AAT Level 3 Apprenticeship: Assistant Accountant
Your next step in your accounting career
Earn while you learn on the job
Gain more complex skills in accounting
Prepare for intermediate level accounting roles
We offer the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting as the regulated qualification for this apprenticeship.
The Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship is equivalent to A-levels and will equip apprentices with skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in their roles. Learners will then move on to mastering more complex accounting disciplines including financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts, and ethical practices for accountants.
Ideal for early-career finance professionals
Learn through a combination of on-the-job training and guided learning
Prepare for roles such as Assistant Accountant, Accounts Executive, or Bookkeeper
Expert support from AAT-qualified tutors & access to a wide range of learning resources
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Apprenticeship overview
- Duration : 15 months
- RQF Level: 3
This apprenticeship is ideal for team members who are looking to take the next step in mastering financial processes, including accounting principles and concepts, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts, VAT issues in business, and management accounting costing techniques. You will also gain software skills through spreadsheet training for accounting.
This apprenticeship offers a great qualification to prepare you for intermediate/advanced level accounting roles, allowing you to start mastering financial processes, including accounting principles and concepts, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts, VAT issues in business, and management accounting costing techniques.
On successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the internationally recognised AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.
This flexible apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with the award-winning online learning platform from Mindful Education and combines online learning with tutor-led online workshops on a weekly basis.
Who is it for?
The AAT Level 3 Apprenticeship: Assistant Accountant is designed for those progressing their finance or accounting careers, particularly in roles like Assistant Accountant. It’s ideal for:
Advancing a career in finance, leading to roles such as Assistant Accountant, Accounts Executive, or Bookkeeper.
Early-career professionals seeking to build on foundational accounting skills and take on more responsibility.
Individuals looking to develop practical financial skills while earning a recognised qualification.
Those interested in earning while learning through an apprenticeship, with a structured program combining hands-on experience and formal training.
Employers aiming to upskill team members in advanced financial processes like preparing accounts, managing ledgers, and supporting audits.
Apprenticeship details
This qualification will empower apprentices in junior and assistant accountant roles by delivering advanced skills in finance and accounting. Here's what to expect:
Advanced training: Gain deeper knowledge in areas like financial reporting, accounts preparation, and budgeting, building a strong platform for career progression.
Practical, on-the-job learning: Combine workplace experience with structured study, applying new expertise in real-world scenarios while developing valuable professional skills.
Exams & qualifications: Complete structured assessments to achieve the AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting, a highly regarded qualification that opens doors to higher-level finance roles.
Flexible learning options: Choose from Residential, Classroom, Online Classroom, or Live Online learning to suit your schedule and preferences.
Upon completion, apprentices will have the skills, experience, and qualification to excel in roles like Assistant Accountant or progress to higher apprenticeships and professional qualifications.
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.
The Level 3 apprenticeship covers a range of key areas, including:
Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements
Management Accounting Techniques
Tax Processes for Businesses
Business Awareness
You will also develop business communications and lifelong learning skills, applying what you learn on the course to the wider industry context.
As an apprentice, you will also be required to complete the End Point Assessment (EPA).
Accreditation: Fully approved by the Association of Accounting Technicians, this apprenticeship is designed to develop advanced accounting skills and prepare apprentices for more senior roles.
Provider status: Delivered by a trusted, government-recognised provider listed on the apprenticeship training provider register, ensuring compliance and quality training.
Comprehensive curriculum: Covers advanced topics including management accounting, final accounts preparation, tax processes and business analysis.
Innovative learning approach: Combines expert-led instruction, real-world application, and modern digital tools to provide a flexible, practical learning experience.
Dedicated support: Apprentices benefit from continuous guidance, including expert tutors, personalised coaching, and a collaborative network to support their success.
Professional qualification: Achieve a recognised AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.
Career advancement: Gain the knowledge and skills necessary for career progression in the accounting field.
Practical experience: Apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on work experience.
Flexibility: Structured to accommodate working professionals, ensuring a balance between study and work commitments.
Completing the AAT Level 3 Apprenticeship: Assistant Accountant opens doors to:
Career opportunities in roles such as Assistant Accountant, Accounts Executive, Bookkeeper, or Finance Officer across various industries.
Progression to higher-level apprenticeships, including the AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting.
Advanced practical experience in tasks like preparing financial statements, managing budgets, and processing tax returns.
A strong foundation for a successful accounting and finance career across various industries.
The duration of the Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship is split into two distinct areas.
You will be on programme studying for your AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting qualification for 12 months, followed by a 3 month “window” to complete your EPA.
In total, you will be on your apprenticeship for around 15 months.
