Career coach | AAT journeys
TAKING THE LESS TRAVELLED PATH TO SUCCESS
How my AAT studies helped me to become a media company MD
While many AAT students go on to enjoy rewarding careers in finance, attaining AAT qualifications gives you the opportunity to go in lots of different directions, from consulting to running your own business. We caught up with online community GENCFO founder and managing director Chris Argent to find out how AAT shaped his journey.
CHRIS’ STORY
From AAT student to tech community MD
Chris’ AAT journey started some 30 years ago, when he started studying for the Level 2 qualification.
“I had recently left school and was working in media sales at the time,” says Chris, now 51. “I wanted to learn about finance, even though I think I knew even then that traditional accountancy was probably not the right direction for me.
“So, I signed up to study towards my AAT qualifications in the evenings, going all the way from Level 2 to Level 4 over the next three years.”
How Chris’ career developed as his interests evolved
Having his AAT qualifications allowed Chris to quit media sales to work at an investment bank, where he spent four or five years.
He then moved into the retail sector, where he had the opportunity to develop project management and change management skills that complemented his AAT knowledge and finance experience.
“I’ve never worked in practice,” Chris says. “I was always a management accountant.
“However, I had a real passion for innovation and change, and I could see that technology was going to become integral to the operations of businesses of all kinds. That’s one reason I was keen to move away from the finance team and into transformation.”
How his passion for tech led him down a new route
In 2009, Chris’ interest in tech spurred him to set up an online community aimed at finance workers keen to use technology to create new possibilities for the businesses they work in.
“GENCFO is a tech-focused community of business finance professionals,” Chris says. “The aim is to drive the transformation trend by supporting accounting and finance people and businesses who are trying to be at the leading edge of technology.
“While now that might be ChatGPT, 10 years ago it was data and machine learning.”
CHRIS ARGENT’S KEY MESSAGES FOR AAT STUDENTS
1
I know how hard it is studying AAT while also working full time. So, if you want to follow that path, I urge you to have a really open and honest conversation with your boss about what you are doing and why. Having a supportive working environment will make things much easier as you work your way through your AAT qualifications.
2
If you’re ever struggling with your motivation, don’t forget that training in finance is one of the top things employers look for when they’re hiring. There are a lot of people in business who struggle with the numbers, so getting qualified with AAT means you’ll always be in demand.
3
Real-life working experience is so important. That’s why apprenticeships are a great way to study while also learning from your boss as well as your own mistakes. Just remember you need to put the work in outside of working hours to pass your exams!
How AAT was the foundation of his success
With 1,200 active members and a 100,000 reach on social media, GENCFO is now a thriving business based just south of London.
And for Chris, getting to the point where he could run a successful business all started with his decision to study with AAT.
“When it comes to setting up a company, finance professionals are often the first people in the door,” he adds. “After all, getting the finances right is critical to all businesses, whatever sector they are in.
“For me personally, having AAT training and digital skills turned out to be more valuable than going on to become a fully qualified accountant. It’s what got me where I am today.”
GO YOUR OWN WAY WITH AAT
Chris’ top tips for following a less traditional path after AAT
1
Remember that AAT is not just a path to a career in accounting. It can be a great baseline for lots of careers, including setting up a company and becoming your own boss. With your AAT qualifications under your belt, you can all add value to any team in a business.
2
Few people’s careers follow one trajectory from start to finish. More often, career goals are achieved step by step. So, try to enjoy the journey. And if you get knocked down – which you probably will – get up again and keep going.
3
It’s good to have a high-level “north star” plan. But it’s also good to be flexible about how you get where you want to go, so don’t pigeonhole yourself too early in your career.
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TAKING THE LESS TRAVELLED PATH TO SUCCESS
How my AAT studies helped me to become a media company MD
While many AAT students go on to enjoy rewarding careers in finance, attaining AAT qualifications gives you the opportunity to go in lots of different directions, from consulting to running your own business. We caught up with online community GENCFO founder and managing director Chris Argent to find out how AAT shaped his journey.
