Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship - AAT Level 4

Course Overview

This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) professional level apprenticeship is a higher-level accounting qualification. If you successfully complete this qualification and fulfil the AAT’s work experience requirements, you can apply for AAT full membership and achieve professional AAT (MAAT) status.

This flexible apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education, and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom.

The duration of the apprenticeship will be 18-24 months.

What will I learn?

In this apprenticeship you will cover higher accounting tasks including drafting financial statements, managing budgets and evaluating financial performance.

Optional specialist units are also available. Apprentices who complete these additional two units will be awarded an AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting and be eligible to apply for full AAT membership. This internationally recognised AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification enables those working in accounting or those who 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 4 apprenticeship covers a range of key areas, including:

Management Accounting: Budgeting
Management Accounting: Decision and Control
Financial Statements of Limited Companies
Accounting Systems and Controls
Professional Diploma Synoptic Assessment

These core units of study are assessed at unit level. In addition, a synoptic assessment will ask students to apply knowledge and skills gained across the qualification in an integrated way, within a workplace context.

In addition, the following optional units can be added to complete the AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting (but are not mandatory as part of the apprenticeship):

Business tax
Personal tax
External auditing
Cash and Treasury Management
Credit Management

You will also develop business communications and lifelong learning skills, applying what you learn on the course to the wider industry context.

Study Method – Online and On Campus

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this course through our Online and On Campus model.

Online video lectures are available on demand, and can be viewed from your phone, tablet or computer, meaning you can choose how, when and where you want to study. 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, you benefit from regular college classes – without having to commit to attending multiple evenings each week. Experienced tutors will discuss and reinforce what you have learnt during your online study and are on hand to provide guidance on progress and assessment. Discussion and debate with classmates will help you apply theories to situations you face in the workplace.

Additional Information:

How will I be assessed?

After completing their On Programme Learning, sitting a synoptic end-test covering the knowledge and skills gained throughout the on-programme stage and detailed in the standard, apprentices will be expected to complete their End Point Assessment (EPA), consisting of:

An online assessment, where you’ll tackle a series of business- related tasks through simulation in line with typical role activities; and
Submission of a portfolio of evidence gathered from the workplace. You must then reflect on the portfolio through a written statement or professional discussion.

Entry requirements

Applicants will need to be employed in a relevant accounting role.

You must have a sound knowledge of accounting principles to undertake the AAT Level 4 programme. Achievement of an AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting is essential.

Progression

The accountancy skills developed by studying this qualification will enable you to seek employment with confidence, and/or to progress to study chartered accountancy.

Career opportunities

The Professional Diploma in Accounting can lead to the achievement of professional AAT (MAAT) status. Employment opportunities include: Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor, Assistant Financial Accountant, Commercial Analyst, Cost Accountant, Indirect Tax Manager, Payments and Billing Manager, Payroll Manager, Senior Finance Officer, Senior Insolvency Administrator, Tax Supervisor, VAT Accountant.

Additional information