AAT Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship

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). 

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. 

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.” 

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.