AAT Part Time Apprenticeships

This qualification will prepare apprentices for junior and entry level accounting roles. It delivers a solid foundation in finance administration – covering areas such as double entry bookkeeping, basic costing principles and using accounting software.

This apprenticeship standard is at Level 2. The structure allows students to achieve the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Foundation Certificate in Accounting as their on-programme learning. This internationally recognised AAT qualification enables those working in accounting or those looking to pursue accountancy as a career to gain knowledge, practical experience and the all-important certification often sought by employers.

The Level 2 apprenticeship covers a range of key areas, including:

• Introduction to Bookkeeping
• Principles of Bookkeeping
• Principles of Costing
• The Business Environment

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

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this apprenticeship through our Online and On Campus model. Apprentices will attend lessons once every two weeks and will study online materials during allotted time at work.

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. Each lesson lasts around 45 minutes and is accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Exercises, interactive case studies and analytical tools help to enhance the learning experience further.

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

This modern, flexible approach to apprenticeship training empowers learners, minimises disruption to employers, and delivers tangible results in the workplace.

To complete the Accounts/Finance Assistant 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.

There are no formal entry requirements for this apprenticeship. Previous knowledge of accounting or a Level 1 Bookkeeping qualification would be advantageous but not essential. Apprentices will need to be employed in a relevant finance, bookkeeping or accounting role.

On successful completion of this course, you can progress to higher levels of the AAT Accounting Qualifications via apprenticeship training or through part-time courses (Level 3 and then on to Level 4).

The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this qualification will qualify you for roles including Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant, Credit Control Assistant or Purchase Ledger Clerk.

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.

This apprenticeship standard is at Level 3. The structure allows students to achieve the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Advanced Diploma in Accounting as their on-programme learning. This internationally recognised AAT qualification enables those working in accounting or those looking to pursue accountancy as a career to gain knowledge, practical experience and the all-important certification often sought by employers.

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.

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this apprenticeship through our Online and On Campus model. Apprentices will attend lessons once every two weeks and will study online materials during allotted time at work.

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. Each lesson lasts around 45 minutes and is accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Exercises, interactive case studies and analytical tools help to enhance the learning experience further.

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

This modern, flexible approach to apprenticeship training empowers learners, minimises disruption to employers, and delivers tangible results in the workplace.

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.

Applicants will need to be employed in a relevant accounting role.

5 GCSE’s with maths and English at Grade 5 / C or Functional Skills Level 2 English and maths

Good keyboarding skills are essential as well as a good knowledge of Microsoft Office. Achievement of an AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting is advantageous but not essential.

You can progress on to the Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship – AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting at Level 4.

Upon successful completion of the Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship, you can apply for AAT associate bookkeeping membership and become a professional AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB).

The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this apprenticeship will qualify you for roles including Finance Officer, Assistant Accountant and Bookkeeper. You will also be eligible for AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB) status, giving you the option to work as a freelance bookkeeper.

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 (Association of Accounting Technicians) 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 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.

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

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this apprenticeship through our Online and On Campus model. Apprentices will attend lessons with a Reed Business School tutor and will study online materials during allotted time at work.

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. Each lesson lasts around 45 minutes and is accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Exercises, interactive case studies and analytical tools help to enhance the learning experience further.

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

This modern, flexible approach to apprenticeship training empowers learners, minimises disruption to employers, and delivers tangible results in the workplace.

After completing their On Programme Learning, sitting a synoptic end-test covering the knowledge and skills gained throughout the on-programme stage and detailed in the standard, apprentices will be expected to complete their End Point Assessment (EPA), consisting of:

• An online assessment, where you’ll tackle a series of business- related tasks through simulation in line with typical role activities; and
• Submission of a portfolio of evidence gathered from the workplace. You must then reflect on the portfolio through a written statement or professional discussion.

Applicants will need to be employed in a relevant accounting role.

You must have a sound knowledge of accounting principles to undertake the AAT Level 4 programme. Achievement of an AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting is essential.

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.