An accounting apprenticeship with Premier Training gives you a real job, a real salary, and a nationally recognised AAT qualification — all at the same time, with no tuition fees to pay.
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Pass PromiseAbout accounting apprenticeships
An accounting apprenticeship is a government-funded work-based learning programme that combines paid employment with structured training towards a nationally recognised AAT qualification. You work in a real finance role, earn a salary throughout, and complete off-the-job training with an approved provider — with no tuition fees to pay.
As an apprentice you are a paid employee from day one. You work in a genuine accounting or finance role — building practical skills and workplace experience while you study. Your employer pays your salary throughout the programme.
At the end of your apprenticeship you achieve a full AAT accounting qualification — the same qualification studied by thousands of accountants across the UK. Levels 2, 3 and 4 are available depending on your role and experience.
Apprenticeship training costs are covered by the government and your employer. Levy-paying employers fund training in full. Non-levy employers contribute just 5%, with the government funding the remaining 95%. As an apprentice, you pay nothing.
Apprenticeship programmes
Premier Training offers three accounting apprenticeship standards aligned to AAT qualifications at Level 2, 3 and 4. Each programme is delivered through flexible online learning via our award-winning MyPTA platform, with expert tutor support throughout.
12–14 months • Funding band: £7,000
Typically 15–18 months
Typically 18–24 months
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting • 12–14 months • Funding band: £7,000
Who is it for?
The Level 2 Accounts or Finance Assistant apprenticeship is designed for those who are new to accounting and finance. It is ideal for school leavers starting their first finance role, career changers moving into accounting, and anyone employed in an entry-level finance position who wants a formal qualification.
You do not need prior accounting experience to start at Level 2 — just a genuine interest in finance and the commitment to learn on the job.
On-the-job development
| Duration | 12–14 months |
| Funding band | £7,000 |
| Qualification | AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting |
| Entry level | GCSE Grade 3+ in Maths & English (or Functional Skills) |
| EPA method | Structured interview + knowledge assessment |
| Progression | Level 3 Assistant Accountant |
Programme modules
Introduces the fundamentals of double-entry bookkeeping, including the accounting equation, ledger accounts, day books and the trial balance.
Develops bookkeeping skills further, covering control accounts, bank reconciliation, the journal and correction of errors.
Introduces management accounting concepts including cost classification, inventory valuation, labour costs and overhead absorption.
Covers types of organisations, the role of the finance function, principles of contract law and working within an ethical and sustainable framework.
Typical job roles
Accounts Assistant
Supporting day-to-day finance operations
Finance Assistant
Assisting with financial processes and records
Purchase Ledger Clerk
Managing supplier invoices and payments
Accounts Payable Clerk
Processing and reconciling accounts payable
Payroll Administrator
Supporting payroll processing and reporting
Junior Bookkeeper
Maintaining financial records for a business
AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting • Typically 15–18 months
Who is it for?
The Level 3 Assistant Accountant apprenticeship is suited to those who already have some accounting experience or have completed a Level 2 qualification. It is the most popular accounting apprenticeship level and is well matched to a wide range of finance and accounting roles across all sectors.
It is also suitable for existing employees in accounting roles who want a formal qualification to underpin their practical experience.
On-the-job development
| Duration | Typically 15–18 months |
| Qualification | AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting |
| Entry level | Level 2 qualification or equivalent experience |
| EPA method | Structured interview + role simulation |
| Progression | Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician |
Programme modules
Covers the preparation of final accounts for sole traders and partnerships, from trial balance through to the income statement and balance sheet.
Introduces costing methods, contribution analysis, budgeting and variance analysis — developing skills to provide management with useful financial information.
Covers VAT principles and procedures, the VAT return, and the impact of tax legislation on business, including Making Tax Digital.
Develops broader commercial awareness including business types, the external environment, ethical principles and the role of sustainability in modern business.
