Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4) Professional Accounting Technician
Role overview
Professional accounting technicians may work in the accounts or finance department of an organisation or a professional accountancy firm.Professional accounting technicians apply their technical knowledge and skills to specific tasks within an accounting team. Tasks may include supervising assistant accountants and others to deliver processes. They may also assist senior accountants, management and other stakeholders by providing timely financial data and reports. They ensure compliance with internal controls. This may include tasks that involve interactions with His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), applying legislation and complying with regulations, ethical and professional codes.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. This could include junior colleagues, senior managers, clients and customers, suppliers, lenders, government agencies and auditors. They take a risk-based view of transactions and data to identify key risks and help to mitigate those risks. A typical day could include being in an office overseeing data entry, control account reconciliations and monthly, quarterly, yearly reporting.
Entry requirements
- Apprentices with GCSE grades C/4 or above in English and Maths are exempt from Functional Skills.
- AAT L3 Diploma in Accounting
- If an Apprentice has not already achieved Level 2 (GCSE C/4 or above) English & Maths they must: - Study for and achieve Functional Skills Level 2 English & Maths.
- Initial Assessment results on enrolment Level 2 or higher in Maths & English to be achieved.
Qualifications obtained
L4 Apprenticeship Standard in Professional Accounting Technician
L4 Diploma in Professional Accounting Technician
Programme includes
Regular formative assessment, development of skills and knowledge to be applied in computer based role scenario at End Point Assessment (EPA). Studying the new AQ26 L4 Diploma in Professional Accounting Technician will provide knowledge required for EPA and will be used as part of the on-programme learning. On completion of these modules the apprentice can then move through to the Gateway and is ready to undertake both elements of the EPA assessments.
- Financial Accounting (FNAC)
- Audit & Internal Controls (ATIC)
- Advanced Business Awareness (AVBA)
- Management Accounting (MNAC)
- Principles of Taxation (PTAX)
Where can you work?
Typical job roles include:
- Accountant
- Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor
- Assistant Auditor
- Assistant Financial Accountant
- Assistant Management Accountant
- Commercial Analyst
- Finance Advisor
- Junior Analyst
Key information
- Start dates set for college cohorts are all year around - start at the beginning of a new module in either Sept / Nov / Feb / Apr
- The apprenticeship is primarily based in the workplace
- Within the first 12 months additional training is delivered at Loughborough College weekly on an FE term time basis on Tuesdays at 9.30 - 3pm.
- Additional tutorials and workshops for apprenticeship focused activities are also attended on a Tuesday 3 - 4.30pm although not every week - timetable and dates of these will be provided on enrolment.
Awarding organisation
- AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians)
Progression opportunities
On successful completion of the apprenticeship and qualification, application for full MAAT status can be gained.
L7 Chartered Accountancy Routes (CIMA / ACCA)
Accountancy or taxation professional,
Data engineer,
Data scientist (integrated degree),
Sustainability business specialist (integrated degree),
Senior leader,
Artificial intelligence (AI) data specialist
Additional information
This apprenticeship consists of a mixture of classroom taught delivery and preparation for EPA Assessments.
The AAT membership and books required cost £257 and up to £100 respectively (books can be purchased second hand at a much reduced cost) both of these costs sit with the learner or employer.
EPA resit costs: Role scenario computer-based assessment £67 / Professional Discussion £418 / Late cancellation within 24 hours £113
