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The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is the leading professional and qualification body for Accounting Technicians with a membership of over 108,000 worldwide.

What is an Accounting Technician?

Accounting Technicians work at all levels of finance from Accounts Clerks to Financial Controllers. The career opportunities are limitless - almost every organisation throughout the UK requires accounting support of some kind. In larger organisations and accountancy practices, Accounting Technicians can specialise in areas such as tax, corporate finance, insolvency or forensic accounting.

AAT Accounting Qualification

The qualification has three levels and is offered via two pathways NVQ /SVQ pathway or Diploma pathway and can be studied at over 400 colleges throughout the UK via part-time, full-time or distance learning. This flexible approach to study enables you to study the qualification as an apprenticeship which means you can earn while you learn.

The qualification is vocational and practical providing both the knowledge and skills required by employers. Each level is a qualification in its own right and you can study at your own pace. There are no time restrictions, but as a guide, you can expect to take a year to complete each of the levels.

Entry requirements

AAT qualifications are available to everyone regardless of age, work experience or previous academic background. To succeed in a career in accountancy, you will need to be confident with numbers and be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.

Specialist qualifications

The AAT also provides specialist qualifications in payroll and bookkeeping:

The NVQ/SVQ in Payroll Administration is aimed at people looking to work in payroll functions. There are two levels (NVQ/SVQ level 2 and level 3).

The AAT Bookkeeping Certificate (ABC) is a CD-ROM qualification which provides interactive and flexible learning for anyone wanting to improve their knowledge and understanding of bookkeeping.

Recruitment opportunities for accountancy trainees

The AAT has launched an online recruitment service for individuals who are eager to embark on a career in accountancy. You can register free of charge at: aat.org.uk/jobs to view the trainee accounting positions available in their region. The service details vacancies at organisations throughout the UK including: Grant Thornton, KPMG, Tenon Group, Procter & Gamble, NHS, Metropolitan Police and local government offices.