with and harder still to retain the information.” Marie and Erin’s experiences represent the reality that many AAT students juggle significant personal challenges alongside their studies. If you are one of these people, you are not alone. Finding your people can change everything Emma-Louise Waple found the isolation of the journey alongside the struggles of family life particularly challenging. “I found AAT to be very lonely to begin with. That was the problem I found with self-studying. Being stuck at home and no one there to turn to for reassurance.” But Emma-Louise came up with a brilliant solution that, in turn, has helped countless more AAT students. At the 2024 accelerATTe student conference, Emma-Louise set up the AAT Bookkeeping/Accounting Study Group on Facebook. “My group grew and grew, and it was those people who have supported me along the way, to carry on and have allowed me to grow and now become a member and get my AATQB.” For Marie, finding that same online community proved transformative. “The main thing that has kept me studying and not giving up is being part of the study group that was created by Emma-Louise Waple. They are so supportive, like a family, and we have tutors in there giving their time for free to help students like me.” What keeps you going when everything says stop Marie, Erin and Emma-Louise each managed to find different anchors when things got tough. For Marie, it was a combination of practical support and community. “My training provider has been a great support; they have put no time pressure on me, which is a huge help. AAT have adapted my exams to allow extra time to allow for my fatigue, pain, and anxiety.” Erin’s motivation came from a more personal place. “When people have outwardly not believed in me, I tend to double down and do the thing. I have severe dyslexia, and I like to challenge myself to do things in spite of this. I’ve always loved maths, but failed it at school when it got to all the formulas and showing workings, so I abandoned it to follow my creative pathways. Years down the line, I found myself returning to a love of numbers, so I don’t think I could give it up. I think I need to prove it to myself that I can do this.” Emma-Louise’s inspiration centres around the supportive community she’s been instrumental in building. “I am now lucky enough to be able to support many students who were in the same boat as I was nearly two years ago, struggling, finding AAT hard,” she says. “Finding the struggles of family life and studying is difficult. But together we have become a family, a community where we don’t just study, we share our problems, we share our lives.” The most important lesson we can take from these students is that setbacks aren’t failures – they’re part of the process. Erin sat her DAIF exam recently and didn’t pass, but she responded in the best possible way: “To me, this means I now know exactly where my struggles are, and I can focus and push hard to get better at these areas.” Marie is so glad she didn’t give up and is now booked for her FAPS exam. “It’s a huge module, but with the support I have had, I feel confident that I am going to pass.” Take the next step on your individual AAT journey If you’re reading this and wondering whether you should carry on, here are some last pieces of encouragement from these inspirational students… Marie says: “Don’t give up, there is always support out there, and remember, never compare yourself to others. You are a unique, wonderful human, and just because someone finishes their course quicker than you, doesn’t mean this is a reflection on your ability and your knowledge. We are all on our own personal journeys, with our own timetables and responsibilities and remember, the tortoise won the race in the end!” Erin encourages you to reconnect with your purpose: “Think of your ‘why?’ Why did you want to do this in the first place? Every journey is individual, so comparing to others, whether it’s those going for distinction or speed, if that’s not what’s important to you, try not to get hung up on it. Just focus on the subject you are on, practice as much as you can and with time, it’s achievable. Lean on your peers and communities for help.” Emma-Louise adds: “I say to everyone, either doing their AAT, or thinking of doing AAT, don’t be afraid, do it. It’s an amazing experience. Reach out to us all. Students, members and tutors are here to support you. There is a long road ahead of you, but make it enjoyable, ride that roller coaster, but let’s do it together, holding hands and with a massive smile.” Further reading How to build your personal brand while studying AAT How to overcome setbacks and ace your qualification We answer your most common concerns when it comes to studying with AAT
How to build your personal brand while studying AAT Posted 12/18/2025 by Sophie Cross & filed under Students. Building your personal brand while you’re studying AAT isn’t just about boosting your CV – it’s about developing confidence, making connections and opening doors to opportunities you might not even know exist yet. You don’t need to wait until you’re qualified to start making your mark in the finance world. Think of your personal brand as your professional reputation in action. It’s how potential employers, fellow students and industry professionals think about you. You’re already building one, whether you realise it or not, but are you building it intentionally? Why start now? You might be thinking, “I barely have time to study, let alone worry about personal branding”. But building your brand doesn’t mean adding hours to your already packed