At just 14 years old, Hannah has made history as the youngest person in the UK to successfully pass her AAT Level 2 with Merit, scoring an impressive 80%! This is a truly exceptional achievement, made even more inspiring by the fact that Hannah balanced her schoolwork with her accounting studies.
We had the privilege of asking Hannah about her journey and what inspired her to undertake the qualification at such a young age. Her responses show the passion, determination, and commitment that helped her achieve this remarkable milestone.
What inspired you to pursue accounting and the AAT qualification at such a young age? Were there any specific people or experiences that influenced your decision to pursue accounting?
I was inspired to pursue accounting and gain the AAT qualification at my age by my sister, Isobel, who is currently completing an accounting apprenticeship, and enjoying it thoroughly. Her hard work and determination encouraged me to follow in her footsteps along the route of accounting, by completing the AAT Level 2 with First Intuition using their online evening class option.
How did you find the course, were there any challenges you faced while studying for AAT Level 2?
I found the course to be very informative, with engaging tutors and the feeling of support throughout the duration of the course, with private support offered, mock exams and recorded revision sessions provided to be reviewed during revision periods. From time to time, I struggled to understand certain concepts and methods, but by using the Practice Tasks and watching the recorded videos provided, I was able to fill any gaps in my knowledge easily.
How did you balance your studies with your schoolwork?
In order to balance my studies with my schoolwork, I made sure to make equal time for both, creating schedules so that all tasks that needed to be completed could be done so to my highest standard.
What skills have you developed through the AAT programme that you think will benefit you in the future?
Skills that I have developed through the AAT programme that I think will benefit me in the future would be organisation, as bookkeeping requires lots of organisation, and the ability to retain information and enter data into the correct locations.
What are your next steps after completing AAT Level 2? Do you plan to continue with Level 3 and beyond?
Currently, I plan to focus on my GCSE studies, however I will complete the next level (Level 3) whilst in my first year in sixth form, as my sister did at the time.
Do you have long-term career goals in accounting?
My goal is to work in corporate finance and build a successful professional path in the field. To achieve this, I’m currently studying GCSEs, and after completing them, I plan to study my A-levels and then join a school leaver AAT-ACA programme as I find that this is the best way to start my career.
How do you think achieving this milestone at a young age has shaped your personal development?
Completing the AAT Level 2 at a young age has had a significant positive impact on my personal development. It has boosted my confidence and self-esteem, as it strengthened my ability to challenge myself and achieve my goals. The experience has helped me develop organization, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
What advice would you give to other young people who might want to pursue the AAT qualification?
The AAT qualification can be a great investment in your future and is a rewarding journey that requires dedication and time management. By asking for help when needed from those around you it lightens the load and allows you to enjoy the course and work to your highest standard.
First Intuition’s dedicated tutors helped Hannah through her studies, making her success possible. Her dad shared his gratitude:
“Thank you for your brilliant course, which helped her achieve her score, and your online tutors were very helpful.”
At First Intuition, we are incredibly proud of Hannah’s achievements and excited to see her continue to excel as she embarks on the next chapter of her academic and professional journey.
Congratulations, Hannah!
If you are inspired by Hannah’s story and want to pursue a career in accounting, you can find more information about First Intuition’s courses, careers in accountancy and helpful resources here.