What are Accounting Technicians?

Accounting Technicians work in accounting and finance alongside chartered accountants, in a wide range of jobs from accounts clerks to credit control officers to financial managers.

Accounting Technicians work in all sectors of the economy, in industry and commerce, accountancy practices and the public and voluntary sectors. Some are self-employed, offering their services to the general public.

About AAT

The AAT is the professional body for Accounting Technicians, with more than 100,000 Members and Students worldwide. Formed in 1980, it is sponsored by four of the major accountancy bodies in the UK:

The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)

These organisations provide non-financial support and are represented on the AAT's Council. They offer fast-track entry or exemptions into their qualifications to AAT-qualified Students.

Why choose an AAT qualification?

AAT qualification is based on real-world knowledge, supported by in-depth expertise. Its value is so widely known many companies actively seek AAT qualified staff for their knowledge, skills, diligence and enthusiasm.

AAT enables you to choose how, when and where you study. Training is flexible, practical and open to everyone - whether you’re heading for your first job in accounting and finance, seeking a change of scene, or already work in accounting.

The Education and Training Scheme

The AAT Accounting Qualification is divided into three levels, each providing you with a new set of skills underpinned by knowledge.

Each qualification level is made up of several learning and assessment areas, and at the final level you’ll have the option to tailor your training. Every level is a qualification in its own right, and completing the final level leads to the full AAT Accounting Qualification.

You don’t need previous qualifications or experience to study with us, but if you have them you could begin at a higher level. AAT Skillcheck is a short online test which evaluates your skills and knowledge, and recommends a starting level which you can talk through with your chosen training provider.

About AAT qualification levels

Level 1 of the AAT Accounting Qualification is AAT Access –AAT Access covers the core areas in accounting and finance. Successful completion of the qualification will help to develop skills across four learning areas.

Level 2 Certificate in Accounting (Level 5 in Scotland)

At Level 2* you’ll get to know finance administration, including double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing principles and purchase, sales and general ledgers. Read the full learning agenda.

* Perfect if: You’re new to finance or looking to brush up your foundation knowledge and skills
* Approximately equivalent to: GCSE grades A – C, Standard Grades and Intermediate 2s

Level 3 Diploma in Accounting (Level 6 in Scotland)

At Level 3* you’ll encounter more complex financial processes, including final accounts for sole traders and partnerships, reports and returns and professional ethics. Read the full learning agenda.

* Perfect if: you’re looking to develop your intermediate accounting skills
* Approximately equivalent to: A-Levels or Scottish Highers.

Level 4 Diploma in Accounting (Level 8 in Scotland)

Finally, Level 4* covers financial team leader skills, including financial statements for limited companies, complex management accounting tasks, management skills and specialist learning areas. Read the full learning agenda.

* Perfect if: you’ve progressed through Levels 2 and 3, or you’re at a more advanced stage in your career and you want a qualification to give you the confidence and proof that you have the skills to do the job.
* Approximately equivalent to: the first year of an honours degree.


How long it takes to qualify

Flexible learning to suit your lifestyle

One of the great things about AAT qualifications is the flexibility. You can study full-time, part-time, from home or online - so how long you take to qualify is up to you.

Get qualified in less than three years

There are three levels to the AAT Accounting Qualification, and you can expect to spend around a year on each level - so if you start at Level 2, it’ll take you three years to qualify. But if you have previous experience, you could qualify in two years or less.

You can also take a study break for up to three years - although for any longer period,  you may be required to retake parts of the qualification.

Build a study plan for success

In terms of how much time you need to devote to learning, you should plan to spend three hours a week outside of class for each learning and assessment area,  increasing your study time in the run-up to assessments when you’re revising. Don’t forget, you can also draw on a wealth of study and membership support from AAT.

No experience necessary

All you need is an aspiration to achieve - AAT only ask that you’re confident with numbers and that you can complete assessments and written projects in English. If you do have any relevant school or college qualifications - a degree or some accounting experience - these will be helpful. If you can show competency in some skills, you might even be able to start with AAT at a higher level.

Start your future in accounting today

Are you ready to start studying for an AAT qualification? Your next step to find an AAT approved training provider that sounds right for you then contact them to talk about your course options. To prepare for this, complete online AAT Skillcheck questionnaire.

Take the AAT Skillcheck to find out which starting level is best for you [External Link, New Window]

 

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