Assistant Accountant with AAT Apprenticeship Level 3

Assistant Accountant with AAT Apprenticeship Level 3

The Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship is at Level 3 - equivalent to A Levels - and will equip apprentices with skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in their roles. This apprenticeship will prepare apprentices for junior and entry-level accounting roles. It delivers a solid foundation in finance administration, covering areas such as double entry bookkeeping and basic costing principles. Apprentices will then move on to mastering more complex accounting disciplines including financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts and ethical practices for accountants.

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.

• Course Information

  • Course Code

    WQ3ACC

  • Validated By

    AAT

  • Attendance Pattern

    Daytime

  • Course Level

    Level 3

  • Study Mode

    Apprenticeship

  • Course Location

    Leyland Campus

  • Age Group

    Apprenticeships (16+)

  • Course Duration

    10-12 months including 12 weeks for your Apprenticeship Assessment session

  Apply today
• Overview

  

  The Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship is at Level 3 – equivalent to A Levels – and will equip apprentices with skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in their roles.

  This apprenticeship will prepare apprentices for junior and entry-level accounting roles. It delivers a solid foundation in finance administration, covering areas such as double entry bookkeeping and basic costing principles. Apprentices will then move on to mastering more complex accounting disciplines including financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts and ethical practices for accountants.

  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:

  02/09/2026

  Wednesday

  09.30-16.30

  What will I learn?

  This qualification covers a range of complex accounting tasks. Apprentices will learn and master financial processes, including accounting principles and concepts, preparing financial statements, management accounting, tax processes and business awareness.

  This apprenticeship standard is at Level 3. The structure allows learners to achieve the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 3 Diploma in Accounting 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 5-6 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%.

• Entry Requirements

  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 bookkeeping principles to undertake the AAT Level 3 programme. Achievement of an AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting is advantageous but not essential. Applicants will need to be employed in a relevant accounting role.

• How will I be assessed?

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

• Employer Requirements

  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.

• Progression Pathway

  You can progress on to the AAT Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship at Level 4.

  
  Career opportunities
  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.

• Teaching & Assessment

  The AAT course is assessed through computer-based assessments for each unit. The end-point assessment for the apprenticeship consists of a synoptic multiple choice test and a professional discussion.

• Attendance & Support

  Runshaw College believes that attendance and punctuality are key factors in the timely success of an apprenticeship. Apprentices are accepted on the basis that they will have a high level of attendance at college (if applicable) and in the workplace. Persistent or regular absenteeism is a disciplinary offence and may lead to dismissal from the programme.

  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.

• National Careers Service

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