schedule. It’s about making the most of what you’re already doing and being strategic about how you present yourself. Starting while you’re studying gives you a massive advantage. You’ll stand out in a competitive job market where employers are seeking candidates who demonstrate initiative. You’ll build credibility slowly but surely, rather than scrambling to establish yourself when you’re job hunting. Plus, you’ll connect with and learn from experienced professionals who can guide your development, and you might even find opportunities landing in your lap that were never advertised. Building momentum on LinkedIn Think of LinkedIn as your professional network online, and it’s much more than a digital CV. It’s where you can show off your growing expertise, engage with industry content, and get in touch with people who can influence your career trajectory. Here are three things you can do to grow your personal brand on LinkedIn: 1. Your profile page forms the foundationYour profile photo matters – use a clear, professional-looking headshot where you appear approachable. Your headline shouldn’t just say “AAT Student”. Instead, try something like “AAT Level 3 Student | Aspiring Management Accountant | Passionate about financial analysis”. This tells people who you are and where you’re headed. In your ‘About’ section, share your story briefly. Why did you choose accounting? What interests you about the profession? What level are you studying? Keep it real and conversational, showing a bit of your personality – this isn’t a formal cover letter. 2. Share what you’re learningPost about topics that genuinely interest you. The key is consistency, not perfection. Aim to share something once a week, even if it’s just commenting thoughtfully on someone else’s post. If you’ve completed a tricky assignment, share some tips; if you’ve read an interesting article, give your opinion. Posts don’t need to be lengthy – even a few lines showing you’re engaged with the industry will help build your presence. If you can, add a real-life picture to your post to make it more engaging. 3. Connect strategicallyDon’t connect with people randomly; choose carefully, and when you send connection requests, personalise them with a message. Mention where you met them, came across their profile, or reference a post they shared that resonated with you. Connect with AAT tutors, fellow students from your course, the online Learning Portal or local branch, and accounting professionals in industries that interest you. If you attend AAT events or webinars, follow up by connecting with people you meet. Make networking work for you Networking often feels daunting, especially when you’re still studying, but it’s not about working a room with business cards or selling yourself; it’s about having genuine conversations with people who share your professional interests. Start with AAT’s communityYour AAT membership gives you access to forums, local branches, and events specifically designed for students and members. These are safe spaces to practice networking without pressure. Ask questions in forums, attend virtual study groups, or join local branch meetings. Everyone there understands what it’s like to study while building a career. Don’t be a lurkerAt events or in online spaces, contribute to conversations. Share an insight from your studies, ask thoughtful questions, or offer help if you can. People remember those who add value, not those who just collect contacts. Follow up meaningfullyMet someone interesting at an AAT event? Send them a LinkedIn message within a day or two, mentioning something specific from your conversation. This will turn a short encounter into a genuine connection. Let your confidence grow You don’t need to pretend to know everything or position yourself as an expert when you’re still learning. Show up and demonstrate that you’re curious, committed, proactive and thoughtful. Don’t wait until you feel ready or qualified enough (there will always be more steps to take, and you’ll never start). Everyone feels nervous at first, but the only way to grow your confidence is to get going. You have a unique position and a valuable perspective – as a student, you’re learning the latest approaches, you’re hungry for knowledge, and you’re thinking critically about the industry you’re entering. Practical steps you can take this week Ready to start building your personal brand? Here are things you can do right now: Update your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo and a headline that reflects your aspirations, not just your current study status. Share one post about something you’ve learned recently in your AAT studies – even if it’s three sentences about a concept that clicked for you. Connect with five people: a fellow AAT student, someone from your local branch (if you attend), a professional whose content you admire, and two others in roles you find interesting. Set aside 15 minutes twice a week to engage on LinkedIn (put this in your calendar). Use it to comment on posts, share articles that interest you, or contribute to discussions in AAT groups. Don’t overthink it more than showing up, being helpful and being yourself. Your personal brand won’t be built overnight, but starting now means you won’t be starting from scratch by the time you qualify. You’ll already have connections, credibility, and confidence, and that’s a huge advantage in any job market. Further reading How to feel part of the community when studying remotely What is AAT’s student advisory group and how can it help you? The power of peer mentoring: top tips for learning from the students around you
