AAT Level 3 – Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship

AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting alongside the Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship, combining professional accounting study with practical workplace experience.

Your learning will cover:

• Financial accounting – preparing accounts, maintaining financial records, and understanding areas such as accruals, prepayments, depreciation, and fixed assets.
• Management accounting – developing skills in costing, budgeting, forecasting, and analysing financial information to support business decisions.
• Tax and financial processes – understanding business tax requirements, VAT and the processes involved in preparing accurate financial information and returns.
• Accounting systems and technology – using accounting software, spreadsheets and digital tools to record, analyse and present financial information securely.
• Business awareness and professional practice – understanding the role of finance within an organisation, professional ethics, legislation, data security, and the importance of working accurately and responsibly.
• Workplace skills – developing your ability to reconcile accounts, investigate and resolve queries, communicate financial information, work with colleagues and stakeholders, and manage your own workload effectively.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you will apply your learning in the workplace, building the practical experience, confidence and professional skills needed to work effectively as an Assistant Accountant.

Apprenticeships begin when an apprentice starts their role in the workplace. Throughout the programme, they will gain hands-on experience while learning on the job. In addition, apprentices attend a dedicated study day each week through classroom-based learning.

The apprenticeship is typically completed within 15–18 months. As the programme includes a range of on-programme learning, assessments and workplace development, sufficient time is provided to complete all aspects of the apprenticeship. Learners may complete individual elements at different stages depending on their progress, experience, and workplace opportunities. The overall duration allows time to develop and demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours before completing the apprenticeship.

Employment in a role relevant to your chosen apprenticeship is essential. Our Apprenticeships and Training team can support applicants in finding suitable employment where possible; however, we strongly encourage anyone interested in an apprenticeship to actively seek employment opportunities independently.

For this apprenticeship, some previous experience or a qualification in accounting is desirable but not essential. Applicants will be considered on an individual basis, taking into account their previous qualifications, knowledge, skills, and relevant experience.

Applicants are normally required to hold English and Maths at Grade 4 or above. Evidence of these qualifications must be provided at enrolment. If you are unable to produce certificates or do not meet these entry requirements, you may be invited to complete an initial assessment as part of the application process.

All applicants will be required to attend an interview to discuss their suitability for the apprenticeship and their existing experience and knowledge.

Your progress will be assessed throughout the apprenticeship through a combination of online examinations, workplace assessment, and regular progress checks.

• AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting – you will complete four online examinations covering Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Business Awareness and Tax Processes for Businesses.
• Knowledge and Skills Professional Discussion – you will take part in a professional discussion to demonstrate how you have developed and applied your knowledge and skills in the workplace.
• Behaviours – your workplace behaviours will be assessed by your employer and signed off as you develop throughout the apprenticeship.
• On-programme progress checks – regular reviews and progress checks will help you track your development, identify any support needed and ensure you are making good progress towards completion.

Career progression:

• Assistant Accountant
• Accounts Assistant
• Finance Assistant
• Accounts Payable or Accounts Receivable roles
• Payroll Assistant
• Bookkeeper
• Finance Administrator
• Management accounting

Further education and professional study:

• Level 4 Professional Accountant Apprenticeship
• Higher-level professional accounting qualifications, such as CIMA, ACCA, or other recognised professional routes, depending on your career goals, existing qualifications, and experience

The apprenticeship also provides opportunities for professional recognition, including:

• Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) – Qualified Bookkeeper
• Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers (IAB) – Associate Member (AIAB)
• Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) – Full Member (MICB)

Progression will depend on individual circumstances, including your experience, qualifications and the entry requirements of the next course or professional body.

All required course materials, books, exam fees, and registrations are provided as part of the apprenticeship.

You will need access to a suitable calculator for your accounting studies and assessments.

The costs of your apprenticeship training are covered through apprenticeship funding, subject to the relevant funding rules. Where applicable, this can be funded through your employer’s Apprenticeship Levy.

Your AAT registration, examination fees and required course books and materials are also included as part of the apprenticeship, so there are no additional course fees for you to pay.

Take a look at our current apprenticeship vacancies by clicking the button at the top or clicking here.

If you find a suitable apprenticeship vacancy, click apply and submit your CV online. Our Apprenticeships and Training recruitment team will be in touch with you about the next steps.

If you have already found your own employer and would like to apply for this apprenticeship, please contact Rachel Fieldhouse at rachel.fieldhouse@northernskills.co.uk to discuss the next steps

If you are unable to find a vacancy, you can sign up to our apprenticeship bulletin to be notified of future vacancies – click here to sign up.

If you are leaving secondary school, you may also want to consider applying for a full-time course at Middlesbrough College as a backup.

If you have any questions about apprenticeships, call on 03453 404040 or email apprenticeships@mbro.ac.uk.