The Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship is at Level 3 – equivalent to A-levels – and will equip apprentices with skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in their roles.
This apprenticeship will prepare apprentices for junior and entry-level accounting roles. It delivers a solid foundation in finance administration, covering areas such as double entry bookkeeping and basic costing principles. Learners will then move on to mastering more complex accounting disciplines including financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts and ethical practices for accountants.
Please note: Virtual Classroom sessions are held virtually and take place regularly during term time. Start dates are available throughout the year.
Start dates are available throughout the year.
The duration of the apprenticeship will be 18 months.
This qualification covers a range of complex accounting tasks. Apprentices will learn and master financial processes, including accounting principles and concepts, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts, VAT issues in business, management accounting costing techniques and ethical practices for accountants. They will also gain software skills through spreadsheet training for accounting.
This apprenticeship standard is at Level 3. The structure allows students to achieve the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Advanced Diploma in Accounting as their on-programme learning. This internationally recognised AAT qualification enables those working in accounting or those looking to pursue accountancy as a career to gain knowledge, practical experience and the all-important certification often sought by employers.
Units of Study
The Level 3 apprenticeship covers a range of key areas, including:
You will also develop business communications and lifelong learning skills, applying what you learn on the course to the wider industry context.
Apprentices study online materials during allotted time at work, and also attend regular sessions with a tutor.
Online lessons can be accessed at any time, using a mobile, tablet or desktop – meaning apprentices can fit their study around work commitments, minimising disruption in the workplace. Each lesson lasts around 45 minutes and is accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Exercises, interactive case studies and analytical tools help to enhance the learning experience further.
On campus, apprentices benefit from regular classes with an experienced tutor, either in-person or virtually. A combination of tutor-led work, group exercises and discussion encourages apprentices to apply theory to real-life workplace situations. This modern, flexible approach to apprenticeship training empowers learners, minimises disruption to employers, and delivers tangible results in the workplace.
Upon successful completion of the Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship, you can apply for AAT associate bookkeeping membership and become a professional AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB).
The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this apprenticeship will qualify you for roles including Finance Officer, Assistant Accountant and Bookkeeper. You will also be eligible for AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB) status, giving you the option to work as a freelance bookkeeper.
You can also progress on to the Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship – AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting at Level 4.
Learn practical, real world skills
Choose a learning style that suits you
Demonstrate your professional excellence
Regardless of size or industry, every business needs people with finance and accounting expertise.With AAT, you’ll gain highly-transferable, practical finance and accounting skills that are sought after by employers. Wherever you want to take your career, with our help you’ll gain the confidence and expertise to get there. Just like the AAT students in our AAT Stories
AAT qualifications are practical, internationally recognised and can open doors in any industry across the world. AAT is open to everyone – you don’t need previous qualifications or experience, and you can work at a pace that fits in with your lifestyle.
AT also offers an excellent route into chartered accountancy. If you choose to further your studies with one of the leading chartered professional bodies, such as ACCA, CIPFA or CIMA, your AAT qualification will give you generous exemptions.
The Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship is at Level 3 – equivalent to A-levels –
and will equip apprentices with skills and knowledge that can be directly
applied in their roles.
This apprenticeship will prepare apprentices for
junior and entry-level accounting roles. It delivers a solid foundation in
finance administration, covering areas such as double entry bookkeeping and
basic costing principles.
The duration of the apprenticeship will be
18 months.
Applicants will need to be employed in a relevant accounting role.
5 GCSEs with maths and English at Grade 5 / C or Functional Skills Level 2
English and maths
Good keyboarding skills are essential as well as a good knowledge of Microsoft
Office. Achievement of an AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting is
advantageous but not essential.
This course is free to apprentices, as the
cost is paid by your employer. Large companies can fund the course using their apprenticeship levy. SMEs can access government funding to subsidise the cost by 95%.
To complete the Assistant Accountant
apprenticeship, apprentices will be expected to complete:
A synoptic end-test covering the knowledge and skills gained throughout the non-programme stage and details in the standard.
A portfolio and reflective discussion which will
comprise a range of evidence produced in the work-place to show that the
apprentice has met the knowledge, skills and behaviours detailed in the
standard. The reflective discussion will be a structured interview to examine
this evidence and the learner journey in more detail.
You can progress on to
the Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship – AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting at Level 4.
Upon successful
completion of the Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship, you can apply for AAT associate bookkeeping membership and become a professional AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB).
“I had no intention of doing accounting as a career, but I was pretty good with numbers. I studied AAT and found it fun. Now I run my own accounting business. I’m probably taking on a new client every week, and it all started with AAT.”
“By doing an apprenticeship I was able to implement the skills I learned through studying into my day to day role within the workplace. Having gained MAAT status, I’m now working at an accountancy practice. I’ve never looked back.”
“Studying AAT has really helped me to secure a good job, it opened the door into the finance sector for me. I believe there’s a bright future and intend to become a professional member to help me progress further.”