Accountants tell us about the client behaviour they most value – and find hardest to deal with Posted 12/16/2025 by Georgia Lewis & filed under Client relations, Members. Relationship management can be hard. Here’s what some accountants are dealing with, from last-minute filings to withholding fees. The relationship between an accountant and a client is ideally one of cooperation, trust and mutual respect. But sometimes, clients can make things more difficult and this can have an impact on how an accountant can help them manage their finances. We asked accountants about the ways clients can contribute to a bumpy relationship, or keep things running smoothly. Read requests properly and don’t always believe ChatGPT Claire Owen-Jones, Accountant and Bookkeeper, Loud & Clear Accounting Sometimes clients self-select the information I need to do their tax returns or accounts, and then get annoyed when figures are not correct. It doesn’t matter how many times I ask or what checklists I send, if they don’t believe that I need it, they won’t provide it. They also commonly omit information about small part-time jobs that they have taken alongside their business income, as it’s already been taxed, so they don’t understand why I need it. I’ve had clients tell me I have all the information, only to suddenly remember additional expenses paid from person accounts – often multiple times – when they discover their tax bill. This means we have to keep reviewing and re-doing figures that should have only taken one or two rounds. And clients shouldn’t do their bookkeeping in excel, but then save it as a PDF and email that to me. I don’t recommend clients ask ChatGPT for advice. I’m not anti-AI, but clients often believe what ChatGPT says above anything else and sometimes I’m not in the mood to waste my time arguing as to why I am right. Making big decisions mid-year in secret and then announcing it later on – like buying sports cars through the company – can lead to clients being surprised at any tax or accounting consequences. Clients should contact their accountant if they know there is going to be a change in their business. This could be something like a sudden increase or decrease in turnover, so we can talk about it and make a plan, rather than waiting until the year end, or right before a deadline, when something reasonably minimal at the time has grown into a big problem. And please read requests for information properly. If I ask for bank statements for a set date, I don’t need statements for different accounts, random dates, or statements that start from the beginning of time. If I ask for them as a CSV file, I don’t want PDFs and I certainly don’t want jpegs. Leaving your tax returns and accounts until the very last minute – and then emailing me every day to remind me of the deadline and how you are worried that we might miss it – is not helpful when you’ve had nine months to get this information to me. Finally, don’t use email like an instant message service. 14 emails in 30 minutes isn’t helpful. Can we just have a quick phone call? The best form of appreciation is paying the fee promptly Andrew Cowe, Tax Advisory, Brearley & Co: It should never be underestimated how much an accountant appreciates a simple “thank you”. That said, kind words alone don’t contribute to office costs, employee salaries or overall business profit. The best form of appreciation for good advice received is simply paying the associated fee note promptly. And word-of-mouth recommendations are greatly appreciated, of course. If the best thing a client can do is pay our fee note promptly, then by definition the worst thing they can do is withhold payment without due cause or explanation. Naturally, there may be queries over the amount or, on occasion, an exceptional cash flow issue. In such cases, matters can usually be resolved, as long as clients communicate with us. Simply being ignored implies that what we do is not valued. We won’t file anything until the work has been paid for Sylvia Bourhill, Managing Director, Another Answer Bookkeeping & Accounts Clients can really help by keeping everything, preferably in electronic format so it can be easily reconciled; linking all bank accounts and credit cards to their software; and sending everything we ask for on time. And finally we really appreciate it when our clients answer their emails! Some clients do their own bookkeeping, thinking that will make it cheaper. But it makes more work for us as we have to check everything. A client complained that her accounts showed too much spent on utilities and not enough on rent, because she had misposted it. Unrealistic expectations can be challenging, such as responding to key questions slowly and then expecting accounts to be produced, reviewed internally and by the client and filed in three weeks. There are several other client actions that make things more difficult, such as not answering the question that you actually ask them, or only answering the first question and not reading the others; and providing PDFs instead of spreadsheet information when requested, so calculations have to be done manually, rather than a simple formula. Payroll-specific challenges include not notifying us of salient information till 4pm on the submission day; remembering that there was a new starter or overtime or holiday pay or maternity leave or pay increases after payroll has been prepared; and not signing off until the last minute. Not paying on time causes issues, although we now get all clients to pay via direct debit and we won’t file anything until the work has been paid for.
