Professional Accounting/Taxation Technician (L4) Apprenticeship Standard

This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) professional level apprenticeship is a higher-level accounting qualification. If you successfully complete this qualification and fulfil the AAT’s work experience requirements, you can apply for AAT full membership and achieve professional AAT (MAAT) status.



This flexible apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education, and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom.



Please note: classroom attendance is required at our Cambridge Campus fortnightly during term time on a Thursday 10am till 4pm



The duration of the apprenticeship will be 18-24 months.

What will I learn?

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 who 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 apprenticeship covers a range of key areas, including:

• Management Accounting: Budgeting

• Management Accounting: Decision and Control

• Financial Statements of Limited Companies

• Accounting Systems and Controls

• Professional Diploma Synoptic Assessment

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.



In addition, the following optional units can be added to complete the AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting (but not mandatory as part of the apprenticeship)

• Business tax

• Personal tax

• External auditing

• Cash and Treasury Management

•Credit Management

You will also develop business communications and lifelong learning skills, applying what you learn on the course to the wider industry context.

Study Method – Online and On Campus

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this apprenticeship through our Online and On Campus model. Apprentices will attend college once every two weeks and will study online materials during allotted time at work.

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.

Note regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19): Due to the nature of our Online and On Campus apprenticeships, with key concepts being taught online through high-quality video lectures, apprentices are able to continue their studies seamlessly with social distancing in place or if the college has to close. Regular ‘On Campus’ lessons are replaced by remote ‘virtual classroom’ sessions led by college tutors. This flexible approach can be easily adapted to suit government guidance and college policies.

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.

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.

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.

To study an apprenticeship, you must secure or already be in a suitable an apprenticeship job role with an employer.

Need to find an apprenticeship job?

You can do this through undertaking a job search and applying and interviewing for available roles. In order for us to help you secure your apprenticeship, let us know you are actively looking for an apprenticeship by registering your interest and signing up to our apprenticeship job alerts at www.camre.ac.uk/job-alerts.

Students who currently attend a Cambridge Area Partnership schools should register their interest through the CAP application system, MyChoice@16.

Securing an apprenticeship position can be challenging, therefore we advise all aspiring apprentices, who are leaving school, to apply for a full-time course in the same subject. Having a Plan B ensures you can continue with your education in September and build the practical knowledge and confidence you need to progress onto an apprenticeship when one becomes available.

To find out more about how the apprenticeship application process works, please visit www.camre.ac.uk/apprenticeships/how-to-secure-an-apprenticeship/.

Already have a job and an employer?

Register your interest in the programme, and contact our Apprenticeship Team at and 01223 418778, and we will work with you and your employer to start the apprenticeship enrolment process.