Beyond the UK, the counties with the highest number of current or previous AAT learners are Botswana, Malaysia and Bahrain.

[2] In October 2024, tax lecturer, professional director, and long-running accountancy practice owner, Michael Steed, became AAT's new President.

Prior to Steed the organisation's presidency was occupied by change management consultant Kevin Bragg, who first came to AAT's then-Council as an ex-officio appointee representing one of the original sponsoring bodies.

AAT's current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is Sarah Beale, who was appointed to the role in November 2021.

Beale is a qualified accountant, studying as an AAT trainee in what would be regarded today as an apprenticeship.

[3] AAT is governed as a charity with public interest requirements, as well as a professional body accountable to its members.

AAT’s current council includes Rachel Harris and Lucy Cohen who contribute as leading figures in the accountancy sector.

The plan is based on three core themes: ‘driving up professional standards’, ‘keeping the profession relevant’ and ‘building responsible business’.

AAT agreed an exemption agreement with the Chartered Tax Institute of Malaysia (CTIM) in June 2024.

The move creates a more direct path for students and members with CTIM local tax qualifications to become AAT qualified accounting technicians.

That is, someone does not need to hold prior qualifications from learning institutions as a prerequisite to enrol in a programme offering AAT Level 1.

At the time, the body said its redesigned qualifications would provide students with relevant knowledge covering business ethics, technology, communication and issues related to sustainability.

AAT Comment articles are written to inform and update members about changes to policy, practice and to the accountancy and finance professions more widely.