Accounting Technician

When Gabriella Bracken started her AAT qualification journey, it gave her the tools and confidence to pursue her dream of becoming an accountant. Gabriella Bracken finished her A-Levels in English language, psychology and law, but there was a problem. She knew she didn’t want to go to university and rack up debt or pursue these subjects. She didn’t really have a direction or passion that she wanted to follow.

Returning to education can be daunting. It can also be incredibly rewarding. Here’s how two former AAT students got through it. Whatever your reasons for returning to education after spending years in the workplace – whether it’s to learn new skills, land a new role, get a promotion or spark that grey matter back into action – it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. Returning to education can be a significant financial commitment, but it is also, at times, a physical, emotional and mental slog.

We spoke to some of our members and students to find out what they thought of the new Balancing ambition and Balancing ambition for students podcasts. The first episodes of our new Balancing ambition podcast series are now available, exploring the reality of “squiggly” careers that don’t follow the traditional climb up the corporate ladder.

We look at how accountancy is increasingly moving towards advisory services, what this shift means in practice, and how both experienced professionals and students can prepare for success in a more consultative, insight-driven profession. Accountancy is changing and there is a growing demand for advisory services from clients. Technology and automation are reducing the time accountants spend on routine tasks, freeing up time to help business owners who are seeking more proactive support.

Craig Dyer MAAT AATQB worked for 15 years in secondary school education before becoming an accountant. He reveals his top tips and how his transferable skills helped him switch careers and launch his own practice. At 37, Craig Dyer had a demanding role as an assistant headteacher at a secondary school, overseeing 30 members of staff and 600 children, and regularly working 60 to 70-hour weeks. He is now managing director and lead accountant of CA Dyer Accounts & Bookkeeping.

As part of the launch for the Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians (L4 PAT), we hosted a series of in-person roadshows across the UK. From Carlisle to Swansea, these sessions brought together training providers to explore what the new qualification looks like in practice and what it could become. The move to L4 PAT marks an important shift.

Accounting careers can go in many different directions. We spoke to two accountants about being generalists and working in practice. As their careers progress, accountants eventually have to consider whether they’ll work as a specialist or a generalist. A generalist accountant is one who works across an organisation and financial areas, as opposed to focusing on one industry or expertise.

The seven artificial intelligence skills needed to get ahead in accountancy. From automated data entry to AI-driven forecasting, accountancy is undergoing one of the biggest changes since the introduction of Excel spreadsheets. Learning how to work alongside AI can help professionals with their job security and performance, says Kate Slingo, Manager (qualified interim finance) at Robert Walters London.

Read the full transcript of episode 1 of the Balancing ambition for students podcast below. To listen or watch this episode, click here. Our host: Zoe Smith, AAT Our guests: Career coach James Green, founder of Vox Partners and Ellis Harris-Boulter, founder of FieCo Accountancy & Marketing, AAT Tutor of the Year 2026.

Read the full transcript of episode 1 of the Balancing ambition podcast below. To listen or watch this episode, click here. Our host: Zoe Smith, AAT Our guests: Career coach James Green, founder of Vox Partners and Ellis Harris-Boulter, founder of FieCo Accountancy & Marketing, AAT Tutor of the Year 2026.