AAT Level 3 Assistant Accountant 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 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 skills checker test here: AAT Skillcheck | AAT 

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). 

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. 

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 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.