Guide to roles and responsibilities

What types of jobs are appropriate for the different levels of qualification?

As a guide, student members will be eligible for the roles outlined below on completion of the following levels, subject to their level of work experience:

AAT Foundation/Certificate level

Jobs that can be undertaken on completion at this level may have an administrative emphasis.

Typical job description at this level: Finance Assistant / Administrator

Typical duties may include:

  1. Inputs and processes financial information (i.e. invoices, receipts and payments), completing routine financial transactions in accordance with procedures.
  2. Responds to routine enquiries from staff/customers and suppliers and investigates queries as required.
  3. May advise patients/clients regarding eg charges.
  4. Able to prepare ledger balances and an initial trial balance.
  5. Responsible for petty cash and bank account reconciliation for the organisation.

AAT Intermediate / Advanced Certificate level

Jobs that can be undertaken on completion at this level may have a more evaluative emphasis.

Typical job description at this level: Finance Officer

Typical duties may include:

  1. Ensures financial, payroll information is processed in accordance with procedures and in order to provide information for statutory returns.
  2. Investigates enquiries and queries from suppliers and staff/customers and provides assistance and advice as required.
  3. Ensures that work is completed in line with financial timescales
  4. May advise customers regarding charges/payments
  5. Able to record and evaluate costs and revenues.
  6. Able to prepare a set of accounts and tax returns
  7. Able to maintain financial records and prepare accounts.
  8. Knowledge of computerised accounting systems.
  9. Working knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping

AAT Technician / Diploma level

Jobs that can be undertaken on completion of this level may have a management emphasis.

Typical job description at this level: Finance Team Leader

Typical duties may include:

  1. Leads a team of finance staff
  2. Ensures financial information is processed in accordance with procedures and in order to provide information for statutory returns.
  3. Investigates enquiries, providing assistance and advice as required.
  4. Ensures that work is completed in line with financial timescales and legal requirements.
  5. May provide advice to customers regarding eg charges

Accounting technicians use computers regularly to make tax calculations or establish balances using accounting software. They also use databases and spreadsheets.