Apprenticeship – Professional Accounting Technician Level 4

This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) professional level apprenticeship is a higher-level accounting qualification. If you successfully complete this qualification and fulfill 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 regular sessions with a college tutor, referred to as Online and On Campus.

Programme starts:

09/09/2026

Wednesday

09.30-16.30

What will I learn?

In this qualification you will cover higher accounting tasks including drafting financial statements, managing budgets, personal and business tax calculations, audit, and business skills.

This apprenticeship standard is at Level 4. The structure allows learners to achieve the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians as their on-programme learning.

This internationally recognised AAT 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.

Study method – Online and On Campus

We have partnered with to deliver this apprenticeship through our Online and On Campus model. Apprentices study online materials during allotted time at work and also attend regular sessions with a college tutor.

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. Lessons are 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. Apprentices will be expected to spend 7-9 hours a week working on VLE-related activities.

On campus, apprentices benefit from regular classes with an experienced college tutor, either in-person or virtually. A combination of tutor-led work, group exercises and discussion encourages 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.

Course costs

This course is free to apprentices, as the cost is paid by your employer. Large companies can fund the course using their apprenticeship levy. SMEs can access government funding to subsidise the cost by 95%.

There are no formal entry requirements for this apprenticeship. Your organisation may set its own criteria – please check and add as appropriate. Applicants must be employed in a relevant finance role.

We have provided some copy below that you can use if you wish – please check with your curriculum team.

Applicants must have a sound knowledge of accounting principles to undertake the AAT Level 4 programme. Previous achievement of the AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting is preferred. Applicants will need to be employed in a relevant accounting role.

The Level 4 apprenticeship covers a range of key areas, including, including:

• Financial accounting
• Management accounting
• Audit and internal controls
• Principles of taxation
• Advanced business awareness

These core units of study are assessed at unit level.

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

Employers must be prepared to work with their Apprentices to develop their knowledge and skills by providing a wide range of learning and training opportunities. They must also be prepared to allow them to attend College sessions at the agreed times. Employers are also expected to encourage Apprentices to research their chosen vocation and to support any work experience that will benefit the Apprentice to come up to reach the required level of competence.

The accountancy skills developed by studying this qualification will enable you to seek employment with confidence, potentially run your own accounting practice, and/or to progress to study chartered/certified accountancy qualifications.

Career opportunities
The Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians can lead to the achievement of professional AAT (MAAT) status. The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this qualification will qualify you for roles including Accountant, Assistant Auditor, Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor, Assistant Financial Accountant, Assistant Management Accountant, Commercial Analyst, Finance Adviser, Junior Analyst, Professional Accounting Technician.

The AAT course is assessed through computer-based assessments for each unit. The Apprenticeship Assessment consists of a role scenario assessment and a professional discussion.

Runshaw apprentices will be offered support and be encouraged to develop the ability to work on their own and as team players. We expect our apprentices to show enthusiasm and the motivation to reach and exceed their goals.

It is important to maintain time keeping and attendance for both college (if applicable) and workplace sessions to ensure learners remain on target.

For guidance about what careers subjects can lead on to please follow this link to the National Careers Service.