Balancing ambition podcasts

Real conversations. Real careers. Real ambition.

The AAT podcasts for members and students

Our monthly podcasts are designed to empower and support you as you build your career in finance.  

Through honest discussion, episodes bring together voices from across the AAT community and wider to share experiences, challenges, and practical advice you can actually follow.

Follow or subscribe on your favourite pod platform to make sure you're notified as soon as it’s available.

Episode 4: What really matters when hiring entry-level accountants

Balancing ambition

If you sometimes feel like you’re trapped in a cycle of needing experience for a role but not being able to get it, you’re not alone.

In the latest episode of Balancing ambition, we explore what employers are really looking for in entry-level candidates, how expectations are changing and what early-career accountants can do to build the skills and experience that matter most.

Episode 4: What employers really want from entry-level accountants

Balancing ambition for students

If you sometimes feel like you’re trapped in a cycle of needing experience for a role but not being able to get it, you’re not alone.

In the latest episode of Balancing ambition for students, we explore what employers are really looking for in entry-level candidates, how expectations are changing and what early-career accountants can do to build the skills and experience that matter most.  

After you listen ...

After you listen ...

Turn insights into impact. Explore companion resources that allow you to take what you’ve learned in this episode and put it into action.

Download your 90-day planner to help you succeed in your new role

Access an employer 90-day checklist for onboarding new hires

Subscribe and listen to episodes
AAT members
AAT students

AAT members

Listen to Balancing ambition free on all major podcast platforms:

Watch episodes on YouTube with accessibility options including closed captions.

Upcoming episodes
How to stand out in a competitive profession

How to stand out in a competitive profession

Available in November.

Standing out in today's profession takes more than just technical expertise.

Whether you're starting out, changing direction, stepping into a leadership role or thinking about launching your own business, join us as we explore the skills that make finance professionals truly employable, from communication to adaptability and problem-solving.

Previous episodes for members
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3

Finding success without a straight line

A move away from traditional life stages and career paths mean it’s increasingly likely people have “squiggly” careers which don’t follow the linear "join a company and rise through the ranks" progression. Our guests explore why this is happening, what advantages and challenges it brings and how to make the most of a squiggly career.

Watch episode 1

Previous episodes for students
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3

Finding success without a straight line

Feeling the pressure to have it all figured out before you finish your qualification? Take inspiration from the squiggly careers of some true AAT success stories. Plus, get top tips for exam prep and valuable advice to help navigate your learning journey.

Watch episode 1

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If you’re a current AAT member or student, we’ll email you as episodes are released. Make sure to update your communication preferences and opt into "Career booster" to receive these.

Meet our host: Zoe Smith

Meet our host: Zoe Smith

With over 18 years of experience in the education sector, Zoe truly understands the ins and outs of the community. Since joining AAT in 2020, her focus has been on working closely with members, students, and key partners. Zoe is passionate about listening to audience insights, supporting strategic goals, and bringing feedback back to AAT to help shape and improve the products and services that support the wider community every day.

“We've got some brilliant guests lined up and I’m looking forward to sharing their insights with our listeners."