Experienced AAT Tutor | Achieve Your Accounting Goals with Tailored Lessons and Support

Find out more about Rachel

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  Like many people, when I finished my A-levels I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do next. I realised that the traditional university route didn’t feel right for me, so I decided to take a different path and pursue an apprenticeship instead. I wanted to learn on the job, gain real experience, and earn a qualification that could open doors, and that’s how I found my way into accountancy.
  It was definitely a risk at the time, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve discovered a profession full of supportive people and endless opportunities to grow. I chose AAT because I’d always been interested in how businesses and the economy work — and you can’t have either without finance and accounting!
  As for tutoring, that came about quite naturally. Friends and colleagues often commented on how passionate and enthusiastic I was when talking about accounting, and they encouraged me to give teaching a try. Rather than jumping straight into classroom teaching, I started with one-to-one tutoring, and I loved it more than I ever expected to. My students’ drive, determination, and curiosity are what keep me inspired. Their progress is honestly what makes this work so rewarding.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  After having studied my AAT journey as an apprentice at the mere age of just 18 I know how daunting this qualification can be for some learners, and I am on a mission to change that. Let’s make accounting accessible, enjoyable and motivating for all. Thus, I am happy to help those on their own AAT journeys throughout the levels to fully support and enable qualifications to be reached.
  I am particularly excitable (as is any accountant…) when we can get those books to balance – for those who know, know! However, I also thoroughly enjoy the management accounts side of the qualification which is why I am currently part CIMA qualified and will go onto complete that.
  I don’t think there is anything that I particularly disklike about accounting or what crops up in the AAT syllabus although those pesky consolidated accounts which you will find in the level 4 financial accounts module can often pose a challenge to many and will take you a little while to wrap your head around if you aren’t all too familiar with those – trust me, I often have to review this topic myself!

• 3) Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  The short answer is yes — I definitely had role models who inspired me, and they’re a big part of why I do what I do today. I was always the quiet, introverted student who rarely spoke up in class. Looking back, I think it was because I was afraid of being wrong, so it was easier to stay silent.
  But over time, I was lucky enough to have a few teachers and tutors who didn’t give up on me. They noticed that, even though I was quiet, I cared deeply and worked hard. They encouraged me to speak up, ask questions, and believe that my voice mattered just as much as anyone else’s. That took time — it definitely didn’t happen overnight — but it completely changed how I saw myself as a learner.
  Those experiences shaped how I teach now. I know what it feels like to be unsure, to second-guess yourself, or to need that little extra patience and encouragement. So when I tutor, I always try to be the kind of person those teachers were for me: supportive, understanding, and willing to see the potential even when the student doesn’t quite see it yet.
  I’m still not perfect at asking for help myself — that’s definitely a work in progress! — but I think that’s also what makes me more empathetic as a tutor. I know that learning is as much about confidence as it is about knowledge.

• 4) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  I guess the qualities that make a good tutor can vary depending on who you ask, but for me, it starts with the ability to meet each learner where they are. A tutor shouldn’t just teach from their own level of understanding; they should adapt their approach so that the student feels comfortable, supported, and capable of growing at their own pace.
  Just because I’ve completed the qualification doesn’t mean my students have, and I never want them to feel intimidated by that. Instead, I focus on creating a space where they feel confident enough to ask questions — even the ones they think might be “silly” (spoiler: they never are!). The best learning happens when students feel safe to make mistakes and curious enough to explore why something works the way it does.
  A good tutor also brings energy, enthusiasm, and empathy to every session. I think students can tell when you genuinely care, and that trust is what allows learning to really take root. Turning up on time and being prepared are the basics, but showing up with a positive attitude, encouragement, and a sense of humour makes all the difference.
  Above all, a good tutor listens. We’ve all been in your position, trying to make sense of something that feels impossible at first. The right tutor remembers that feeling and uses it to guide their teaching. My goal is always to be approachable, understanding, and dedicated — to help my students see that they can do it, and that I’ll be right there cheering them on every step of the way.

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  One of my favourite moments as a tutor was when a student who had failed their Level 3 VAT exam a few times came to me feeling completely defeated and was ready to give up, but I wasn’t going to allow that to happen. We worked together to rebuild their confidence and understanding, focusing not just on the technical content but also on their mindset and resilience. A few weeks later, I received a thank you call informing me that they passed with flying colours. Moments like that remind me why I love tutoring; it’s not just about numbers, it’s about watching someone believe in themselves again.

• 6) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  For me, one of the biggest challenges has always been confidence in my own abilities. I never imagined I’d be capable of being where I am today, and truthfully, sometimes I still struggle to believe it. That’s why I’m so grateful for the people in my support network that I’ve built over the years, those who’ve encouraged me to keep going and reminded me of what I can achieve.
  Confidence isn’t something that came naturally to me. I’ve always been the type to quietly get on with things rather than ask for help, even when I probably should have. I’ve learned, and I am still learning that it is okay to reach out, to admit when something feels difficult, and to lean on others for support.
  In a way, those experiences have shaped how I teach. I know how it feels to doubt yourself, so I make a conscious effort to build my students’ confidence alongside their knowledge. I want them to feel empowered, not overwhelmed, and to realise that needing help doesn’t mean weakness — it means you’re human, and that’s how we learn best.

• 7) Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I’m genuinely passionate about helping others realise their potential whether that’s through tutoring, mentoring, or community involvement. Alongside my tutoring work, I mentor students who are considering starting their own AAT apprenticeship journeys, offering advice and support to help them take that next step with confidence. I remember how uncertain I felt when I first began, so it’s really rewarding to help others navigate that process.
  I’m also proud to serve my community as the Branch Chair for the AAT Tyne and Wear branch, where I help empower local AAT members and champion opportunities for continued professional development (CPD). Beyond that, I volunteer as a parish bookkeeper and Gift Aid officer, applying my accounting skills in a practical, real-world setting while once again being able to support my local community.
  Ultimately, my passion lies in seeing people grow, whether that’s gaining confidence in a tricky topic, starting an apprenticeship, or taking their career to the next level. Teaching, mentoring, and supporting others have become a huge part of who I am, and I love being able to combine that with hands-on, practical accounting experience.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  I believe what makes me a Superprof is a combination of professional expertise, hands-on experience, and genuine passion for helping others succeed. I don’t just teach accounting, I mentor students who are considering or starting their own AAT apprenticeship journeys, helping them navigate the process with confidence and practical advice.
  Beyond tutoring, I serve as Branch Chair for the AAT Tyne and Wear branch, empowering local members and championing professional development opportunities. I also volunteer as a parish bookkeeper and Gift Aid officer, applying my accounting skills in a practical, community-focused setting. These experiences keep me grounded and constantly aware of how accounting works in the real world on top of my 9-5.
  My dedication to the profession was recognised in 2024 when I was nominated and shortlisted for the AAT Excellence Award, an honour that highlights my hands-on commitment to both my students and the wider accounting community.
  Ultimately, what makes me a Superprof is the energy, empathy, and encouragement I bring to every session. I strive to make learning accessible, enjoyable, and motivating, and nothing is more rewarding than seeing my students gain confidence, succeed in their exams, and grow in their careers.