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.
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:
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:
The AAT L4 Professional Diploma in Accounting will be assessed by a computer-based assessment at the end of each unit.
· Relevant job responsibilities
· Level 3 AAT or equivalent
· Relevant qualifications in maths and English
· Specific entry requirements may be applicable based on employer requirements.
· Apprentices will be required to apply for AAT annual membership
Positive Futures is a set of essential qualities, embedded throughout your study programme, that we seek to develop in all students:
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:
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.
Bury College hosted the GM Skills Construction Competition on Friday 13th March 2026, with students from nine colleges competing across Plastering, Bricklaying, Carpentry and Joinery, Electrical Installation, Painting and Decorating, and Plumbing, showcasing top skills and earning multiple wins.
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A former Bury College Hairdressing Apprentice has come full circle, embarking on an exciting teaching career which will see him inspire the next generation of Hairdressers.
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Read how Deborah, an adult learner at Bury College, is progressing in her career and finding new purpose after previously retiring.
Read how Codi has used the skills of her Catering course at Bury College to support her journey to becoming a restaurant owner.
Bury College welcomed a delegation from China and guests from the University of Salford for a curriculum showcase visit focused on vocational education, technical skills and international collaboration.
National Apprenticeship Week was an exciting and inspiring time at Bury College, filled with activities that helped mark the occasion and celebrate the exceptional talent, dedication and achievements of Apprentices.