AAT Level 4 Apprenticeship: Professional Accounting Technician
Perfect for aspiring finance professionals or school leavers looking to develop advanced accounting skills and gain practical workplace experience.
Overview
On successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the internationally recognised AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting.
The Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship is equivalent to university (first year) and will equip apprentices with advanced skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in their roles. Learners will then move on to mastering higher-level accounting disciplines including producing financial statements, applied management accounts, and advanced company analytical techniques. You will also have two optional units to study that will advance your qualification towards a chosen goal, including business and/or personal tax, audit and assurance and management modules for cash & treasury or credit & debt.
The Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting offers technical training in accounting and is ideal for anyone wishing to progress their career in accountancy or finance. This programme will enhance the skills developed from the Level 3 Diploma in Accounting, enabling students to maximise opportunities in their current or new employment.
This apprenticeship offers a great qualification to enhance and advance your skills. It covers complex accounting and finance topics and tasks leading to students becoming confident with a wide range of financial management skills and applications. Students will gain competencies in drafting financial statements for limited companies, recommending accounting systems strategies, and constructing and presenting complex management accounting reports.
This flexible apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with the award-winning online learning platform from Mindful Education and combines online learning with tutor-led workshops on a weekly basis. You will learn via the VLE for the mandatory units and then progress to advanced learning methods for your optional modules, getting you ready for the next step in your journey to higher qualifications.
This apprenticeship is perfect for:
Individuals continuing their accounting journey and seeking a recognised qualification with practical experience.
Career changers or school leavers eager to enter the accounting profession through a hands-on learning approach.
Current employees wanting to enhance their skills and progress in their roles.
Employers looking to strengthen their finance teams with tailored, industry-aligned training.
Whether you're building a foundation or advancing your career, this apprenticeship is your pathway to success in accounting.
Accreditation: Fully approved by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), this programme equips apprentices with advanced skills and knowledge in accounting principles and practices, preparing them for success in senior accounting roles.
Trusted provider: Delivered by a recognised and reputable training provider listed on the government register of apprenticeship training providers, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and impactful training.
Advanced curriculum: This comprehensive programme covers key areas, including: drafting and interpreting financial statements, management accounting techniques, budgeting and financial performance and internal controls and accounting systems, along with other specialist option modules for personal/business taxes, cash or credit management or even audit.
Flexible and practical learning: Combining expert-led tuition, real-world workplace application, and innovative digital learning tools, the programme enables apprentices to apply their knowledge directly to their job, offering a flexible and engaging learning experience.
Dedicated support: Apprentices benefit from continuous support, including:
Access to experienced tutors and industry experts
Personalised one-to-one coaching
A collaborative network of peers and mentors to guide and inspire them throughout their apprenticeship journey.
With the AAT Level 4 apprenticeship, aspiring accounting professionals will gain the skills and qualifications to drive business success and progress confidently in their careers.
Professional qualification: Achieve a recognised AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional 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 4 Apprenticeship: Professional Accounting Technician opens doors to:
Progression to advanced qualifications, such as the CIMA Professional Qualification or ACCA Chartered Certified Accountant pathways.
Practical experience in high-level accounting tasks, including drafting financial statements, managing budgets, and evaluating financial performance.
A strong foundation for a successful career as a professional accountant, with opportunities across diverse industries and senior finance roles.
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
Delivery options
Flexible delivery options
With our wide range of delivery options, Reed Business School provides tailored support for each student’s needs, ensuring a productive and enriching learning experience for every stage of their accountancy career.
To accommodate different learning preferences, Reed Business School offers four delivery methods:
All the benefits of our Classroom delivery method and an immersive on-site learning experience in a unique, comfortable setting at our Cotswolds Manor.
Delivered at our iconic Manor, where you’ll get to know other learners, relax in our first-class accommodation and enjoy delicious homemade meals.
Ideal for learners wanting an immersive experience.
Unique learning environment: A picturesque location in the heart of the Cotswolds, ideal for focused study.
All-inclusive learning experience: Residential facilities and a relaxing, friendly atmosphere conducive to immersive study without distractions.
Engaging real-time learning: Small classroom-based sessions with peers and dedicated, experienced tutors who are subject specialists.
Structured delivery plan: In-class assignments, exam preparation, and a clear path to success.
Comprehensive resources: Study books, digital course materials, online resources, and access to recorded sessions for revision.
In-person and online tutor support: Receive expert guidance whenever needed.
Access to outstanding facilities: Benefit from state-of-the-art learning environments.
Networking opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals and peers.
Traditional face-to-face classes with experienced tutors. If you like the idea of learning in person, where you bounce around ideas with other learners, then our face-to-face classes are for you. Classes take place every few months at one of our many UK venues.
