AAT is looking to appoint one new Board member who will also serve on 

our Finance and Performance Committee. This is a significant opportunity to 

contribute to AAT’s long-term sustainability, support effective decision-making, and help 

us deliver even greater value for our members, students and the wider profession.

Read the full recruitment pack at https://www.aat.org.uk/files/aat-board-members-advert.pdf

About AAT

We are AAT - the Association of Accounting Technicians. Formed in 1980, we are the world's leading professional body for accounting technicians – bringing together more than 137,000 members and students. AAT is a professional body, an awarding organisation conferring qualifications, and is also a registered charity in England and Wales. We are a UK company limited by guarantee, with two subsidiaries: AAT Botswana and Accounting Technicians (Services) Limited.

Candidate profile

As a charity trustee, you will share collective responsibility for the overall governance and strategic direction of AAT. This includes ensuring the organisation effectively fulfils its mission, maintains strong financial stewardship, and operates in line with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

You will work collaboratively with fellow Trustees to shape AAT’s future, safeguard its assets, and maximise its impact for members, students and the wider profession. Trustees are expected to draw on their skills, experience and sound judgement to support effective decision-making. This may involve leading or contributing to discussions, identifying key issues, offering insight on new initiatives, and providing advice in areas where you hold particular expertise.

The legal responsibilities of Trustees are set out in charity and company law, where they are referred to respectively as ‘trustees’ and ‘company directors’. Board members may be AAT members or independent appointees

Responsibilities of Board members

• Contribute to the Board's role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensure the charity pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.

Knowledge and experience

• Understanding of charity governance, the role of trustees and knowledge of the charity sector and current issues affecting it.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a trustee.
• A broad experience of good governance in business, the public sector or not-for-profit organisations.
• Awareness of the social, political, and economic context in which the charity operates.
• Understanding of financial management and charity accounting practices.
• Previous board or committee experience (as part of a formal corporate governance structure), with the ability to think independently and challenge constructively.
• Experience in a leadership or management role, including the resilience and ability to make difficult decisions.

Specific Finance and Performance Committee experience

• Financial management or accounting expertise, with the ability to interpret financial information, understand financial controls, and contribute to discussions on budgets, forecasts, reserves and long-term financial planning.
• Experience in investment management or oversight, with an understanding of investment principles, risk, portfolio performance and the ability to engage constructively with AAT’s investment advisers.
• Strong financial literacy, including the ability to read and analyse financial statements, identify key trends or areas of concern, and ask insightful questions of management, auditors or advisers.
• Ability to interpret investment reports, assess investment performance, and challenge assumptions or recommendations where appropriate.
• Understanding of organisational performance frameworks, and the ability to scrutinise reports, KPIs and delivery metrics to ensure accountability and value for money.
• Sound judgement and constructive challenge, supporting the Committee and the Board to make well-evidenced decisions that protect AAT’s financial health and support long-term sustainability.

Skills and qualities

• Commitment to equality and diversity principles and embedding them in decision making.
• Strategic vision and the ability to focus on practical issues.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Digital literacy and comfort with using technology for board work.
• Open-mindedness and willingness to learn.
• Enthusiasm for the role and its responsibilities

Term of office: Trustees are appointed for a three-year term and may seek reappointment, with a limit of two consecutive terms.

Remuneration: the role of Trustee is voluntary and unpaid. However, Trustees can claim expenses for travel to meetings and other reasonable costs incurred, in line with the Expenses Policy.

Time commitment: the time commitment for Trustees is expected to be between 10 and 15 days a year. The Board convenes around four times a year, including an annual strategy day which may include an overnight stay. 

How to apply

Applications can also be submitted by emailing governance@aat.org.uk (reference: AAT Board member role 2026). Please ensure to include your CV and cover letter.

The closing date for applications is 18.00 on Monday 13 April 2026.

As a Disability Confident employer, we will guarantee an interview for people with disabilities who meet all the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this scheme, please let us know.