AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting

The Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship is at level 3 – equivalent to A-levels – and will equip apprentices with skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in their roles.

This apprenticeship will prepare apprentices for junior and entry-level accounting roles. It delivers a solid foundation in finance administration, covering areas such as double entry bookkeeping and basic costing principles. Learners will then move on to mastering more complex accounting disciplines including financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts and ethical practices for accountants.

  • What will I learn?

    This qualification covers a range of complex accounting tasks. Apprentices will learn and master financial processes, including accounting principles and concepts, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts, VAT issues in business, management accounting costing techniques and ethical practices for accountants. They will also gain software skills through spreadsheet training for accounting.

    This apprenticeship standard is at Level 3. The structure allows students to achieve the AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting as their on-programme learning. This internationally recognised 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.

  • Example modules

    The Level 3 apprenticeship covers a range of key areas, including:

    • Advanced bookkeeping
    • Final accounts preparation
    • Management accounting: costing
    • Indirect tax
    • Ethics for accountants
    • Spreadsheets for accounting

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

  • How will I be assessed?

    To achieve the Assistant Accountant apprenticeship, apprentices will be expected to complete:

    • A synoptic end-test covering the knowledge and skills gained throughout the on-programme stage and detailed in the standard.
    • A portfolio and reflective discussion which will comprise a range of evidence produced in the work-place to show that the Apprentice has met the knowledge, skills and behaviours detailed in the standard. The reflective discussion will be a structured interview to examine this evidence and the learner journey in more detail.
  • Entry requirements

    Applicants will need to be employed in a relevant accounting role.

    5 GCSEs with Maths and English at Grade C/ Functional Skills Level 2 English and Maths

    Good keyboarding skills are essential as well as a good knowledge of Microsoft Office. Achievement of an AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting is advantageous but not essential.

  • Progression

    You can progress on to the Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship – AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting at Level 4.

  • Career opportunities

    Upon successful completion of the Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship, you can apply for AAT associate bookkeeping membership and become a professional AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB).

    The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this apprenticeship will qualify you for roles including Finance Officer, Assistant Accountant and Bookkeeper. You will also be eligible for AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB) status, giving you the option to work as a freelance bookkeeper.

  • Additional information

    The duration of the apprenticeship will be 18 months.

  • How to apply

    Applications can be made via our partner colleges. Search for your nearest provider here >

What will I learn?

This qualification covers a range of complex accounting tasks. Apprentices will learn and master financial processes, including accounting principles and concepts, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts, VAT issues in business, management accounting costing techniques and ethical practices for accountants. They will also gain software skills through spreadsheet training for accounting.

This apprenticeship standard is at Level 3. The structure allows students to achieve the AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting as their on-programme learning. This internationally recognised 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.

Example modules

The Level 3 apprenticeship covers a range of key areas, including:

  • Advanced bookkeeping
  • Final accounts preparation
  • Management accounting: costing
  • Indirect tax
  • Ethics for accountants
  • Spreadsheets for accounting

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

How will I be assessed?

To achieve the Assistant Accountant apprenticeship, apprentices will be expected to complete:

  • A synoptic end-test covering the knowledge and skills gained throughout the on-programme stage and detailed in the standard.
  • A portfolio and reflective discussion which will comprise a range of evidence produced in the work-place to show that the Apprentice has met the knowledge, skills and behaviours detailed in the standard. The reflective discussion will be a structured interview to examine this evidence and the learner journey in more detail.

Entry requirements

Applicants will need to be employed in a relevant accounting role.

5 GCSEs with Maths and English at Grade C/ Functional Skills Level 2 English and Maths

Good keyboarding skills are essential as well as a good knowledge of Microsoft Office. Achievement of an AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting is advantageous but not essential.

Progression

You can progress on to the Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship – AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting at Level 4.

Career opportunities

Upon successful completion of the Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship, you can apply for AAT associate bookkeeping membership and become a professional AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB).

The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this apprenticeship will qualify you for roles including Finance Officer, Assistant Accountant and Bookkeeper. You will also be eligible for AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB) status, giving you the option to work as a freelance bookkeeper.

Additional information

The duration of the apprenticeship will be 18 months.

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