Becoming the sustainable accountant your clients need Posted 12/15/2025 by Olivia Fisher & filed under Climate change, Members, Sustainable Business. The final part of a mini-series on sustainability: how we made the shift and how you can too. At The Green Accountants, we discovered that building sustainability into our firm wasn’t complicated; it just required structure and consistency. We followed a simple four-stage journey that any practice can adapt. Educate. We invested time in carbon-literacy training so everyone understood the issues and could talk confidently with clients. Plan. We mapped our environmental impact, set clear goals and identified ways to help clients do the same. Implement. We put our plan into action by reducing our own footprint and launching a sustainability-consulting service which created a new revenue stream in the process. Review. Each year we measure results for ourselves and our clients, refining what works and sharing progress openly. This framework proved that sustainability isn’t separate from accounting and works hand-in-hand. It improved efficiency, attracted purpose-driven clients and opened new opportunities for growth. If you’re ready to start, begin where we did: educate, strategise, implement and assess. Building sustainability into your services and marketing Once you’ve started making progress, share it. Communicating your sustainability efforts is how new and existing clients, stakeholders, and partners can see your commitment, guiding their next actions. Include sustainability questions in year-end meetings, and highlight your firm’s progress on your website and social channels. The aim isn’t to self-promote, but to show that your actions match your values. When clients see their accountant leading the way, it opens the door for them to feel confident in asking for advice and support. The opportunity ahead For accountants, sustainability is a practical way to strengthen your firm. It keeps you relevant in a changing market, opens new areas of advice and deepens client relationships. At The Green Accountants, we’ve seen the benefits first-hand: stronger client loyalty, new service opportunities and measurable cost savings. It’s proof that purpose and profit can go hand in hand. Learn more The Green Accountants, who wrote this article, will be delivering an ESG reporting masterclass for AAT on 15 January 2026. This practical course shows accountants how to collect, analyse and report on ESG data with rigour. They also recently ran an exclusive webinar for AAT members. To learn more, members can log into the AAT Learning Portal, click on Featured CPD and look for Sustainability – CPD Bitesize for practical learning outcomes on the evolving role of finance professionals. Read part one, part two and part three of this mini-series here. ESG Reporting for Accountants Sustainability is a reporting reality. Learn to connect sustainability insights to financial performance with our AAT Masterclass. Sign up now
What can accountants and their clients do now to prepare for January? Posted 12/12/2025 by Georgia Lewis & filed under Making Tax Digital, Members, Tax. From setting internal deadlines to avoid last-minute rushes, to encouraging clients in their digital transition, here’s what accountants are up to. The January tax deadline, not to mention getting ready for another year, makes December a stressful month. But being prepared and organised in December can help accountants and their clients ease into 2026 with a fresh outlook. Four accountants shared their advice for preparing for the new year with minimal anxiety. Setting deadlines throughout the year is crucial Susan Perry, Accountant and Founder, Cooper Accountancy The aim is always to get client returns done as early as possible. This allows time for review, to gather all the necessary information ahead of the deadline and be able to go through everything together properly. I work with my clients throughout the year to ensure their returns are prepared in ample time. We set interim deadlines that clients need to hit throughout the year to keep them on track. After all, no one wants a rush to get everything done in the new year. It’s the same story every year – we know the deadline is looming, but some clients will always leave it to the last minute. If every client gave me their information on January 30, there is no way we could get everyone’s return completed, approved and submitted in time for the deadline. As a firm, we share regular reminders with our clients and have our own deadlines in place to ensure that returns are not left too close to the submission date. Keeping accounts up to date throughout the year, either monthly or quarterly is the best