Every learner's journey is different. For Amy Needs, choosing the right way to study was key to helping her achieve her AAT qualification while navigating the unexpected changes life brought along the way.

With the flexibility of Distance Learning and support from Kaplan, Amy was able to keep progressing towards her goal. Here's her story.

Discovering a career in finance

Amy didn't begin her career in finance. In fact, she only entered the profession after turning 30.

"I came across a job in a hotel and fell in love with finance," she says.

After completing AAT Level 2 and Level 3, she continued building her experience before joining her husband's business as a director, where she now plays a key role in the day-to-day running of the company.

"I do the bookkeeping and reception work within the business and I love it."

Why Amy chose Kaplan's Distance Learning

When deciding who to study with, Amy looked for a provider that matched what she needed.

“When I studied AAT Level 2, I felt I did not have much support with the study provider I went with,” she explains.

After researching different providers and reading learner reviews, she chose Kaplan.

“I have no regrets going with Kaplan. My progression advisor was brilliant, and the tutors were very helpful when needed.”

Looking back, Amy says choosing Distance Learning was just as important as choosing the right provider.

She started studying in July 2023 and completed her qualification three years later. During that time, life brought a series of unexpected challenges that made the flexibility of studying at her own pace invaluable.

“A lot happened in my personal life during those three years, and it made me very grateful I chose Distance Learning instead of a set course in a classroom.”

Studying whenever life allowed

With so much happening outside of her studies, Amy had to be flexible in how she approached learning.

“I couldn't study in a normal routine - I could only study when I could.”

That often meant studying after work, fitting revision around quieter moments during the day, or getting up early in the morning.

"I mainly studied after work, during work, or really early in the morning. It doesn't sound ideal, but when you're focused on completing the course and have support around you, it can be done."

The flexibility of Distance Learning allowed Amy to keep making progress, even when life made studying difficult.

Completing AAT through life's toughest moments

Only a few months after starting the course, Amy found out that her daughter needed significant support, forcing her to pause her studies.

"I just took a step back and thought, family is more important. Studying will have to wait until I can focus on this properly."

As life settled, more challenges followed. She was made redundant, her husband started his own business, she began a new job, and her stepdad became seriously ill before sadly passing away.

Despite everything, Amy did what she could to keep moving forward.

“I kept in touch with the study books so I didn't fall too far behind.”

Although she wasn't able to finish within her original timeframe, she remained determined to finish.

“I stayed focused as much as I could and I managed to complete the course.”

The support that kept her going

Throughout her studies, Amy says one person made a huge difference to her confidence and motivation - her Kaplan Progression Advisor, Vicky Knight.

“I really enjoyed the check-in calls from my progression advisor. She would give me optimism to hope that I can do this, and she wasn't wrong.”

Looking back, Amy believes those regular conversations helped her keep going during the most difficult periods.

“If Vicky Knight didn't support me for the three years, I would have given up on the course.

“If I ever study again, I will definitely go back to Kaplan. The support is amazing.”

Growing in confidence through AAT

Alongside strengthening her financial skills, Amy says completing AAT has helped her develop personally.

“It has helped me with my current role in learning the processes in bookkeeping, and it has helped me gain confidence in myself.”

The qualification has reinforced an important lesson she now carries into both her work and personal life.

“If you put your mind to it, you definitely can do it.”

Completing the course remains one of her proudest achievements.

“I'm most proud of completing the course during some of the toughest times in my life.”

Amy's advice for anyone studying alongside family life

Having balanced work, family responsibilities and major life events while completing her qualification, Amy understands how difficult it can sometimes feel.

Her advice to other learners is simple:

• Stay focused on your goal, even if your progress isn't always linear.
• Make time to study whenever you can, rather than waiting for the "perfect" opportunity.
• Accept support from the people around you.

“I would say that you can do it if you focus, make time to study, and receive support throughout your studies from family, friends and Kaplan.”

Looking ahead

Now that she's completed her AAT qualification, Amy has become an AATQB member to continue developing professionally and keep up to date with changes across the profession.

She also plans to keep growing the business she runs with her husband.

“I intend on keeping up to date with the financial rules and processes and carry on putting all my effort into my business.”

Ready to study AAT around your life?

If you're changing careers, balancing work and family commitments, or looking for a way to fit your studies around an unpredictable schedule, Kaplan's Distance Learning study method gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace, with expert support whenever you need it.

Explore our AAT qualifications and discover how studying through Distance Learning can help you achieve your goals.