By Gemma Cozens
Gemma Cozens is Membership Progression Manager at AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians). She is responsible for supporting members in their journey through studying the AAT accounting qualification into the accountancy profession.
Gaining a qualification is really just the beginning of your journey though across a career in accountancy. With a qualification gained at school, college or university, the relationship ends once you have passed - whereas a membership body is there to support and help you develop throughout your career.
An accountancy qualification is about acquiring the knowledge and practical skills you need to do the job. Working in the profession requires you to put that knowledge into practice. The AAT asks for twelve-month’s work experience in a related finance role as criteria for full membership, so we can ensure that every member is able to demonstrate how they have put the skills they have learnt through the AAT Accounting Qualification into practice, in a finance environment.
A further requirement of membership is to make a commitment to career maintenance and undertake CPD (continuous professional development). This is so members take strategic ownership of their career, decide where they want to go and plan accordingly. Working in accountancy offers such a variety in terms of industry, and choice between working in practice or within a finance team, so a career plan needs to be tailored to the individual rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
Accountancy is a profession that is ever evolving - rules and regulations change and it is absolutely necessary to stay ahead of the game. It is essential to maintain this knowledge it is almost impossible to move beyond a more process-driven role without knowing the context of the environment you are operating in.
Career development is as much as about improving your competency in your chosen profession as it is about developing soft skills such as leadership and confidence. More senior roles tend to involve the management of people so it’s critical to know how to get the best out of your team/teams and others. These skills and behaviours are ones that need to be developed and absorbed and each individual has their own learning style. The CPD planning process helps professionals find the best method for them.
The AAT offers a variety of services to help members develop both technical and soft skills, including master courses and study support. The AAT has branches across the UK and further afield which along with holding courses and events, also provide members with the opportunity to learn from each other through mentoring and networking, both formal and informal.
An accountancy qualification needs to be viewed as a stepping stone into the profession. AAT members go on to work in all levels of the profession from accounts assistants to chief executives and in companies of all sizes in every sector. By developing an in depth knowledge of the profession, acquiring softer skills, and through planning and determination, you can have the career you want.
We'd be interested in knowing your thoughts on this and what you've done to succeed in the accounting world. Got a question for Gemma or our in house career experts at GAAPweb?
Feel free to leave your questions and comments below.
