Professional Accounting or Taxation Technician (Apprenticeship)

This role may exist in an accounting practice, a professional services company, HMRC or the accounting function of a business or other organisation.

Examples of roles as a Professional accounting or tax technician include, but are not limited to:

• Assistant auditor
• Assistant management accountant
• Assistant financial accountant
• Accounts payable and expenses supervisor
• Commercial analyst
• Payroll manager
• Senior bookkeeper
• Senior financial officer
• Tax investigations officer
• Personal tax assistant
• Business tax assistant

An apprenticeship is a genuine job and under all circumstances an apprentice will be employed from day one. Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.

Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16, living in England and have no upper age limit. Any vacancies will clearly state what the entry requirements are for the job role being advertised. There will be different entry requirements depending on the company and role.

Candidates should have a willingness to learn independently and apply learning in their current workplace. Access to a computer and basic IT skills are essential to complete assignments and other elements of the programme.

Apprenticeship Standard: ST0003 Professional Accounting or Taxation Technician

AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting Level 4

The Professional accounting or tax technician standard allows student registration with a number of UK professional bodies in this sector. If a candidate seeks to become a member of a professional body there may be other requirements specific to the relevant professional body, which may be taken as part of, or alongside, the Apprenticeship at the employer's and candidate's discretion.

Completion of the professional accounting or tax technician apprenticeship may lead to the candidate receiving credits towards the completion of the Professional accountant or tax apprenticeship or chartered Accountancy or taxation qualifications provided by the relevant professional bodies. Completion of the professional accounting or tax technician apprenticeship may also result in credits being awarded towards relevant undergraduate degree programmes.

Through their apprenticeship, apprentices gain the technical knowledge, practical experience and wider skills they need for their job and career. Apprentices will have their skills, knowledge and behaviours evaluated at the end of their apprenticeship by taking an end-point assessment (EPA). This is known as synoptic assessment.

The apprentice is expected to study through a mix of learning in the workplace, formal off-the-job training and the opportunity to practise new skills in a real work environment. The time spent on off-the-job training should be at least 20% and should be included as part of working hours. The employer must allow time to complete the apprenticeship within the working hours, however, some homework may be set by College Tutors or Development Coaches.

This is a work-based programme and is studied as part of an apprenticeship.

If you are between the ages of 16 and 24, you will not have to fund your own tuition, it is your employer and the government who cover the fees. If you are over 25, you may be asked to contribute towards the cost of your training, but it depends on your employer. If you do have to contribute to the cost of training, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

The cost of training an apprentice is dependent on their age and whether or not the business pays the Apprenticeship Levy. There are a range of different grants and incentives available to employers. Contact us for up-to-date information and advice on the funding support available.