Accounting apprenticeships
“By doing an apprenticeship I was able to implement the skills I learned through studying into my day to day role within the workplace. Having gained MAAT status, I’m now working at an accountancy practice. I’ve never looked back.”
Rebecca, an AAT full member since 2018
Accounting apprenticeships are your tried and tested route to an exciting professional career in accounting and finance. You’ll get the opportunity to learn a business from the bottom up, earning while you learn and gaining the fundamental skills your employer needs. And what’s more, you can also gain a highly established, industry recognised AAT accounting qualification at the same time.
Accounting apprenticeships reflect the learning topics within the AAT accounting qualifications while supporting and supplementing skills and knowledge gained through hands on experience in the workplace.
The Accounts/Finance Assistant apprenticeship (Level 2) incorporates the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting qualification as part of the on-programme learning. This apprenticeship is the perfect starting place to give you a solid grounding in the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to assist finance teams.
If your accounting skills are a little more advanced, you could consider the Level 3 Assistant Accountant apprenticeship v1.2. This incorporates the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting as a mandatory element of your on- programme learning, introducing you to advanced accounting techniques and knowledge.
If you’re even more advanced, the Professional Accounting Technician apprenticeship (Level 4) might be what you need. This will give you the opportunity to develop complex skills, and if you wish you can incorporate the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting qualification to further broaden your theoretical knowledge, while gaining the hands-on skills needed within industry.
How does an accounting apprenticeship work?
- A work based training programme that provides on the job training with the chance to gain our internationally recognised accounting qualifications.
- A minimum number of hours per week in a work placement including study time (16 hours per week in Wales, 21 hours in Northern Ireland or 30 hours in England and Scotland).
- Must be an accounts or finance role.
- Usually one day a week studying with an AAT training provider.
What can I earn as an apprentice?
The average wage for an apprentice is between £170–£240 per week, though this rate depends on your location and your employer. You can expect to earn more as you progress through each level of your apprenticeship.
In addition, those who progress on to study a higher apprenticeship have increased earnings of an estimated £150,000* over a lifetime – which is comparable to a university graduate – with the added bonus of no university debt.
*Is this the best route into employment? - CEBR on behalf of AAT, University Education, 2013.
How will it help my career prospects?
If you complete an AAT accounting qualification as part of your apprenticeship you can expect to fulfil similar job roles once you complete each level.
The apprenticeships are designed around specific job roles. This means you’ll gain the necessary skills and knowledge to take on these roles, when combined with our same level qualifications.
How long will it take?
There are three levels to the accounting apprenticeships available with AAT qualifications:
- the Accounts/Finance Assistant, Level 2, apprenticeship will take around a year
- The Assistant Accountant v1.2, Level 3, apprenticeship will take around 15-18 months
- the Professional Accounting Technician, Level 4, apprenticeship will take around 18–24 months.
How much will it cost?
Starting from £600 per level. Depending on your circumstances, most or all of your training costs will be covered by your employer and training provider.
Each of the apprenticeships can incorporate an AAT accounting qualification
Level 2
The Level 2 Certificate in Accounting is a mandatory element of the Level 2 Accounts Assistant apprenticeship. Through this qualification you’ll develop your skills in finance administration: double-entry bookkeeping, purchase, sales and general ledgers, basic costing and using accounting software.
Level 3
The Level 3 Diploma in Accounting is a mandatory element of the Level 3 Assistant Accountant v1.2 apprenticeship. Studying this qualification will help you master more complex financial processes, including final accounts for sole traders and partnerships, reports and returns and professional ethics.
Level 4
The Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting covers financial team leader skills, including financial statements for limited companies, complex management accounting tasks, management skills and specialist learning areas.