practice. This makes final accounting returns easier. This way business owners have a clearer and more accurate overview of their business throughout the year. If our clients know their numbers, they can make more accurate decisions. Accountants and clients cannot ignore the digital transition Mohammed Sidat, Associate Product Technology Director, Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting UK Preparing for January’s busy season is a year-round process that demands strategic planning and adaptability for UK accountants. With regulatory changes such as Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, on the horizon, many firms are encouraging clients to transition to digital bookkeeping well ahead of deadlines. Early preparation includes reviewing client records, updating software and clearly communicating key dates to clients. Increasingly, practices are leveraging automation and cloud tools to streamline workflows, track submissions and reduce last-minute pressures. Proactive communication, such as quarterly check-ins and regular reminders, has become essential to ensure clients are ready and to minimise bottlenecks when January arrives. Get ahead in December, but don’t forget to take a break Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Founder, The FD Consultant In December I review the year to understand what went well and what could be improved, while taking time to reflect on and celebrate the business’s achievements. Progress deserves recognition. December is also when I look forward. I think strategically about the challenges and opportunities ahead, using this quieter period in my business to devise a clear plan so we can hit the ground running in the new year. An important part of this is comparing our performance against last year’s plan, which helps ensure the new plan strikes the right balance between being achievable and stretching. Crucially, I’m going to rest and enjoy time with family and friends over the festive period. Recharging is essential for starting the year with energy and focus. All this applies to our clients, too. They should take time in December to review, reflect and plan strategically. If it’s a quieter month for them, they should get on the front foot for the new year. If our clients are anticipating any major decisions or transactions in the new year, giving us a heads-up in December allows us to provide better guidance from the start. Businesses with a busy December should focus on getting through the seasonal burst of activity and pushing those sales up! Finally, clients should give themselves permission to switch off too. A well-rested business owner makes better decisions and is more enjoyable to work with in the busy months ahead. Work with clients to be proactive and make a fresh start in 2026 Jon Chartres, co-founder of Fresh Eyes Finance, specialising in accounts for CICs and charities January is the perfect opportunity for clients to make a fresh start with their finances. We can help clients review the year that has passed and form a realistic budget for the coming year. This will enable clients to strategise and make proactive decisions. Advise clients to reconcile their accounts regularly, analyse their accounts for any variances and react accordingly. Meeting filing deadlines in plenty of time alleviates stress and helps with cash flow for any tax bills that are becoming due. When we can help our clients approach their finances like this, it won’t be a burden and will help them add value to their operational goals.
UKFIU podcast on Combating CSA Livestreaming Posted 12/11/2025 by AAT Comment & filed under Anti-money laundering, Anti-money laundering, Members. Listen to this podcast to learn how to protect children from sexual abuse. In this episode, panellists from the National Crime Agency (NCA) and NatWest Group discuss Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) livestreaming. This includes: the actions being taken by law enforcement and reporters to combat this crime, potential indicators, and how to report if you have suspicions of CSA or money laundering linked to CSA. Listen to Episode 26 on Spotify now. Remember, money laundering is never a victimless crime. If you know, suspect or have reasonable grounds for knowing or suspecting that a person is engaged in money laundering or dealing in criminal property, you must submit a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) via SAR portal to the UK Intelligence Finance Unit (UKFIU). Further guidance and support on risk management and other components of Money Laundering Regulations compliance is available on our AML webpage. You can also contact us n +44 (0)20 7367 1347 or via email [email protected].
