Accountancy

Association of Accounting Technicians

Accounting is a professional, well respected career. The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualifications, provide you with relevant practical accounting and finance skills and a highly regarded accounting qualifications and membership.

Many organisations offer accounting qualifications. However, the AAT is a professional membership body offering the NVQ route. 

As an AAT qualified accounting technician, you will have internationally recognized qualifications which shows potential employers that you have been trained to a high standard. The AAT is based on practical work i.e. recording income and receipts,  preparing accounts, bank analysis and self assessment for the Inland Revenue.  By achieving this qualification employers will know that you have exceptional skills, experience and ability in accounting.

There are three levels:  NVQ level 2, 3 and 4. You will start at the level suitable to your prior experience or qualifications.

Your training will include day release to our centre in Chester le Street and employment in an accounting practice or an accounts department where you will gain vital accounting practical experience.

Entry requirements

Employers recruiting people for Accounting Apprenticeships expect you to have above average GCSE Grades or equivalent, particularly in mathematics . We will match your qualifications with employer’s entry requirements.

Apprenticeships (NVQ Level 2)

You will start your training by studying AAT Foundation NVQ level 2. You will learn how to record income & receipts, make and record payments and prepare a ledger balance. You will also develop computer skills, personal effectiveness, how to supply information for management control and health and safety. You will also develop an understanding of Employment Rights and Responsibilities.   If needed, to enhance your skills for life we will help you develop your numeracy and communication skills to level 2.

Advanced Apprenticeships (NVQ Level 3)

You can progress onto AAT NVQ level 3 Intermediate and develop your accounting skills by learning how to maintain financial records and prepare accounts. You will also learn how to record and evaluate costs and revenues along with preparing reports and returns.

NVQ Level 4 Technician

You can progress onto AAT level 4 and learn how to draft financial statements and plan and control resources and enhance value. You will also complete a project in your work place. By completing this level you will have entry to higher professional accounting qualifications and can become a full member of the AAT. This will provide you with exemptions if you wish to progress onto further higher professional accounting qualifications.

Career Progression

To find out more about the Association of Accounting Technicians progression routes log onto http://www.aat.org.uk/. This site gives details on professional accounting qualifications: ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW, ICAS

Local higher education establishments offer further qualifications on a day release part time basis. Visit http://www.ftckaplan.com/ based in Newcastle. New College Durham also offers the CIPFA professional accounting qualifications visit http://www.newdur.ac.uk/

What learners have said about us:

• "The training and support is very helpful"
• "I feel I have learnt more since joining the business club and will continue to progress"
• "I am more confident in my ability within my work role"
• "There is always someone to talk to if you have a problem"

PROGRESSION AFTER APPRENTICESHIP AND USEFUL WEBSITES

See link section on the homepage for details on Higher Education providers and open days/events.