Become an AAT Licensed Accountant or Bookkeeper
We support more than 6,000 AAT Licensed Accountants and Bookkeepers in running their own successful practices.
Your opportunity
Increase your earning potential – the average fee income for full-time AAT Licensed Accountants who are purely self-employed is £52,000.*
Use your finance skills and knowledge and work with a range of clients.
Achieve a better work/life balance and job satisfaction – 90% of AAT Licensed Accountants are satisfied in their jobs.*
Start your own business as a side venture – over 30% of AAT licensed members that have their own practice are also in employed roles.*
*Research from AAT Salary Survey 2021.
Paul's story
Build a business
Made redundant at 24, Paul has since built his practice as an AAT Licensed Accountant and now serves over 300 clients and employs 15 staff.
Running your own practice is potentially the most rewarding step you can take in your career. You could enjoy greater freedom, have more variety and flexibility in your work, and there's higher earning potential too. Perhaps most importantly, being your own boss can bring the job satisfaction and work/life balance you’ve always wanted.
It’s an exciting opportunity – but it’s a big decision. It will mean big changes to your lifestyle and could come with some financial uncertainty while your business grows. You’ll also need to put your business skills, confidence and determination to the test in order to make your practice a success.
Licence eligibility and exemptions
Your eligibility for a licence will depend on your membership type and how you intend to run your business. If you want to run your practice as a student or affiliate member, you won’t be able to apply for a licence and there’s separate guidance you must follow.
Which licence do you need?
We offer two licence options: AAT Licensed Bookkeeper and AAT Licensed Accountant.
AAT Licensed Bookkeepers can be approved to offer up to five services, and AAT Licensed Accountants can be approved to offer up to 18 services.
Find out which AAT licence you need to deliver your services
Benefits of your licence
The AAT licence is more than a mark of professionalism and compliance. It also entitles you to a range of resources that will help you develop a successful business. As an AAT licensed member, you'll benefit from:
Approval to offer up to 18 services
Letters of engagement templates
Useful checklists
Free advice helplines
Use of AAT licensed member logos
Listing in the AAT licensed member directory
Competitive Professional Indemnity Insurance rates
CPD and practice management resources
Anti-money laundering compliance and support (subject to eligibility)
Industry updates and advice on running your business in Accounting Technician magazine and regular e-newsletters.
Fees
| AAT Licensed Bookkeeper | AAT Licensed Accountant | |
|---|---|---|
| Admission fee (one-off payment) | £56 | £56 |
| Reinstatement fee (one-off payment) | £56 | £56 |
| Annual licence fee* | £176 | £336 |
| Reduced annual licence fee (Gross Fee Income under £12,570) | n/a | £236 |
* Annual licence fee: pro rata payment
- If you're an existing AAT full, bookkeeping, fellow or affiliate member you'll pay a pro rata licence fee to your next renewal. For example, if your existing membership renewal is due six months after your licence approval, you'll pay a pro rata licence fee for six months, meaning 50% of the full licence fee above.
- If you're not an existing AAT member you'll need to pay the full annual licence fee.
Once you're an AAT licensed member you'll need to comply with these conditions on a continuing basis.
You’ll need to pass three tests on anti-money laundering, professional ethics and practice management to show you understand your obligations.
