5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My AAT Journey

Starting my AAT journey was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my career in accountancy. It gave me the foundation to progress further, build real-world skills, and eventually run my own practice.

But looking back, there are definitely things I wish I had known from the very beginning. If you’re just about to start AAT — or even if you’ve already begun — these lessons will help you avoid some of the challenges I faced and make the most out of your studies.

1. It’s more practical than you expect

   Before starting, I thought AAT would be mainly about theory and memorising numbers. In reality, the course is very practical. From day one, you’ll be applying accounting concepts to business situations — things like invoices, reconciliations, and VAT. I remember my very first lesson in double-entry bookkeeping. Understanding T-Accounts. Still to this very day, T-Accounts remain very much proactive in my head!

   
   

   This hands-on approach is what makes AAT so valuable in the workplace. It’s not just learning for exams — it’s learning skills you’ll use every day as an accountant or bookkeeper.

   

   
   

2. Balancing Work and Study Is Key

   AAT can be challenging if you’re working alongside studying. I learned very quickly that time management is just as important as the exams themselves. At the time I was in a career change, so I was working with Lidl in a warehouse. Halfway through the term I decided to join Swansea University in the procurement department as a temp. Balancing between studying, classes and work was very strenuous, and it become even more difficult when I moved on to my ACCA courses.

   
   

   Setting a study routine, using evenings and weekends wisely, and being consistent will make a big difference. It’s not about cramming — it’s about steady progress. If you can find a rhythm that works for you early on, you’ll save yourself a lot of stress.

   

   
   

3. Don’t Underestimate Bookkeeping

   Bookkeeping might sound simple at first, but it’s the backbone of everything in accounting. Understanding it properly is what makes more advanced topics like management accounts, tax, and financial reporting much easier later on. It is the bread and butter for providing real financial insights, I perform this at my highest level in order to make sure that the Trial Balance runs smoothly for year-end filing.

   
   

   If I could go back, I’d spend extra time really mastering bookkeeping instead of rushing through it. The stronger your foundation, the smoother the rest of your studies will be.

   

   
   

4. Networking Is Underrated

   When I first started AAT, I focused only on the exams and the textbooks. What I didn’t realise is how important networking is. My tutor (Teresa at Bridgend College), was amazing. She remains well respected in my eyes, and helped transform me from a warehouse operative to a chartered accountant. I decided to start accountancy when I was 26, proving age was no factor in developing a new career.

   
   

   Talking to classmates, tutors, or even joining local accounting groups can open doors you never expect — from job opportunities to mentoring. AAT isn’t just about passing exams; it’s about building relationships in the profession too.

   

   
   

5. The Qualification Opens More Paths Than You Realise

   At the time, I thought AAT was just about becoming a bookkeeper or accounts assistant. But in reality, it opens so many doors. The qualification alone is recognised everywhere in the accounting world, I could have been satisifed at level 3 as a bookkeeper, or level 4 with MAAT status. Both are very good qualifications in my eyes and are enough to obtain a role within an organisation.

   
   

   However, you can progress to higher-level qualifications like ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW. Or, like me, you can use AAT as a stepping stone to starting your own accountancy business. I had exemption from the first three ACCA papers. The possibilities are much broader than they might first appear

Final Thoughts

If you’re starting your AAT journey, my advice is this: take it one step at a time, build strong foundations, and stay consistent. The effort you put in now will reward you for years to come. You are more than capable after passing level 3 to open your own bookkeeping services, and at level 4 you are able to be an accountant. Being chartered is not for everyone, and in my case, was not necessary. I could have remained an accountant for an organisation without the chartership.

At Calloway Accountancy, I’ve been on that journey myself, and I

now use those same skills every day to help small businesses and sole traders with bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, and more. If you’d like advice or support with your accounts, or if you are unsure which accounting route to go for, feel free to get in touch — we’re here to help.