Gain recognised qualifications

Apprenticeships are a work-based training programme, combining on-the-job training with the opportunity to gain an internationally recognised qualification, offering you a direct route into the accounting and finance profession.

Combining an AAT Accounting Qualification with your apprenticeship means you’ll learn the technical knowledge and skills you can apply within your workplace, enhancing your on-the-job training, making you a highly sought-after employee.

AAT qualifications you can study as part of an accounting apprenticeship

Whether you’re completing the intermediate level 2 apprenticeship, the Assistant Accountant apprenticeship or the Professional Accounting Technician apprenticeship our qualifications are perfect to supplement your workplace learning.

Foundation Certificate in Accounting

The foundation certificate, studied as part of the Intermediate apprenticeship​, introduces a range of basic accounting principles and techniques, making it suitable for people new to finance looking to develop an introductory level of knowledge and skills.

Foundation Certificate in Accounting is made up of five mandatory units:

  • Bookkeeping Transactions
  • Bookkeeping Controls
  • Elements of Costing
  • Work Effectively in Finance
  • Using Accounting Software

Job roles that foundation apprentices are recruited for include:

  • accounts administration
  • accounts assistant
  • bookkeeper
  • payroll administrator
  • purchase/sales ledger clerk
  • trainee accounts technician

Find out more about the Foundation Certificate in Accounting.

Advanced Diploma in Accounting

The Advanced Diploma in Accounting can be studied as part of the Assistant Accountant apprenticeship​ and introduces more detailed financial tasks, including maintaining cost accounting records and preparation of reports and returns.

Advanced Diploma in Accounting is made up of six mandatory units:

  • Advanced Bookkeeping
  • Final Accounts Preparation
  • Management Accounting: Costing
  • Indirect Tax
  • Ethics for Accountants
  • Spreadsheets for Accounting

The Assistant Accountant apprenticeship is designed to provide you with the required skills to undertake the role of an assistant accountant. Other job roles this apprenticeship could lead to include:

  • accounts payable clerk
  • audit trainee
  • bookkeeper
  • credit controller
  • finance assistant
  • practice bookkeeper
  • tax accountant

Find out more about the Advanced Diploma in Accounting.

Professional Diploma in Accounting

The Professional Diploma in Accounting can be studied as part of the Professional Accounting Technician apprenticeship​ and will allow you to become experienced in completing complex accounting tasks. You’ll receive training in drafting financial statements, managing budgets and evaluating financial performance. You’ll also have the opportunity to specialise in areas from tax to auditing and credit control.

Professional Diploma in Accounting is made up of six units in total. Four of these units are mandatory:

  • Financial Statements for Limited Companies
  • Management Accounting: Budgeting
  • Management Accounting: Decision and Control
  • Accounting Systems and Controls

You’ll then choose two specialist units to study from a choice of five:

  • Business Tax
  • Personal Tax
  • Credit Management
  • External Auditing
  • Cash and Treasury Management

The Professional Accounting Technician apprenticeship is designed to provide you with the required skills to undertake the role of a professional accounting technician. Other job roles you could expect to apply for after completing your apprenticeship include:

  • accounts payable and expenses supervisor
  • assistant financial accountant
  • commercial analyst
  • cost accountant
  • fixed asset accountant
  • indirect tax manager
  • payments and billings manager

Find out more about the Professional Diploma in Accounting. 

Which level should you start at?

If you are currently applying for an apprenticeship, the level should be stated in the job advert. If you are already in an accounting or finance role and wish to become an apprentice, the level of the apprenticeship will be decided with your employer (based on your skills and experience).

 

I decided to start studying AAT in my gap year, when I was 18 years old. I’d originally planned to study accountancy at university but a friend suggested I try AAT via the apprenticeship route.

It was great. I was learning the theory at college in the evening and applying the skills learnt during the day in my accounting role.

 

Laura Thyer MAAT, Assistant Accountant Saietta Group

 

We're here to help

If you are a student or an employee who would like to become an apprentice, speak to one of our helpful advisors on +44(0)20 3735 2434. Our lines are open Monday to Thursday 09.00–20.00 and Friday 09.00–17.00 UK time. You can also request a call back.