Applicants will need to be employed in a relevant accounting role.
Students can start with any qualification depending on existing skills and experience. There are no formal entry requirements, but we recommend that students begin their studies with a good standard of English and maths. Good keyboarding skills are useful as well as a sound knowledge of Microsoft Office. Achievement of an AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting is advantageous but not essential.
Before choosing your level of study, we will require you to visit the AAT website to complete the skills checker test to gauge your current knowledge.
You can access the AAT's skills checker here.
At Reed Business School, we have a long history of delivering industry-leading results, based on over 50 years in the business. We provide the very highest standard of professional accountancy training for anyone looking to advance in their accounting career. When you learn with us, you’ll get access to:
Support from an AAT-qualified tutor - Our AAT tutors will be there to support you throughout your studies with us. You’ll be able to ask them questions in class or on Microsoft Teams during business hours
A variety of delivery options to suit your needs - We offer a variety of delivery options including 100% online, classroom learning at our conveniently located training centres, and residential study programs at our iconic 11th-century manor
Study materials to help you pass first time - All our AAT courses include access to additional online study materials including Green Light Tests, webinars, and practice assessments for each unit
Recognised accreditation - We take a specialised approach to teaching based on over 50 years' delivering accounting qualifications. It’s helped thousands of students pass their exams and succeed in their careers
How will you be assessed?
Exams:
Modular units each have their own computer-based exam. Computer marked assessments results will be received within 48 hours of your assessment. Any assessment that contains human-marked elements can take up to 6 weeks to be returned. Your exams can take place at any AAT Exam Venue, including Reed Business School.
Off-the-job-training:
As a requirement of your apprenticeship being funded, you are required to complete 20% of your working week in off-the-job training. Your hours can be recorded and tracked allowing you to complete this element of your studies. You will also have quarterly progress reviews with a learning coach/assessor to evaluate your progress towards your Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSB’s). These reviews are a 3-way discussion between the apprentice, employer, and provider.
What is the End Point Assessment?
The EPA for this apprenticeship will consist of two parts.
Part 1: You will be required to submit a portfolio of work evidence that you have gathered during your apprenticeship. A professional discussion is then undertaken and is underpinned by your portfolio. The portfolio should demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, and behaviours, listed in the apprenticeship standard, gathered from an apprentice’s practical experience in the workplace. The professional discussion will be conducted by an Independent Assessor appointed by AAT and will look to examine the learner journey in more detail.
Part 2: A synoptic assessment is a knowledge assessment giving the apprentice the opportunity to tackle a series of business-related tasks through questions. This is linked to a scenario letting them apply their knowledge using reasoning for the approach taken to resolving a particular problem or question.
The End Point Assessment takes place once you have completed all the on-programme requirements of the apprenticeship and have your completed portfolio to enter “Gateway” at 12 months.
AAT Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship - £12,000
- For levy-paying employers, the programme can be fully funded through the Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account.
- For non‑levy payers, 95% of the apprenticeship cost is funded by the government.
- Eligible organisations may also be able to receive a levy transfer from Reed
You can explore your funding options here. Alternatively, get in touch if you’d like to speak with one of our apprenticeship advisors.
Choose your study method
Blended (Moreton-in-Marsh)
A practical and flexible learning experience.
A combined learning approach
Expert-led tuition
Real-world workplace application
Supported by cutting-edge digital tools
Classroom (Liverpool)
In-person learning in Liverpool. Ideal for learners who prefer traditional classroom settings.
Face-to-face, classroom learning
Immediate feedback from tutors
Networking with fellow learners
Online resources for extra support
Convenient times and locations
Why choose Reed Business School?
As an experienced, RoATP‑approved provider, we make it easy for employers to run effective apprenticeship programmes.
Employers choose Reed Business School because we:
tailor apprenticeship solutions to your organisation’s needs
have a proven track record, reflected in our Good Ofsted rating
are trusted and fully approved on the RoATP
work alongside your teams to support workforce development
provide access to specialists across our specialism (HR, L&D, Leadership & Management, and Accounting)
As your apprenticeship partner, we help you address the main challenges employers face, including:
designing programmes that meet regulatory and quality requirements
recruiting suitable apprentices
balancing training needs with day‑to‑day operations
managing compliance and funding documentation
preparing learners for end‑point assessment and selecting providers
achieving a strong return on investment
Testimonials
John Lewis and Partners - Apprenticeship
Centrica - Graduate Scheme
Baroness Cox, Founder of Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART)
Trusted by leading accountancy practices
Top organisations trust Reed Business School for their accountancy training and development.
Looking for an all-in-one learning & development solution?
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