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 looking to pursue accountancy as a career to gain knowledge, practical experience and the all-important certification often sought by employers.

Units of Study

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:

• Business Tax
• Personal Tax

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. Our apprentices will be required to attend classes at our Stevenage campus once a week. Additionally, they will have access to online study materials which they can utilise during designated work hours.

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 college 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.

As part of the Professional Accounting Technician Standard, you will be achieving the following qualifications:

• Apprenticeship Standard Certificate in Professional Accounting
• AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting
• Functional Skills Maths (Level 2)*
• Functional Skills English (Level 2)*

*Will be achieved if relevant qualification not already held prior to the Apprenticeship.

The accountancy skills developed by studying this qualification will enable you to seek employment with confidence, and/or to progress to study chartered accountancy.

Career opportunities

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.

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