Ideal for learners who prefer traditional classroom settings
Face-to-face interaction
Convenient locations across the UK
Engaging in real-time learning experience
Structured delivery plan
Networking opportunities
In-person and online tutor support
Study books and online resources
Access to recorded sessions
In-class assignments and exam preparation
Our venues span London, Northampton, Birmingham, Newcastle, Cambridge, Little Compton, and many other locations. If you have a specific place in mind, reach out to us - we’d be happy to discuss options to suit your needs.
Get all the benefits of in-person learning, all from the comfort of your home. Great if you need a little more flexibility when it comes to location, but still want the opportunity to interact with other learners.
Ideal for learners who want the classroom experience from the comfort of their home
Live classroom sessions streamed online
Dynamic delivery and instant Q&A
Collaborative activities
Engaging real-time learning experience
Structured delivery plan
Networking opportunities (online)
Online tutor support
Study books and online resources
Access to recorded sessions
Online assignments and exam preparation
Flexible, live sessions accessible from any location.
Experience the flexibility of Live Online learning and engage in real-time, interactive sessions from anywhere. Achieve your goals without the commute!
Ideal for learners who want the flexibility to study from any location
Live interactive sessions online
Dynamic delivery and instant Q&A
Collaborative activities
Engaging real-time learning experience
Structured delivery plan
Networking opportunities (online)
Access to full tutor support (online)
Access to study books and online resources
Access to recorded sessions
Online assignments and exam preparation
Here's what to expect from your apprenticeship
The Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting covers high-level accounting and finance topics and tasks.
This apprenticeship is designed for aspiring finance professionals looking to advance their skills and career prospects. It delivers in-depth training to build expertise in higher-level accounting and finance practices. Here's what apprentices can expect:
Advanced training & knowledge: Develop a comprehensive understanding of complex accounting principles, including financial statements, budgeting, management accounting, and internal controls. This builds the technical skills needed for professional-level finance roles.
Practical, on-the-job experience: Blend hands-on workplace learning with structured study, applying advanced accounting techniques to real-world challenges. Gain valuable experience while enhancing your professional skill set.
Assessments & qualifications: Work through structured assessments to achieve the AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting. This highly respected qualification sets apprentices up for senior finance positions and further professional certifications, such as ACCA, CIMA, or ACA.
Flexible study options: Choose from Residential, Classroom, Online Classroom, or Live Online learning to suit your work commitments and learning preferences.
Career progression: Upon completion, apprentices will have the advanced skills, practical experience, and a professional qualification to excel in senior finance roles or continue their journey with higher-level apprenticeships and professional accountancy qualifications.
Students will look at and become comfortable with a wide range of financial management skills and applications and will gain competencies in drafting financial statements for limited companies, recommending accounting systems strategies, and constructing and presenting complex management accounting reports. Students are also able to learn about specialist areas such as tax, auditing, credit and debit management and cash and financial management.
The Level 4 course covers a range of key areas, including:
Applied Management Accounting
Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements
Internal Accounting Systems and Controls
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. Optional units – select two of the following (subject to availability):
Business Tax
Personal Tax
Audit and Assurance
Cash and Financial Management
Credit and Debt Management
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).
How will you be assessed?
Exams:
Modular units each have their own computer-based exam. All Level 4 assessments include questions that require human marking, so results are issued around 6 weeks later. 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 apprentice, employer, and provider.
What is the End Point Assessment?
The EPA for this apprenticeship will consist of two parts.
Part1: You will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates competence in the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in the standard, which have been gathered from the apprentice's practical experience in the workplace, combined with a reflective statement that draws on their portfolio. The reflective statement will be assessed by two Independent Assessors appointed by AAT and will take the form of either a written statement or a professional discussion.
Part 2: An EPA computer-based assessment. A role simulation giving the apprentice an opportunity to tackle a series of business-related tasks through a simulation. This will be assessed through the AAT synoptic assessment that maps to the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting qualification.
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.”
Entry requirements
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 good knowledge of Microsoft Office. Achievement of an AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting is advantageous.
Duration
The duration of the Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship is split into two distinct areas.
You will be on programme studying for your AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting qualification for 15 months, followed by a 3 month “window” to complete your EPA.
In total, you will be on your apprenticeship for around 18 months.
Pricing & Funding
AAT Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship - £8,000
For levy-paying employers, the apprenticeship will be funded through the digital Apprenticeship Service account.
For non-levy paying employers, government funding will be applied for to cover up to 100% of the course value, subject to circumstances.
Enquire today to discuss your apprenticeship needs and discover how our tailored programs can enhance skills, boost careers, and drive growth for both individuals and businesses.
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