AAT Level 4 Apprenticeship: Professional Accounting Technician
For levy paying employers, the apprenticeship will be funded through the digital Apprenticeship Service account.
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.
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.
The Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting covers high-level accounting and finance topics and tasks.
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).
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.
Assessment
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.”
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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