Professional Accounting or Tax Technician
Working as an accountant or bookkeeper for an accounting practice, business, organisations or HMRC.
Overview of the role
Individuals in the role of a Professional accounting or tax technician will have responsibility for creating, and/or verifying and reviewing, accurate and timely financial information within the organisation in which they are employed or on behalf of another organisation.
Details of the Standard
The apprenticeship is broken up into distinct phases:
- The sign-up, which includes an assessment of maths and English, and an agreement between us, the apprentice and the employer, regarding the training plan.
- The practical period, which is the bulk of the apprenticeship. This is where the apprentice completes their required off-job-training according to the agreed training plan. There is no mandatory qualification with this apprenticeship but the AAT Diploma in Professional Accounting is offered alongside this apprenticeship.
- The gateway. At the end of the practical period, the employer, training provider and apprentice meet to discuss the next, and final stage, the End Point Assessment (EPA). At the Gateway meeting, we ensure that the apprentice is ready to undertake the EPA.
- The End Point Assessment (EPA) is the last stage of the apprenticeship. The apprentice will undertake a multiple choice test and a professional discussion. Successfully completing this step results in achieving the apprenticeship!
Duration
This apprenticeship is based on a 15-month practical period, although this may be amended based on prior experience and recognised qualifications. The minimum duration is 12-months.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements are largely dependent on the vacancy notice set out by the employer - please read the job advert that relates to the role you are considering. You might already hold a previous relevant qualification or have prior experience in the finance / accounting sector, or may be a graduate in your first accountancy role.
English and maths
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to completion of their Apprenticeship.
Curriculum, delivery and readiness for End-Point-Assessment
The content delivery will be agreed between the apprentice, employer and training provider and is based upon prior knowledge and qualifications. This agreement forms the individualised Training Plan, detailing how the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the apprenticeship Standard will be met.
As a gateway requirement, apprentices must complete any maths / English required and prepared their portfolio of evidence.
Summary End-Point-Assessment
The EPA consists of two distinct assessment methods: a portfolio of evidence (including a reflective statement by the apprentice) and a role simulation exercise which gives the apprentice the opportunity to tackle a series of business-related tasks through a simulation that reflects activities undertaken in a typical role at this level of competence.
Progression
Progression from this apprenticeship is expected to be into a Professional Qualification which could be through the Professional Accountant Apprenticeship Level 7. Completion of the Level 4 Apprenticeship may result in credits being awarded towards the Level 7 apprenticeship or other relevant undergraduate degree programme. Examples of roles include Financial accountant, Management accountant, Auditor, Financial analyst, Management consultant, Forensic accountant and Business advisor.
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.