A New Chapter Begins: Vicky Moody’s AAT Accounting Journey

For Vicky Moody, returning to education as part of a mid-career change into the field of accounting represented a major leap of faith. With the support of Hartlepool College’s Lecturer in Accounting, Julie Todd-Davis, what started with self-doubt and attempts at self-study has transformed into resounding academic success, with apprenticeships and a promising future in bookkeeping on the horizon.

Currently working as a school administrator whilst completing her AAT Accounting Level 2 qualification, and with a professional background as a teaching assistant, Vicky has discovered not just a passion for accounting, but the confidence to pursue it professionally - proving it's never too late to change direction.

"Accounting is a completely new area for me, and a field I’ve always wanted to work in. Like many adults considering a return to education, I initially doubted whether I would ever be able to progress into it, as I have always struggled with maths," Vicky reflects. "In 2016 I went back to college to complete my maths GCSE, and I achieved my pass."

That success was the spark she needed, paving the way to her AAT Accounting Level 2 professional qualification, which Vicky achieved earlier this year. “I've tried over and over again to achieve this qualification independently using the online self-study option, and I was only ever able to achieve 60%, which is a fail. Eventually, I realised I could change this if I accessed the support of a college.”

Her decision to return to formal education proved transformational. Vicky's first exam result was 92%, with consistent scores of 88-89% to follow. What sets Hartlepool College's approach apart, according to Vicky, is the bespoke teaching method adopted by Julie that finally unlocked her understanding. "I can't recommend Julie enough. She adapts her teaching style to each learner. There are concepts I’ve never managed to grasp because I am a visual learner, and so much of accounting study is text-based, or uses models which don’t have a clear logic to them.” The innovative approach adopted at the College made all the difference for Vicky. “Julie produces drawings and other tools to explain how each process works and helps with memorisation. I am so confident in my ability to succeed with Julie that I am aspiring towards an apprenticeship to complete my Level 3 AAT Accounting – the next stage of training – but only on the condition that I get to complete the qualification at Hartlepool College."

Vicky's journey hasn't been without challenges, but the supportive environment at the College has given her something invaluable: resilience. "Building confidence through my educational achievements has had the unexpected effect of building my overall confidence as a person. I now know that I can achieve things when I set my mind to them – if I fail, I can seek out the support to learn more, and try again until I succeed. I know my strengths and areas where I struggle, but I have the fundamental belief in myself that I can overcome my challenges, both in education and in my broader life.” Vicky's transformation is evident in her readiness to take the next step of an apprenticeship. “I believe it’s extremely important for there to be a greater focus on adult learners. Our cohort is made up of students from all walks of life, from younger adults to more mature learners. We all need to balance demands of family life with work and study. But without the option of further education and apprenticeships, I might never have had the opportunity to transition into an exciting, fulfilling career.”