Members' Advisory Council
The Members' Advisory Council (MAC), launched in October 2024, provides a voice that represents views and perspectives from across AAT's membership, ensuring members can actively contribute their insights, share perspectives, and make recommendations to help shape AAT's future. This new body will amplify the membership voice within AAT's governance structure, ensuring our community stays at the very heart of AAT's development.
The MAC comprises up to 50 members who are either elected or co-opted to the body for a three-year term. Chaired by the AAT President, the MAC's primary role is to represent members, reflect their diverse insights, and provide advice to AAT and the Board on matters affecting the AAT community. Through focused discussions and active engagement with both AAT's membership and the wider profession, the MAC gathers diverse perspectives to help inform AAT's strategic direction. The MAC harnesses its members' professional insights drawn from a broad mix of individuals representing AAT's membership across sectors, geography, and levels of seniority.
The MAC is responsible for electing AAT's Vice President from among its members, who then transitions into the role of President after a year. A MAC appointee also serves on the Board, linking governance and representation within the organisation.
Role of MAC members
MAC members play a vital role in shaping AAT's future by actively engaging with fellow members and the wider community, contributing to strategic discussions, and ensuring the diverse views of AAT's community are heard at the highest level of decision making. They're expected to participate in regular meetings, provide feedback on key industry and membership issues, and support AAT's initiatives by offering their professional insights.
In addition to their advisory role, MAC members act as ambassadors for AAT. They represent and champion AAT externally through activities such as judging industry awards, attending third-party events, and advocating for the value of professional membership, accounting technicians, and AAT pathways.
To be eligible, MAC members must be an active full (MAAT), fellow (FMAAT) or licensed member of AAT.
Elections for MAC member roles are run yearly in line with the Annual General Meeting timeline or when there are new vacancies to be filled.
President: Craig Dyer
MAAT, AATQB
- President of AAT and Chair of the Members’ Advisory Council
- Elected member, joined April 2025
Craig is a small accountancy business owner and former Assistant Head Teacher, bringing strategic insight and leadership skills to the MAC. Passionate about education and professional development, he champions AAT’s student and apprenticeship models. Alongside running his business, Craig gives back to the community through grassroots football, school governance, and tutoring.
Vice President: Libby Walklett BA (Hons)
FMAAT
- Elected member, joined April 2025
- PQ Magazine Accountancy Personality of the Year 2026
Libby founded The Ethical Bookkeeper and is committed to ethical, sustainable practice. Named in Ignition's Top 50 Women in Accounting, she's a former AAT Council member, tutor and keen volunteer who mentors the next generation, champions women in the industry, and is a firm believer in resilience and that it's never too late to change direction.
Stephen Aldwinckle MAAT
- Elected member, joined April 2025
Stephen is an experienced accountant and business owner, running his own firm for 14 years. Specialising in supporting owner-managed businesses, he is passionate about raising professional standards and ensuring AAT members have the resources they need to succeed. As a finance governor at an independent school, Stephen values education and collaboration to strengthen the accounting profession.
Caroline Carter FMAAT
Part of the AAT community for 16 years, from student to licensed member, Caroline has experienced everything AAT offers. Now running her own accountancy practice, Caroline is still connected with the Association, having contributed to AAT events, judged bursary applications and helped develop AAT course content. Caroline brings to a wealth of real-world insights to help shape AAT’s future.
Guy Dakin MAAT
- Senior Management Accountant, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Guy has been enjoying a varied career in diverse sectors. He has accounts experience in the motor trade and the film industry. After becoming a member of AAT, he spent time as a paramedic on emergency ambulances then stayed in the NHS as a management accountant. He champions the Freedom to Speak Up in the NHS.
Sam Gooding FMAAT
- Elected member, joined April 2025
Sam, founder of Gooding Accounts, has grown his firm from scratch into a successful £2 million turnover business. A qualified AAT accountant since 1998, Sam is committed to mentoring members starting out or struggling within practice. Sam has a real passion for mental health advocacy, aiming to bring a modern, supportive approach to the MAC, whilst championing AAT members.
Claire Martin MAAT
AAT member and proud Cornish accountant, Claire is passionate about championing the voice of members across the South West and beyond. She brings over eight years' experience in practice, supporting all client types within her community thrive through sound financial guidance. Claire is devoted to the growth of AAT and its membership base, ensuring rural and regional perspectives are well represented.
Zuzanna White MAAT AATQB
- Financial Controller at Chadwick Lawrence LLP
Zuzanna holds dual ACCA and AAT qualifications, is a Rising Leader Fellow of the Aspen Institute UK and was a finalist at Yorkshire Accountancy Awards for 2024 and 2025 in the Finance Director of the Year category. Through the MAC, Zuzanna is committed to supporting future generations of finance and accountancy professionals and bridging the gap between real-world industry needs.