Important update to all regulated firms: UKFIU guidance library Posted 12/11/2025 by AAT Comment & filed under Anti-money laundering, Anti-money laundering, Members. Delete all previous guidance and refer to this best practice information. The UK Financial intelligence Unit (UKFIU) have published New SARS Best Practice Guidance. Here it is: Chapter 1: Using the SAR Portal Chapter 2: Submitting a SAR Chapter 3: Understanding DAMLs and DATFs Are you ready for your Practice Assurance Review? Members, learn what a Practice Assurance Review is, what you can expect if you are selected for one as well as what you’ll need to prepare in advance. Find this new CPD Bitesize module in the Featured CPD collection on the Lifelong Learning Portal. Prepare yourself now What it means for AML regulated firms The above guidance replaces all previous guidance, which has now been withdrawn and should be disregarded. Please delete all previous versions of the guidance from your internal systems and platforms to avoid any confusion and ensure your internal policies and procedures are amended to reflect the new guidance. If you have staff members, ensure that they are aware of it and that they familiarise themselves with this new guidance. The UKFIU reminds us that it is essential to keep the main party contact details up to date on the SAR Portal. The SAR Portal allows users to update personal and organisational contact information via the ‘Account Settings’ section, in the top right-hand corner of the SAR Portal home page. The recently updated UKFIU library gives you an access to SARs In Action magazines, podcasts and reporter booklets in one place. We shared UKFIU’s short videos in our article Suspicious Activity Report best practice videos. We strongly encourage you to review these and use them as part of your internal anti money laundering (AML) training. This is to ensure that you and your relevant employees keep your AML and Terrorist Financing knowledge up-to-date. Do not forget to keep a written record of your ongoing continued professional development in AML. Future of the AML supervision On 21 October 2025, the Government confirmed that the AML supervision for accountancy, legal and Trust and Company Service Provider sectors will move to a single professional services supervisor (SPSS), specifically the Financial Conduct Authority. While this is a big shift, implementation is likely to take years. In the meantime, AAT will continue as the AML supervisor for eligible licensed members and carry out our normal responsibilities, including Practice Assurance Reviews and risk assessment activities. Therefore, our licensed members must ensure full compliance with the MLR 2017. Find more on the consultation response here. Further guidance and support on risk management and other components of Money Laundering Regulations compliance is available on our AML webpage. You can also contact us on +44 (0)20 7367 1347 or via email at [email protected]. Are you ready for your Practice Assurance Review? Members, learn what a Practice Assurance Review is, what you can expect if you are selected for one as well as what you’ll need to prepare in advance. Find this new CPD Bitesize module in the Featured CPD collection on the Lifelong Learning Portal. Prepare yourself now
Ways AI is already transforming accountancy Posted 12/09/2025 by Tara Askham & filed under Artificial intelligence, Members, Technology. Here’s how other accountants are using AI safely, from creating custom tools to strategic analysis. As I’ve delved deeper into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), I’ve found it’s already surprisingly embedded in our day-to-day activities. I’ve always appreciated great tech but AI is changing the landscape of our roles whether we like it or not. Personally, I believe we’ll always need a human in the loop. But, many of our routine tasks can be made more efficient and sped up, freeing us to focus on the strategic, high-value work that truly requires our expertise. AI CPD for members AAT members can learn about AI, privacy, compliance risks and generative AI for accounting tasks by logging into Learning Portal and looking in Featured CPD. Log in to Learning Portal now So what is AI, really? Let’s start with the basics. AI refers to computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, things like learning from data, recognising patterns, making predictions, and generating content. You’ve probably been using AI for years without realising it: bank reconciliations in accounting software that automatically match transactions Netflix recommendations based on your viewing habits receipt scanning apps that extract data and post entries for you. AI isn’t new. What’s changed is how accessible and powerful it’s become and how quickly it’s evolving. How accountants can use AI safely I work with businesses ranging from sole traders to multinational organisations, and each has different thoughts and approaches to this changing landscape. At the root of their concerns? Ethics and confidentiality. I was sceptical at first. But after completing courses with experts and experimenting hands-on, I’ve personally loved the journey. That said, it’s crucial to use AI responsibly. Key safety principles 1. Never input confidential information This is non-negotiable. Don’t add client data, personal details, or sensitive financial information into free AI tools. Even paid versions with better security shouldn’t be used for personal data without proper safeguards and compliance checks. 