OTFORD accountant Mike Dudding is the new president of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). Mr Dudding's career began almost 30 years ago as a trainee accountant with the Greater London Council.

He left to become assistant county treasurer and later head of the corporate review at Kent County Council and is now a freelance consultant on public finance management. During his term in office, Mr Dudding hopes to develop and strengthen the association's ties with local, national and international organisations and their accounting staff.

Jan Bell, programme manager of the accounting school at Fareham College, becomes vice president of the AAT. Mr Dudding said: "Accounting technicians fulfil a wide range of accounting functions and play an important role in many companies. As AAT president I want to promote the importance of belonging to a professional body.

"Not only does this provide people with credibility and status in the workplace, but can also offer additional support and encouragement to both them and their employer when they are planning their career development."