Rhys Powers Forward in Accounting

The route into professional accounting isn't always straightforward. For Hartlepool College student Rhys Hutchinson, what began with uncertainty and family encouragement has evolved into a confident journey through AAT qualifications, proving that with the right support and teaching approach, even the most hesitant learners can thrive. Currently studying AAT Accounting Level 3 after previously completing Level 2 at Hartlepool College, Rhys’ story demonstrates how quality teaching and a supportive environment can transform not just academic performance, but personal confidence too.

The path to accounting wasn't one Rhys initially chose for himself. "I had previously studied Level 3 qualifications and had been to university for a time, before dropping out of my course due to family caring commitments. My mum was the one to recommend that I go for the AAT Level 2 qualification, after identifying my potential because of my strengths in maths.” Even with family support, self-doubt lingered. "When I went in and interviewed with Julie Todd-Davis, the AAT Accounting lecturer at Hartlepool College, I didn’t initially seem totally committed to the course. I hadn’t applied on my own volition and I was still unsure if it would be right for me.”

The transformation began for Rhys once teaching started. "I initially went for the Level 2 qualification, because I knew that was roughly equivalent to GCSE level and I felt I would be able to navigate the units quite well. When I found that I was able to understand major concepts and deal with the material, it gave me back the confidence I'd previously had and lost in academic life. I’d done well at school and college in the past, but due to being out of study for five or six years before returning to college, I felt quite apprehensive about my abilities. Realising how capable I was at the start of the course didn’t just reassure me of my abilities and intellectual strength – it also gave me much more confidence as a person, helping me build social connections in the classroom as the course progressed."

The major impact, for Rhys, was brought about by the resources, time, and effort made by his lecturer. “The investment Julie makes to help us do well on this course is, quite frankly, ridiculous. Julie goes above and beyond." Rhys highlights several aspects of Julie’s teaching that have been particularly effective, including clear explanations and models to help students understand the explanations underpinning complex theories and processes. "Because I come from a pure maths background, I am always looking for a mathematical proof or a reason behind why something is done in a particular way. Accounting is an applied discipline, so sometimes it doesn't make logical sense – you just have to accept that that's the way it's done. Julie understood my need to seek explanations behind things, and could clearly explain the difference between a mathematical and applied approach so I could understand the correct method.”

The combination of supportive teaching and rigorous standards has given Rhys a strong foundation to progress into an exciting accounting career. Currently working in an entry level accounting role at Azets, he looks forward to the possibilities for progression. “One of the main advantages of this field is that a degree isn’t required in order to achieve the top qualifications and roles. You can progress into an Associated Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification, and from there, with more experience, you can move into senior leadership and Chief roles eventually. You can work anywhere – accounting is a vital part of any business, and part of the appeal for me is that you really are making a massive difference to peoples’ lives. Accountants ensure financial success in a business, helping people stay in secure jobs. They contribute to something extremely important, which is very rewarding.”

Rhys now feels secure and confident in the route he has chosen working at Azets, which he says is a "great place to work" with lots of support and opportunities to grow. “If you’d have told me two years ago that I’d still be at college and studying one day a week in 2025, I would have been worried – but I have found a way to make things work fine for me. My advice to others would be to just get your foot in the door – everything else can be worked out around that. The College provides flexible support to people and Julie’s teaching is excellent. Give it a try – you might find, as I did, that with the right environment, you can discover your potential in professional accounting.”

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