AAT - Balancing ambition

Everyone talks about the skills gap in accounting, but many aspiring finance professionals would argue that the bigger challenge is gaining experience in the first place.

Join Zoe and our guests – Becky Glover and Savannah Daley – as they explore what employers are really looking for in today’s entry-level candidates, how expectations are evolving, and practical steps students and early-career accountants can take to build the skills and experience that matter most.

It’s never been more important to build trust with your clients and colleagues. 

In the third episode of Balancing ambition, we explore why trust is so vital to the accountancy profession and the positive micro-behaviours that can help you demonstrate integrity and build credibility.

Whether you think AI is a friend or foe, there’s no denying it’s shaking up the accountancy industry. 

From critical thinking to communication, technical knowledge and real-world experience, the second episode of Balancing ambition explores the skills people need to focus on as they look to start and grow their careers. 

Guests

Ali Jaw, founder and director of Severn Accounting

John Toon, chartered accountant, speaker, consultant and investor  

A move away from traditional life stages and career paths mean it’s increasingly likely people have “squiggly” careers which don’t follow the linear ‘join a company and rise through the ranks’ progression. Our guests explore why this is happening, what advantages and challenges it brings and how to make the most of a squiggly career. 

Guests: 

James Green, founder of Vox Partners

Ellis Harris-Boulter, founder of FieCo Accountancy & Marketing, AAT Tutor of the Year 2026 

The first episode of Balancing Ambition will be live 8am July 8. In our first episode, Finding success without a straight line, our guests will be exploring the topic of squiggly careers and how to make the most of all the transferable skills you've picked up along your career path.