Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) Assistant Accountant
Role overview
Level: 3
Duration: 18 months
Awarding organisation:
AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians)
AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians)
Code: AP3XACO
This apprenticeship is ideal for upskilling existing staff and developing internal talent. Learners gain the confidence and competence to take on higher-level responsibilities, directly contributing to business efficiency and financial accuracy.
Develop advanced finance skills and strengthen your organisation’s accounting capabilities with this industry-recognised AAT Level 3 Diploma. Designed for those already working in finance, the programme offers hands-on training in core accounting functions and prepares learners for roles such as Assistant Accountant or Trainee Financial Analyst.
Learners will support internal or external customers and typically work within accountancy practices or the finance departments of organisations.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting with the preparation of final accounts
- Supporting indirect tax and management accounting activities
- Using accounting software and spreadsheets to manage financial data
- Engaging in day-to-day financial processes and reporting
Entry requirements
- AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting (or equivalent)
- GCSE's grade C/4 or above in English and Maths is preferred (employer discretion)
- If GCSE not already achieved, apprentices must complete Functional Skills Level 2 in English and/or Maths as part of the programme and to be eligible initial assessments must show Level 2 or above in English and Maths at enrolment
Qualifications obtained
- L3 Apprenticeship Standard in Assistant Accountant
- L3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting
- L2 Functional Skills English and maths (if required).
Programme includes
Apprentices complete regular assessments and build a portfolio to demonstrate how their learning is applied in the workplace. To achieve the qualification, all units must be completed and assessed in a real work environment.
Units include:
- Tax Processes for Business
- Management Accounting Techniques (including spreadsheets)
- Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements
- Business Awareness
Where can you work?
Ideal for existing employees in finance roles who want to gain a recognised qualification to support their professional development.
Typical job roles include:
- Assistant Accountant
- Trainee Accounting Technician
- Accounts Clerk
- Assistant Cashier
- Purchase Ledger Clerk
- Sales Ledger Clerk
Key information
- Cohort start dates: January and May
- Enrolment: Takes place one month prior to the start date
- Delivery: Primarily workplace-based, with additional training at Loughborough College
- College attendance: Weekly sessions on Wednesdays (9:30am - 4.30pm) during the first 12 months, including Apprenticeship Workshops and EPA portfolio preparation
- Full session dates provided upon enrolment
Awarding organisation
- AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians)
Progression opportunities
- Business Administration L3
- Team Leader/Supervisor L3
- Professional Tax Accountant L4
- Operations Manager L5, CMDA L6
Additional information
This apprenticeship includes weekly classroom-based delivery during term time at Loughborough College.
Sessions cover portfolio building, End-Point Assessment preparation, tutorials, and core teaching.
Additional Costs:
- AAT membership (required): approx. £235 (Level 3)
- Course books: approx. £100
- Exam resits: approx. £60 per exam
- EPA resits: additional cost, covered by the learner/employer
If Functional Skills are required, these are delivered as part of the college timetable.
