AAT Accountancy course helped Ursula change careers following a move from London

Ursula Blair is a mature student who signed-up to the college’s AAT professional accounting course due to a move from London and a subsequent change in career.

She was working as a corporate lead for an industrial caterer for a company called Sodexo in London and says that these kinds of roles are few and far between in rural Wales so she signed-up for a level two AAT course and gained a bookkeeping position with a flooring company.

Ursula progressed to the level three AAT course and was approached by a solicitor’s company where she was asked to train under a member of staff who was responsible for the company’s outgoing finance who was soon retiring.

She successfully completed her level three AAT course and was promoted to practice manager at the solicitors. “I was leading safeguarding on Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) compliance with regards to client funds along with specific goals pertaining to the profitability of the firm and its growth within the market place,” said Ursula.

Deciding to continue her AAT progression to level four, she is currently waiting to sit her last exam.

Ursula Blair added: “The knowledge I have gained along the way has undoubtedly helped me to perform more accurately, effectively and with due care and attention in the proper preparation of financial records.

“I will carry on with my professional development and may take further accountancy qualifications, or specialise in legal finance with an ILFM qualification.

“I am a single mum in my early 50s and I have been rewarded with increased renumeration and job satisfaction, with a qualification that employers recognise.”