2. Understand AI’s limitations When ChatGPT first became mainstream, it frequently got calculations wrong. Why? Because it’s trained on datasets and retrieves information from memory, it’s not a calculator. It’s a language model that predicts what comes next, not a fact-checker. 3. Use AI for the right tasks! AI works brilliantly for: reviewing budget scenarios summarising new HMRC updates drafting content (blogs, emails, reports) brainstorming ideas or exploring different approaches. But always verify outputs, especially for compliance-critical work, and ask it to provide you with the sources – and check those too! 4. Master the art of prompting AI It is only as good as the prompts you give it. Be specific about what you need, the format you want, and where information should be sourced from. Vague prompts = vague results. Ethics and compliance: The non-negotiables As accountants, we’re bound by professional standards and client confidentiality. AI doesn’t change that; if anything, it raises the stakes. Questions to ask before using AI: Does this tool comply with GDPR and data protection regulations? Am I sharing client data, even anonymised? Can I verify the accuracy of AI-generated outputs? Have I been transparent with clients about how I use AI? AI in action for accountants Let me share some practical ways AI is already being used effectively in accountancy: Automating routine tasks Receipt and invoice processing: Tools like Dext and Hubdoc use AI to scan, extract, and categorise data automatically. Bank reconciliation: Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage all use AI-powered matching to suggest transaction pairings, saving hours of manual work. Expense categorisation: AI learns your coding patterns and suggests categories for new transactions. Enhancing client communications Drafting emails and reports: Use AI to create first drafts of client updates, or tax planning letters. Just add your personal touch and verify accuracy. Creating content: Blogs, newsletters, and social media posts become faster to produce. But beware, AI loves certain keywords and emojis that scream “I used AI!” Use it as a brainstorming partner, not a copy-paste solution. Custom AI tools You can now train AI to work specifically for your practice by creating custom GPTs. Give it: context (your companies’ services, tone, typical client queries) a role (e.g. ‘You are a UK tax advisor assistant’) instructions (output format, compliance reminders, sources to reference). Strategic analysis Forecasting and scenario planning: AI can model multiple ‘what if’ scenarios quickly, helping clients make informed decisions. Trend spotting: Identify patterns in financial data that might indicate opportunities or risks. For example… Sole Trader: A freelance bookkeeper uses AI to draft monthly client reports and generate social media content. She saves five hours per week, which she reinvests in client consultations and business development. Small Practice: A three-person accountancy firm uses AI-powered receipt scanning and bank feeds to cut data entry time by 60%. They’ve redirected that time to advisory services, increasing revenue per client. Larger Organisation: A mid-sized firm has built a custom GPT trained on UK tax legislation and their internal processes. It helps junior staff draft technical information and answer routine client queries faster, with senior review. My question to you AI is here, and it’s evolving fast. The accountants who thrive won’t be the ones who resist it, they’ll be the ones who learn to use it wisely, ethically and strategically. So here’s what I want to know: Are you already using AI in your practice or business? What tasks would you love to automate or speed up? What’s holding you back – concerns about ethics, accuracy, or just not knowing where to start? Get in touch on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences as we navigate this changing landscape together. AI CPD for members AAT members can learn about AI, privacy, compliance risks and generative AI for accounting tasks by logging into Learning Portal and looking in Featured CPD. Log in to Learning Portal now
9 must-read articles for employers Posted 12/09/2025 by AAT Comment & filed under Employer newsletter, Employers, Members. Essential information for businesses just thinking about hiring or already in the recruiting process. Recruiting Thinking about recruiting? Here’s how to do it based on potential. Are you giving out the right signals to attract the kind of recruit you need? Here’s how to appeal to experienced staff. …and here’s how to find and retain junior staff. Apprentices Funding is available for apprenticeships, but not all businesses are using it. Make sure you’re making the most of the apprenticeship levy. What could an apprentice do at your practice? Why hire an apprentice? Read our series on Worcestershire County Council’s successful scheme. How-tos of hiring apprentices, according to top-100 firms. If you’re worrying about the workload – don’t. Here’s how training providers carry the administrative weight of apprenticeships. Onboarding After you’ve found the right person, you need to onboard them correctly to set them up for success.
