This occupation is found in organisations of all sizes whether small, medium, large or global. This occupation is present in public, private, and third sector organisations.
Professional accounting technicians may work in the accounts or finance department of an organisation or a professional accountancy firm.
The broad purpose of the Professional accounting technician is to prepare, co-ordinate and implement accounting tasks that support the creation of financial statements.
Professional accounting technicians apply their technical knowledge and skills to specific tasks within an accounting team. Tasks may include supervising assistant accountants and others to deliver processes. They may also assist senior accountants, management and other stakeholders by providing timely financial data and reports. They ensure compliance with internal controls. This may include tasks that involve interactions with His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), applying legislation and complying with regulations, ethical and professional codes.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
This could include junior colleagues, senior managers, clients and customers, suppliers, lenders, government agencies and auditors. They take a risk-based view of transactions and data to identify key risks and help to mitigate those risks. A typical day could include being in an office overseeing data entry, control account reconciliations and monthly, quarterly, yearly reporting. They may be involved in researching and resolving accounting problems. It is essential that people in this occupation are comfortable using digital tools and keeping up to date with changes in the occupation.
A Professional accounting technician will work alone as well as in, or supervising, a team.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for quality assuring financial statements. They provide key reliable accounting data on a day-to-day basis.
Duration: 21 months
An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. By the end of an apprenticeship, you'll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.
As an apprentice you will:
- Learn and train for a specific job
- Get paid and receive holiday leave
- Get hands-on experience in a real job
- Spend a minimum of 6 hours a week off-the-job to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours relevant to your apprenticeship standard
- Complete assessments during and at the end of your apprenticeship
- Be on a career path with lots of future potential
There are different rates of pay for apprentices depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you're in.
Your employment contract should confirm your rate of pay.
Please visit https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/pay-and-conditions for the latest minimum apprenticeship wages.
You will attend college classes one full day per week and will also receive one-to-one support in the in the workplace with a dedicated Learning and Skills Coach.
You will complete an End Point Assessment with the awarding body 1st awards and will complete the two following areas:
- Role Scenario Assessment
- Professional Discussion
The AAT L4 Professional Diploma in Accounting will be assessed by a computer-based assessment at the end of each unit.
For Level 4 apprenticeships, the College only accepts applicants with a grade 4 or above in both English or mathematics. However, employers set their own recruitment criteria and, in many cases, require applicants to hold a grade 4 or above in both subjects as part of their entry requirements.
Positive Futures is a set of essential qualities, embedded throughout your study programme, that we seek to develop in all students:
- Commitment
- Collaboration
- Confidence
- Resilience
You will also engage in the Positive Futures Careers Programme, developing key employability skills through a diverse range of activities including work placements, volunteering, employer talks, industry study visits and employment and university fairs.
As a Bury College student you will have access to a wide range of enrichment opportunities which will contribute to your personal growth and development and support your academic studies.
These may include:
- Art Club
- Chess Club
- Dance, Drama and Singing Workshops
- Duke of Edinburgh Award
- Gaming Hub
- Music Club
- Pride Club
- Student Ambassador Scheme
- A wide range of sport including Badminton, Cricket, Football, Fitness Training, Nerf, Netball, Volleyball and Table Tennis.
Please Note: We attempt to ensure that all information contained within this website is correct and up-to-date. However, some details may change as we review and update our provision. Although every effort is made to provide the teaching, examination, assessment and other services detailed on this website and in our other publications, Bury College cannot guarantee the provision of such programmes, services, facilities and fees. Bury College reserves the right to amend, withdraw, alter or amalgamate any of the courses, locations and facilities detailed within at any time. Should circumstances require such amendments, Bury College undertakes to use all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to those services and most importantly to students.
