As the world of business faces new and challenging times, take inspiration from Lucy Cohen, full AAT member, whose new company is a success that would even impress the shrewdest entrepreneur. Lucy is one half of the accountancy practice, Mazuma, which she set up with her business partner after achieving the AAT Accounting Qualification at the age of 21.

“I knew I never wanted to go to university so I sent a year working in film and television as a runner, which I absolutely hated. It made me realise how much I wanted a proper career and to run my own company.

I found out about the AAT through a careers adviser. I felt it would be the best professional body to study with as I had no previous work experience or qualifications in accountancy or finance.

After a revision session, I bumped into an old school friend and during a well-deserved glass of wine; we decided to set up our own company after seeing a gap in the market for well priced accountancy services.

Two years later, we now have 5 members of staff and over 450 clients. We won Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Wales and my partner was a finalist for Welsh Woman of the Year for the Innovation category. The next stage is to open a branch in London and see how the business grows.”

All businesses and organisations need to look after their money, that’s why the opportunities available with an AAT qualification and a thirst for success are unlimited.

You can earn while you learn through full and part-time courses, and our distance learning option allows you to study at home.