Professional Accounting Technician

Develop the skills to prepare and verify financial information, manage accounting risks and advise stakeholders. Learners can also complete the AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting.

Weekly study commitment: 8 hours. The programme typically takes around 21 months, including 18 months of training and an allowance of 3 months to schedule and complete end-point assessment.

Duration

18 months training + 3 months EPA

Standard

Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician

Requirements

Advanced English skills.

An AAT qualification at Level 3.

Some experience working in an accounting-related role. This advanced programme is intended for existing employees seeking further professional development.

What you’ll be able to do

Prepare accurate financial reporting

Prepare and maintain timely, accurate financial reporting, including audit documentation and control account reconciliations, often to tight deadlines.

Coordinate accounting input

Coordinate accounting and finance input from colleagues and peers.

Apply professional scepticism

Identify and evaluate missing or incomplete information and take steps to obtain it.

Identify accounting risks

Help identify key accounting risks and assist with designing and implementing strategies to mitigate them.

Present financial data

Communicate accurate, timely data to stakeholders for regular and ad hoc requests, using appropriate channels to meet deadlines.

Use financial systems

Use digital financial systems, technology and processes to deliver accurate, timely financial and accounting information.

Protect confidentiality and data

Carry out accounting activities with attention to confidentiality, reputational risks and data security.

Continue professional development

Keep up to date with relevant statutory obligations and procedural best practice through continuing professional development.

Collaborate professionally and ethically

Work with internal and external people at appropriate levels to meet customer needs, following professional and ethical standards, codes of conduct and confidentiality obligations.

Advise stakeholders

Consult stakeholders to inform important business decisions and make recommendations to key stakeholders.

Complete monthly and year-end reporting

Collate data from a range of sources on time and report financial and accounting information, addressing both routine and unexpected requirements.

Maintain financial records

Complete and maintain financial and accounting records by gathering routine and specialised data on time from functions within an organisation or external clients in a practice.

Curriculum

5 Modules

01Financial Accounting

02Management Accounting

03Advanced Business Awareness

A mandatory unit within the AAT Level 4 qualification that learners can also complete alongside the apprenticeship. Assessed through an exam lasting two to three hours at an approved assessment centre. Learners who successfully complete the EPA role scenario may be exempt from this unit assessment, subject to AAT’s assessment requirements.

04Audit and Internal Controls

05Taxation

Who is it for?

This apprenticeship provides a progression route from the Level 3 Assistant Accountant apprenticeship, building on its knowledge, skills and behaviours. It is for people responsible for creating or verifying timely, accurate financial information that meets ethical, professional and legal standards. Learners may work in an accounting practice, a professional services company, HMRC or an organisation’s accounting department. The programme can be adapted to different workplace environments and industry sectors.

Additional AAT qualification

Learners can also complete the AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting as part of the apprenticeship. The five units listed in the curriculum are mandatory within that qualification. Each is assessed through an exam lasting two to three hours at an approved assessment centre, subject to the potential Advanced Business Awareness assessment exemption described below.

Supporting resources

Learners receive free access to Accountext, the online learning system used to deliver the qualification, with support from an AAT tutor where required. Hard-copy books are also sent as part of the package.

Interactive eBooks

Interactive eBooks are available for every unit.

Video explainers

Videos cover key topics and worked examples.

Help and revision

Help documents and revision questions support your study.

Mock exams

Mock exams help you prepare for assessment.

Online assessments

Assessments submitted through the online learning portal are marked instantly.

Delivery and apprenticeship support

The training programme combines online learning, teaching and coaching, subject-specific webinars, progress reviews and an electronic portfolio of evidence before the final end-point assessment.

Learning and tutor support

Accountext and MyAAT eLearning modules are supported by video calls with a subject-qualified lecturer. Calls cover coursework review and feedback, knowledge requirements, future learning and SMART targets. Teaching takes place weekly or bi-weekly, depending on learner requirements.

Subject-specific webinars

Learners access subject-specific webinars through MyAAT.

Progress reviews

Quarterly formal progress reviews involve the learner, their line manager or mentor, and the Assessor Coach.

Portfolio of evidence

Learners develop an electronic portfolio of evidence using Ecordia.

Your training plan

At the start, the Assessor Coach works with you and your employer to develop a training plan that meets the needs of your employer, your role and the assessment requirements of the standard.

End-point assessment (EPA)

Once training is complete and all required elements have been achieved, learners take an end-point assessment delivered by a third-party organisation. The employer chooses the assessment organisation; Boom Training recommends AAT.

Mandatory role play scenario

The role scenario assesses the practical application of knowledge and skills in a workplace context.

Computer-based knowledge test

A computer-based test assesses technical knowledge.

Potential assessment exemption

Apprentices who successfully complete the role scenario and are studying the AAT Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician qualification may be exempt from the Advanced Business Awareness (AVBA) unit assessment, subject to AAT’s assessment requirements.

Progression options

The AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting can support progression into accountancy and finance roles. Learners become AAT affiliate members on qualification and, with relevant work experience, can progress to full AAT membership and use the letters MAAT. Further study can lead towards Chartered Accountant status. Assessor Coaches discuss career and progression options with learners and employers throughout the apprenticeship, particularly as completion approaches.

Questions?

Contact study@boom-training.com with questions about the programme or to discuss whether it fits your needs.