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The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) has partnered with the South Yorkshire Skills Bank, a programme backed by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to improve workforce training and address local skills shortages.
The move will allow employers across the region to access subsidised financial training through the Skills Bank Portal, with grants covering up to 60% of course costs. Offerings include AAT’s Essentials and Business Finance Basics programmes, aimed at strengthening financial and business capabilities within small and medium-sized firms.
According to AAT data, 37% of job postings in South Yorkshire require finance skills, yet only 7% of candidates demonstrate them. Accounting, auditing and critical thinking have been identified as key areas of shortage, highlighting an urgent need for targeted upskilling to improve regional competitiveness.
Nationally, AAT’s Filling the Gap report – based on a survey of 1,396 employers – found that 34% struggle to recruit for finance and accounting roles, while 80% reported skills shortages leading to reduced productivity and increased pressure on existing staff.
Employers also cited difficulties finding candidates with strategic, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Claire Bennison, executive director of customer, partnerships and innovation at AAT, said: “South Yorkshire is poised for growth and we’re excited to address the national skills shortage that is being firmly felt across the region, holding people, businesses and the region back from fulfilling their full potential.
“Accountancy and finance roles underpin the success of every type of business, regardless of sector. That’s why we’re delighted to be the first accountancy professional body to join the South Yorkshire Skills Bank, providing access to much-needed financial and business training. With the right support, we can help businesses grow, support staff looking to upskill or retrain, and build resilience in the region’s economy.”
The partnership forms part of a wider push by SYMCA to align training provision with employer needs and promote economic growth through workforce development.
