Suzie Webb appointed director of education for AAT

Suzie Webb, formerly managing director of the National Extension College, has been appointed as the new director of education for the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).

The term accounting technician is used to cover a range of jobs in accounting, from administrative roles to head of finance positions.

Webb’s new duties include her taking control of the AAT’s education and training divisions, which will include the expansion and delivery of AAT’s qualification portfolio. She will also further develop its online assessments and e-learning tools for its members.

Jane Scott Paul, AAT’s chief executive, said: “Suzie brings with her a wealth of experience from across the education and training sector, with a specific focus on the development and delivery of skills-based qualifications,”

Webb added: “This is an exciting time for AAT in the development of its online learning and assessment tools. I want to ensure that our qualifications are accessible to as many people as possible and to keep FE, and the accountancy profession, available to all.”

The AAT was set up in 1980 by merging together the Institute of Accounting Staff (IAS) and the Association of Technicians in Finance and Accounting (ATFA). It began with 5,995 members and 19,405 students. It’s now the fast-track, non graduate route into charted accountancy. With over 120,000 members in over 90 countries and having nearly 500,000 people worldwide who have studied with the AAT it contributes towards all levels of the global economy.

Their vocational qualifications are designed to give students practical accounting skills that are usable in the workplace. They assess understanding and ability through a combination of skills, test and exams. They have recently introduced computer based exams (CBE) for some qualifications. Their CBEs run throughout the year, allowing student members to take their exams on a computer, in a supervised environment.

AAT students can learn practical accounting processes and important communication skills. These skills can be applied directly to the workplace, making them more rounded, effective and committed team players. With flexible courses which are open to all, regardless of age, experience or qualifications, the AAT has become a recognised qualification body in the UK.

Webb has previously held senior management posts with the Learning and Skills Council, Cambridge International Examinations, and OCR where she was responsible for qualifications and product development in the UK and internationally. Her early career was spent working as a secondary school teacher.

Lewis Hallam