Career coach | AAT journeys
How being an accountant changed my life
Eve Jones FMAAT speaks five languages and combines her role as a consultant to international businesses with working part-time as an AAT tutor. She says AAT changed her life, and can change yours too.
Here we speak to her about her working life across five continents and her tips on how to use AAT as a springboard to launch your career.
I became an accountant by chance
Eve has lived on nearly every continent and is fluent in five languages – English, French, Spanish, Arabic and Armenian.
“I met my husband while working with a French logging company in West Africa,” she says. “We worked in the Middle East, South America, and North America. We moved to England and my husband wanted to start an export business supplying fishing gear. He needed a bookkeeper and an accountant, so I decided to retrain.”
I loved learning accountancy – numbers make me happy!
“My background was in business and finance. I had loved numbers since being a child but I never worked as a bookkeeper. Back in the 1980s when I trained with AAT it was relatively new and not many people had heard of the course. It was taught at local college, so I studied there while helping my husband set up and successfully run the business.”
Eve enrolled in a bookkeeping course at her local college, passed her AAT exams, and became fully qualified in 1992, continuing on with ACCA qualifications.
The AAT tutors were so supportive, and I learned so much from them
“I had a young daughter, and I was trying to combine family life, study and running the business. It was tough and at times it was a struggle to fit everything in. My tutors at college were wonderful and mentored me and helped me continue when I felt like giving up. That support is something I want to pass on to my students now that I am teaching. I tell them life can be tough but keep your goal in mind and keep going – it worked for me, and it can work for you too!”
I took a break from running the business to go back into industry
“There is no respite, when you are working for your own business, Even on holidays, we took our business with us. That is where I decided that I needed to step back and have work-life balance.”
Eve worked as a company accountant and financial controller for several automotive manufacturing companies including a Japanese company. She worked to computerise their manual accounts in England. Then, as a company director, she helped the business expand to France and set up a branch office there.
Teaching AAT has been one of the most satisfying experiences of my life
In 2014, she was asked to run a course at a local college on how to set up a business. Eve has employed many AAT apprentices in her business role, and has taught more than 700 students at college.
“I decided to study for my PGCE and start on a new path. My saying is “AAT changed my life, and with hard work and determination, it can change yours too”.
“I live by the motto "live, love, learn," which reflects my positive and enthusiastic approach to life and teaching.
“Switching from working in industry to lecturing was a very big decision for me. I wanted to bring my expertise and enthusiasm to the classroom and hopefully to inspire future accountants.”
Eve continues to do consultancy work and annual accounts for companies, balancing this with her tutoring role.
“I decided to study for my PGCE and start on a new path. My saying is “AAT changed my life, and with hard work and determination, it can change yours too”.
I was so proud to win the Inspiration Award
Eve, who is the AAT tutor at Birmingham Metropolitan College and Chair at the AAT Birmingham Branch, was awarded the AAT Inspiration Award, part of the AAT’s first ever Impact Awards in 2023, which recognises everyday people who do extraordinary things.
“I am so proud of this award, and receiving it gave me immense pleasure. Any time I feel down I look at that award and I feel inspired to help people on their journey. I want to enable AAT students to continue working towards their goal. I am a very enthusiastic, optimistic, positive person, and I want to get the best out of life, and to help others do the same.”
8 TOP TIPS
Eve’s advice for AAT students
1
Brush up your time-management skills
It is so important to manage your time effectively, especially if you have family or caring responsibilities, or are otherwise working full time. Create a timetable with study plan and stick to your schedule.
2
Get used to active learning
Don’t just stare at the page, add variety to your learning methods, focus on core concepts, and understand exam formats.
3
Get support
Join study groups for peer support and discussion. Ask for help from your tutors. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you are struggling – we have all had times when we thought of giving up. Your tutors and fellow students can help you keep your end goals in mind and push through.
4
Focus on application
AAT is not about theory - it is about applying concept to practical situation. Ensure you practice application-based questions and use eLearning from AAT portal to enhance your understanding. Practice your learning.
5
Summarise and review your learning
Create concise summaries of key concepts, formulae and glossary. Use coloured flash cards and memory techniques, such as mnemonics to reinforce your memory.
6
Stay Healthy and Rested
Maintain balance diet with nutritional food, exercise regularly or join local gym or simply walking group and ensure that you get enough sleep. Don’t forget to take regular breaks during the study session to avoid burnout.
7
Embrace AI
The use of AI and technology in accounting is growing and this means the role of an accountant in the tech-driven landscape is changing. Use AI to your advantage and don’t be afraid of it.
8
Remember what motivates you
Learn from failures and challenges and stay committed. Focus on the positives and what you can control. Remember the importance of preparation, practice, and not giving up. Do not forget you are doing this for yourself and your family. Take pride in your achievements and enjoy the journey.
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How being an accountant changed my life
Eve Jones FMAAT speaks five languages and combines her role as a consultant to international businesses with working part-time as an AAT tutor. She says AAT changed her life, and can change yours too.
