When she finished her A-levels in 2023, Jasmine Wells already knew she wanted a career in accountancy.
Fast forward less than three years, and she’s achieved her AAT qualification, started ACCA studies, passed her first two ACCA exams, and built valuable experience working full time at Azets.
Her journey is a great example of how apprenticeships can combine practical experience with professional qualifications to create a strong foundation for a successful career.
Discovering a passion for accounting
Unlike many people entering the profession, accountancy wasn’t a last-minute decision for Jasmine. She developed an interest in the subject while studying at sixth form and specifically chose a college that offered A-level Accounting.
“I quickly fell in love with accounting, which may sound unusual, but everything clicked for me,” she explains. “I found it incredibly satisfying, and over time accounting became my main area of interest.”
Originally, she planned to go to university because it felt like the expected next step. But after speaking with her accounting teacher, who had previously worked in the Big Four, she started to explore apprenticeships instead.
That advice changed everything.
After a competitive application process, she secured an apprenticeship role with Azets before even finishing her A-levels.
“At the time, it genuinely felt like I had won the lottery,” she says.
Combining work and study
Shortly after joining Azets in August 2023, Jasmine began studying with Kaplan. She started with a week-long online bookkeeping course before progressing onto AAT classroom courses at Kaplan’s London Bridge centre.
Studying alongside full-time work gave her the opportunity to immediately apply what she was learning in the workplace.
“I completed AAT Level 4 alongside AAT Level 3 bolt-ons, with the Level 4 element completed under an apprenticeship,” she says. “This combination of working full time while studying provided me with practical experience and enabled me to apply what I was learning with Kaplan to my role.”
In August 2025, after almost two years of hard work and consistent study, she became AAT qualified.
“It was a very proud milestone for me.”
Following qualification, she took a well-earned five-week sabbatical travelling through Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Bali before starting the next stage of her journey - ACCA.
Since beginning ACCA studies with Kaplan in January, she has already successfully passed her first two exams.
Building confidence and technical skills
Alongside her studies, Jasmine works in the ABAS (Accounts and Business Advisory Services) department at Azets. Her role includes preparing financial statements, bookkeeping, and VAT returns.
As her studies have progressed, so has her confidence.
“My studies have significantly supported my development within my role,” she says. “As my technical knowledge has improved, I have been able to take on more responsibility and work more independently.”
She has also started gaining experience preparing low-risk corporation tax returns, helping her broaden her technical knowledge and explore new areas of accountancy.
“Studying alongside working has allowed me to apply what I learn in my role and vice versa, which reinforces my understanding.”
Managing the challenges of studying alongside work
Balancing a full-time job with professional studies isn’t always easy. For Jasmine, one of the biggest challenges has been managing her time effectively.
“Studying through an apprenticeship involves balancing a full-time job, attending college, and completing revision outside of working hours,” she explains.
Over time, she developed a routine that works for her.
“My personal approach to time management is waking up early to study before work,” she says. “This structure allows me to work hard during the week so that I can enjoy my weekends, spend time with friends and family, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.”
She also highlights the importance of avoiding burnout during long study programmes like AAT and ACCA.
“Taking regular rest breaks is crucial to ensure revision remains effective.”
How Kaplan supported her journey
Throughout both AAT and ACCA, Jasmine says the support from Kaplan has played a key role in helping her succeed.
“The support from Kaplan has been excellent throughout my studies,” she says. “Tutors and talent coaches are always approachable and available to help with any questions or concerns.”
She particularly valued Kaplan’s structured learning materials and exam preparation support.
“The mock exams are especially helpful, as they closely replicate the real exam and are usually completed under exam conditions at college,” she explains. “I find this prepares me both mentally and emotionally for the big exam day, helping to reduce nerves and build confidence.”
Feedback from progress tests and mock exams also helped her focus her revision and improve her exam technique throughout her studies.
Top study tips for future accountants
After successfully balancing work, study, and exams, Jasmine has some simple but effective advice for others starting their accountancy journey:
- Manage your time effectively and try to stay on track rather than falling behind
- Complete all questions from the integrated workbook, study texts, and exam kit before sitting an exam
- Allow yourself breaks to prevent burnout and keep motivation high
Looking ahead
With her ACCA studies now underway, Jasmine is excited about what comes next.
“If I continue to pass my exams first time, I am due to qualify in December 2027, which I am extremely excited about,” she says.
Long term, she hopes to continue developing within private practice while expanding her technical skills across areas including corporation tax and personal tax.
“I am excited to see where my career develops as I continue to grow professionally.”
She also encourages others considering accountancy to explore the apprenticeship route.
“The apprenticeship route has given me invaluable real-world experience alongside professional qualifications, and I would highly recommend Kaplan to anyone considering a career in accountancy or finance.”
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