A professional accounting technician will have responsibility for creating, and/or verifying and reviewing accurate and timely financial information within an organisation in which they are employed or on behalf of another organisation. This will be performed in order to meet relevant ethical, professional and legal standards, and will utilise the individual’s knowledge of the business systems and processes, as well as standard accounting and tax practices. This role may exist in an accounting practice, a professional services company, HMRC or the accounting function of a business or other organisation.
Apprentices attend college for a set number of hours per week (term time) and work towards the AAT L4 Professional Diploma in Accounting qualification.
Telford College works with the employer to create a specific development plan to meet the apprenticeship standards which the apprentice is expected to work towards. Whilst working to the plan in the workplace the apprentice will track the journey mapping to the require standards showing valuable knowledge, skills, behaviours (KSB) and practical experience gained.
Apprentices are supported by an AAT tutor whilst at college, assessment in the workplace and with regular reviews between the employer, Assessor/Trainer and apprentice to discuss progress and achievements.
During the first 12 months apprentices will complete an On Programme Learning (OPL) and cover units and unit assessments for financial statements of limited companies, management accounting – budgeting, decision and control, accounting systems and controls, an optional unit 1 – cash and treasury management and an optional unit 2 – external auditing. At the same time apprentices will also complete an e-portfolio of evidence demonstrating competence.
Careers in: Assistant Auditor, Assistant Management Accountant, Assistant Financial Accountant, Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor, Commercial Analysist, Payroll Manager, Senior Bookkeeper, Senior Financial Officer
Progression: Many apprentices remain employed with the company and move onto obtaining further professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA.
• A minimum of GCSEs at grades 4 – 9 (GCSE C or above)
• English and Maths
• Be able to work more than 30 hours per week
• To sit an assessment for English and maths
• An interview with the Apprenticeship Team
On completion of the OPL the employer and training provider sign off the apprentice ready for End Point Assessment (EPA) and apprentices move to Gateway. The apprentice then has 2 options open to them, (1) the e-portfolio is submitted to 2 x independent AAT Assessors for grading which is then followed up with a professional discussion with them both to confirm competency and is also graded. The apprenticeship is graded fail, pass or distinction or (2) at the time their e-portfolio is submitted to 2 x independent AAT Assessors for grading they also submit a written reflective statement (2000 – 3000 words) which must cover the 12 learning outcomes detailed in the standard, this is also graded. The apprenticeship is graded fail, pass or distinction.
Also on completion of the OPL the apprentice will be able to sit the final unit assessment – Professional Synoptic Assessment also known as PDSY.
The apprentice on successful completion of all unit assessments achieves the AAT L4 Professional Diploma in Accounting qualification.
The apprentice on successful completion of the L4 AAT Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship will also receive an Apprenticeship Certificate.
Once qualified apprentices have the opportunity to apply to become a full member of AAT (MAAT) upon achieving the membership criteria.
As an AAT qualified apprentice, there is a proven track record of skills obtained in the workplace, a recognised accountancy qualification and the practical, technical and professional skills that have been acquired that make one a highly sought after employee.
