This case study explores the inspiring journey of Connor, a dedicated individual who successfully completed the AAT Level 2 to Level 7 qualifications with Performance Through People.
Connor’s journey into the accounting profession began straight out of school when he embarked on PTP’s AAT apprenticeship, starting with Level 2. With no prior experience, the apprenticeship route provided him with the unique opportunity to learn on the job while receiving support from colleagues and dedicating one day a week to college studies. This flexible approach allowed Connor to gain practical experience alongside his academic learning.
In the initial stage of his apprenticeship, Connor developed a solid foundation in basic accounting principles, bookkeeping and financial processes. This knowledge proved invaluable in his first role as an accounts assistant at Echo Managed Service. After completing his first contract, Connor leveraged the solid knowledge base and reputation he had built to transition internally to the South Staffordshire Group PLC.
As Connor progressed through AAT Level 3 and 4, he encountered more complex financial topics, including management accounting, tax, auditing, and financial reporting. His roles at South Staffordshire PLC expanded as he gained experience, first working in the treasury team and then moving into his first management accounting roles at one of the subsidiary businesses. In this position, he managed a small profit and loss account with an annual turnover of around £10 million.
The increasing complexity of his responsibilities not only enhanced his skill set but also opened up new opportunities for career progression. Connor’s hands-on-experience, combined with his studies, made him a valuable asset to the organisation.
After several years at South Staffordshire PLC, Connor returned to the group company in an accounting role focused on monthly group consolidated reporting and preparing the annual statutory accounts for submission to Companies House. This position aligned perfectly with his higher-level studies, which had emphasised these areas, allowing him to apply his academic knowledge directly to his work.
Throughout his nearly eight years at South Staffordshire PLC, Connor worked diligently to complete his ACCA applied skills exam. His hard work paid off when he was approached by a manufacturing group based in Telford for a group accountant role, which he accepted. He credited this opportunity to the progress he made through his accounting qualifications and the practical experience gained during his apprenticeship.
Connor stated, ‘choosing the apprenticeship route helped me avoid the significant debt associated with university education. This financial freedom has enabled me to focus more on building my career rather than worrying about repaying loans.’
After completing around a year and a half working in the manufacturing industry and completing his ACCA studies, Connor made the decision to emigrate to Australia with his partner, where he now works in a management accounting role for the largest grain handler in Australia.