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This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) professional level apprenticeship is a higher-level accounting qualification. If you successfully complete this qualification and fulfil the AAT’s work experience requirements, you can apply for AAT full membership and achieve professional AAT (MAAT) status.

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  • Entry requirements
  • Level

    Level 4

  • Delivery/Study method

    A minimum of 30 hours of on the job training at the work place once in two weeks including to study theory at our Uxbridge/Hayes/ Harrow campus.

    Online: lessons can be accessed at any time, using a mobile, tablet or desktop - meaning apprentices can fit their study around work commitments, minimising disruption in the workplace.

    On campus: apprentices benefit from face-to-face classes at college with an experienced tutor. A combination of classroom-based lessons, group exercises and discussion encourage apprentices to apply theory to real-life workplace situations.

  • What will I learn?

    In this apprenticeship you will cover higher accounting tasks including drafting financial statements, managing budgets and evaluating financial performance.

    Optional specialist units are also available. Apprentices who complete these additional two units will be awarded an AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting and be eligible to apply for full AAT membership. This internationally recognised AAT qualification enables those working in accounting or those who looking to pursue accountancy as a career to gain knowledge, practical experience and the all-important certification often sought by employers.

    The Level 4 apprenticeship covers a range of key areas, including:

    • Management Accounting: Budgeting
    • Management Accounting: Decision and Control
    • Financial Statements of Limited Companies
    • Accounting Systems and Controls
    • Professional Diploma Synoptic Assessment.


    In addition, the following optional units can be added to complete the AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting (but are not mandatory as part of the apprenticeship):

    • Business Tax
    • Personal Tax
    • External Auditing
    • Cash and Treasury Management
    • Credit Management.


    You will also develop business communications and lifelong learning skills, applying what you learn on the course to the wider industry context.

  • Duration and assessment

    The duration of the apprenticeship will be 18-24 months.

    To complete the Assistant Accountant apprenticeship, apprentices will be expected to complete:

    • A synoptic end-test covering the knowledge and skills gained throughout the on-programme stage and detailed in the standard.
    • A portfolio and reflective discussion which will comprise a range of evidence produced in the work-place to show that the Apprentice has met the knowledge, skills and behaviours detailed in the standard. The reflective discussion will be a structured interview to examine this evidence and the learner journey in more detail.


    The core units of study are also assessed at unit level.

  • Where next? Career/study opportunities

    The accountancy skills developed by studying this qualification will enable you to seek employment with confidence, and/or to progress to study chartered accountancy.

    The Professional Diploma in Accounting can lead to the achievement of professional AAT (MAAT) status. Employment opportunities include:

    • Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor
    • Assistant Financial Accountant
    • Commercial Analyst
    • Cost Accountant
    • Indirect Tax Manager
    • Payments and Billing Manager
    • Payroll Manager
    • Senior Finance Officer
    • Senior Insolvency Administrator
    • Tax Supervisor
    • VAT Accountant.