What is the point of budgeting and forecasting? Posted 12/08/2025 by Northexis & filed under Financial accounting and reporting, Members. This content is brought to you by Northexis. “Plans are worthless, but planning is everything.” – President Dwight D. Eisenhower I had a meeting with a finance team the other day, to talk about improving their budgeting and forecasting. The FD confided in me that one of the managers in the business had asked them, “How can you expect me to predict the future?” And they found themselves struggling to think of how to respond. It’s certainly not the first time I’ve heard this objection from within a business, and if you’ve ever heard it – or suspect that everyone’s thinking it but just isn’t saying it – then I’d like to help you out. So, to start with: budgets and forecasts were never meant to be looking into a crystal ball. After all, if we could predict the future…well, we’d all be on a beach, never working again after making our billions, wouldn’t we? It sounds obvious, and it is. But if it’s not for predicting the future, the business needs to communicate what it is doing planning for. And too often the businesses I speak to haven’t thought to do that – or perhaps they don’t know themselves! First and foremost, any plan should be seen as a tool to enable the business to make better decisions. I like this definition, because it’s hard to argue against making better decisions. So how do we do that? Emphasise that you’re not expecting people to predict the future. The FD at the beginning of this article simply needed to say “I don’t!”. We know plans will be wrong; that doesn’t invalidate the process. Emphasise what you are expecting. Which is, broadly, their best, educated guesses, if we’re all honest with one another. Educated is the key word here, as managers know more about their slice of the business than we do. Say that! Everyone likes to know that their knowledge is valued. Emphasise what you will actually do with the information. Often, a manager hasn’t given consideration to what happens with plan information; they just see a chore that they have to do. I find it useful to give an example, starting with the unarguable fact that we don’t have unlimited money, and we have to choose what to do with it. Given that, we ask sales for the best estimate of what they can deliver. If that sales forecast is going up, then we probably need to invest in however we deliver; production or people. If it’s doing down, we perhaps need to invest in marketing, or additional sales headcount. But we need a sales forecast to make that decision. If you do those three things, you’re likely to get better engagement and information from the business. Then, it becomes important to ask yourself and the rest of your finance team: does my planning process help the business make better decisions? Almost certainly some of it does. But, if you’re like the organisations I speak to every day, probably a lot of it doesn’t. Sorry. The good news is that you can fix that by examining your process through this lens. Go through everything you do, and ask yourself how the time spent leads to better decisions. Two common examples of time sinks that don’t add anything include: Unnecessary time detail. You probably use fewer Post-Its in August as everyone goes off on holiday. But insisting on month by month planning of stationery expense probably wastes more time – and kills more goodwill – than the materiality is worth, and is unlikely to impact decision making. Many areas will be fine to plan annually or quarterly. Unnecessary account detail. Similarly, when senior management reviews the budget contributions from the business, it is almost never at GL nominal code level. GL codes are important, but they are never all important when it comes to planning. Find out the actual required detail for decision making, and build the process on that; your current processes may well be forcing budgetholders to put in all sorts of effort for no reason. Having said that, the managers within the business often do want to plan in more detail than what senior management look at (often it’s easier to deliver multiple numbers than one, eg separate types of insurance). Ideally, find out what detail senior management looks at, then have conversations with budget holders about the best process for them that delivers at least that. A good planning process is something that needs to be continually iterated on and improved. But once you – and the business – recognise what the purpose of planning should be, it becomes a lot easier to motivate everyone to get better! For more insights on planning, reporting and consolidation, visit https://northexis.com/blog. Adam Rakich is Consulting Director at Northexis, a UK IT consultancy streamlining finances for businesses. This content is brought to you by Northexis.