AAT Accounting case study: Anna Creed, Trainee Accounting Technician at GCSD Accountants Ltd.

Ever wondered what it’s like returning to education as an adult? College isn’t just for school leavers, and at GC we have lots of part-time and evening courses for those looking to train for a new career, upskill in their current one, or simply to challenge themselves.

Anna was a science teacher for 25 years, working in schools and colleges across the county before she became a full-time carer for her father in 2017.

When she started studying the part-time L2 AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting that same year, Anna was looking for a new challenge and something to keep her brain active whilst caring. After completing the Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting, she arranged work experience at GCSD Accountants Ltd where, within a few weeks, she was offered a job as a Trainee Accounting Technician!

What made you choose to study at GC?

I’d previously worked in FE colleges (including GC when it was known as GlosCat!) and I loved the energy and diversity. I was impressed by the atmosphere at Gloucester Campus, as well as its facilities. I chose accounting because I wanted to do something new; I originally trained as a primary school teacher and have taught maths from infants through to GCSE, so I thought accounting would be an enjoyable challenge for me.

When you began your course, were you looking to start a new career?

I wasn’t really thinking about a new career path; I just wanted a new challenge and to keep my brain active! After I’d completed Level 3, my lecturers advised me that I would benefit more from working in an accounting environment alongside Level 4 study. I arrange two weeks’ work experience at GCSD Accountants Ltd. and enjoyed it immensely, so was delighted when they offered me the job as a trainee accounting technician.

What have you enjoyed most about your course?

Most of all, I’ve enjoyed being part of a vibrant learning community. Everyone I’ve met while studying at GC has embodied this; there’s a palpable sense of being able to achieve and to become whatever you want to be. I’ve relished meeting new people too, as each class I’ve joined is a different group of people. It’s been rewarding to learn from their experiences and to develop friendships.

Bizarrely perhaps, I’ve enjoyed the exams! As the course is modular, there’s an exam at the end of each unit of study, with a final synoptic exam at the end of each course. All the lecturers have worked hard to ensure we are well prepared; helping us to consolidate our understanding of the content and building the skills to succeed. Not just number skills, but there has also been a focus on developing writing and evaluating skills for the written elements of the exams – there’s more writing in accounting that I would have imagined!

How have you found the support at GC?

GC is a supportive environment; lecturers and class colleagues were really kind to me when my father was ill, and particularly when he died last year. Matt, the Course Leader for Accounting, enabled me to attend alternative classes so that I could continue studying while caring for my father and rearranged exams for me when my father was in hospital. Lecturers Claire, Mike and Ugo all welcomed me into their classes with kindness and understanding.

What do you plan to do when you complete your course?

I’m already in my new career in accountancy, and at the end of my Level 4 course I will be a qualified member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (MAAT).

Would you recommend studying accounting to other adults?

I already have recommended it to a former colleague! Each level is a separate course, but the progression route is clear, and I’ve been impressed with the teaching, learning and all other support on offer at GC.

If you’d like to follow in Anna’s footsteps and start a new career in accounting, our Level 2 and Level 2 part-time and evening courses start in January 2021. Find out more here.