Skip to content
Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship (AAT)
Qualification
Level 3 Diploma in Accounting (AAT)
Duration
Location of Study
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.
Start dates are available throughout the year.
Undertaking this apprenticeship, will prepare you for junior and entry-level accounting roles. You’ll gain a solid foundation in finance administration, covering areas such as double entry bookkeeping and basic costing principles.
You’ll then move on to mastering more complex accounting disciplines, including financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts and ethical practices for accountants.
As a HRC student, you’ll also receive excellent support from our tutors, pastoral care, guidance from assessors, access to facilities and benefit from our strong employer links.
What will I learn?
This qualification covers a range of complex accounting tasks. You’ll 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. You’ll also gain software skills through spreadsheet training for accounting.
This apprenticeship standard is at Level 3. The structure allows you to achieve the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 3 Diploma in Accounting as your 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.
The Level 3 apprenticeship covers a range of key areas, including:
- Financial accounting: preparing financial statements
- Management accounting techniques
- Tax processes for businesses
- Business awareness
You’ll also develop business communications and lifelong learning skills, applying what you learn on the course to the wider industry context.
Entry criteria
Prospective apprentices would typically have already achieved a GCSE (or Level 2 equivalent) at grade 4/C in English and Maths.
How will I be studying?
We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this apprenticeship through our Online and On Campus model. You’ll 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 you can fit your 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.
You’ll be expected to complete an additional 3-6 hours of independent study per week.
On campus, you’ll benefit from regular classes with an experienced college tutor, either in-person or virtually. A combination of tutor-led work, group exercises and discussion helps you to apply theory to real-life workplace situations. This modern, flexible approach to apprenticeship training minimises disruption to your employer and delivers tangible results in the workplace.
How will I be assessed?
To complete the Assistant Accountant apprenticeship, you 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.
How many days per week will I be in college?
This course is delivered via a blended online and on‑campus delivery model, with fortnightly college sessions.
What can I do after this course?
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.
You can also progress on to the Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship – AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting at Level 4.
Course fees
This course is free to apprentices, as the cost is paid by your employer. Large companies can fund the course using their apprenticeship growth and skills levy. SMEs can access government funding to subsidise the cost by 95%, or 100% depending on the age of the apprentice.
Starting Your Accounting Apprenticeship Journey
An apprenticeship is a form of employment, so the application process is slightly different to a normal course. You apply directly to the employer, and there may be an interview, just like a normal job application.
When we advertise vacancies on behalf of employers, you can apply directly for these opportunities. Vacancies can fill quickly, so if there are none available, we ask that you register your interest. This allows us to match you with future opportunities and let you know about new vacancies as they arise.
You can also choose to contact our team if you’d like guidance or support with your application, but this is optional — the process works for both independent applicants and those who want assistance.
If you’re ready to start, you can browse our live accounting vacancies and make your application. If you can’t find a vacancy, want to register your interest so that we can tell you about new vacancies, or want some support with your application, get in touch via telephone, email, or fill out our form below and we’ll help you begin the process.
Registering Your Interest
Here’s what you need to do:
Prefer to speak to someone?
Contact our team today.
Call – 01992 411 572
Email – apprenticeship@hrc.ac.uk