AAT spotlight After 20 years in retail, Tom Sanger is looking forward to a new career as an accountant. He explains why

Why I’m planning to make a career change into accountancy

After 20 years with the same company, Tom Sanger is aiming to change careers and become an accountant. Here he explains why

Having started his AAT journey with the Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting last August, Tom has already progressed onto the Advanced Diploma – and is looking to complete his AAT studies by mid-2022.

Here, Tom outlines why he is taking the leap into a new career and gives his advice for other AAT students.

Why now? I’ve enjoyed a successful career in retail with the John Lewis Partnership where I’ve learnt so much about working in and leading teams, the endto-end processes of running a business and how to use my financial acumen to inform decision making.

However, just as Covid-19 accelerated the move to online shopping, it has done the same with my desire to work in an industry that is more aligned with the career goals and ambitions that I have today. I’m looking for a new career that will give me a new intellectual challenge, the opportunity to learn something new and a more traditional working pattern that allows me to spend more time with my family.

Why accountancy? I’ve always loved working with numbers and it’s one of the favourite parts of my current job where I use them on a daily basis to sense check performance and set vision and direction. At the start of this year, I began working as a bookkeeper for my wife’s events business, which inspired me to look at possible qualifications and careers in accountancy. But I’ve got to be honest, the idea of studying again really scared me! How would I fit it in? How would I manage studying again after all this time?

Everything starts with day one The first step was to build my study plan onto already existing habits so that I could keep to my normal rhythm. Being organised and having a study plan was essential to get started, I would log how many hours I was studying and look at when I would study in the week ahead. I’m now six months in and my routine feels more natural, like a normal part of my day and I’m actually looking forward to studying the next chapter or taking my next exam.

Now I appreciate not many people will feel the same about accountancy, that’s because their interests lie elsewhere, but when it feels like a hobby rather than a chore, it’s a clear indication that you’ve found a passion.

The plan I’m halfway through the AAT programme, with an aim to complete Level 4 by June 2022, before starting the CIMA qualification in the second half of 2022. It feels ambitious yet achievable and I’m excited about what the future holds. I’m now actively applying for bookkeeper and trainee management accountant positions with an aim to make the leap into my new profession early next year.

Support and opportunity A huge thank you to Waitrose & Partners for their amazing support in making this happen and to Premier Training, whose distance learning syllabus is fantastic.

My advice If you’re thinking about what might have been or wondering if it’s too late to start something new. My advice is to stop thinking and start doing, it’s never too late and you’ll be surprised what you’re capable of. • Thanks to Premier Training for this article

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