Typical job roles
Assistant Accountant
Supporting qualified accountants across all functions
Purchase Ledger Clerk
Managing creditor accounts and supplier relationships
Sales Ledger Clerk
Managing debtor accounts and cash collection
Bookkeeper
Maintaining complete financial records for a business
Tax Assistant
Supporting VAT and tax compliance processes
Payroll Technician
Managing payroll processing and reporting
AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting • Typically 18–24 months • Pathway to MAAT
Who is it for?
The Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician apprenticeship is designed for those with solid accounting experience who are ready to step into senior finance roles. It is aligned to full MAAT membership and provides a strong foundation for chartered accountancy pathways including ACCA and CIMA.
It suits experienced accounts assistants, bookkeepers and finance officers who want to formalise their knowledge and advance their career.
On-the-job development
| Duration | Typically 18–24 months |
| Qualification | AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting |
| Membership | Pathway to full MAAT |
| Entry level | Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience |
| EPA method | Portfolio of evidence + synoptic assessment |
| Progression | MAAT, ACCA, CIMA or Level 7 qualifications |
Programme modules
Level 4 includes four mandatory units plus two optional units chosen to suit your role and career goals.
Drafting financial statements for limited companies including income statements, balance sheets, statements of cash flow and notes to the accounts.
Preparation of budgets, forecasting, variance analysis and performance reporting to support management decision-making.
Advanced costing and decision-making skills including marginal costing, linear programming, performance indicators and statistical techniques.
Business Tax covers corporation tax and capital allowances. Personal Tax covers income tax, NIC, capital gains and inheritance tax for individuals.
Audit and assurance services, audit planning, evidence gathering and the reporting of findings in accordance with professional standards.
Forecasting cash requirements, investing surplus funds, borrowing, managing risk and treasury policy in a business context.
Typical job roles
Assistant Management Accountant
Supporting management reporting and analysis
Tax Assistant
Preparing tax computations and returns
Commercial Analyst
Analysing business performance and KPIs
Finance Officer
Managing financial operations for an organisation
Accounts Payable / Receivable Manager
Leading ledger and payment teams
Audit / Assurance Assistant
Supporting internal or external audit work
Why Premier Training
Premier Training is an award-winning AAT specialist with over 25 years of experience delivering outstanding accounting education. As AAT Distance Learning Provider of the Year 2024 and 2025, we bring the same expertise and dedication to our apprenticeship programmes.
Named AAT Distance Learning Provider of the Year 2024 and 2025. Our quality of teaching and student support has been recognised at the highest level by AAT, the UK’s leading accounting body.
All of our tutors are qualified AAT specialists with extensive industry experience. You receive personalised feedback, regular progress reviews and one-to-one support throughout your programme.
Study at times that fit around your working hours via our MyPTA platform. Access e-learning videos, study materials, practice assessments and tutor support whenever you need them.
Our students consistently achieve above-average AAT pass rates. We only prepare apprentices for assessment when we are confident they are ready — maximising first-time pass outcomes.
End-Point Assessment can feel daunting, but our tutors prepare you thoroughly. We guide you through the gateway requirements, the EPA process and any resit support you might need.
We work closely with employers to ensure each apprentice’s off-the-job training complements their role. Our team handles enrolment, compliance and progress reporting so employers can focus on their business.
Over two decades of specialist AAT training, award-winning results and thousands of successful learners.
Over 25 years delivering specialist AAT accounting education as one of the UK’s most trusted distance learning providers.
Named AAT Distance Learning Provider of the Year in both 2024 and 2025 — recognised for outstanding quality and student outcomes.
Exclusively focused on AAT qualifications and apprenticeships. Every tutor, every resource and every process is built around AAT excellence.
The apprenticeship journey
Accounting apprenticeships follow a structured programme combining on-the-job training in a real finance role with off-the-job learning towards your AAT qualification. Here is how your journey with Premier Training works.
You need to be employed (or about to be employed) in a relevant accounting or finance role. Your employer registers as an apprenticeship sponsor and agrees to the programme requirements alongside Premier Training.
Premier Training handles the enrolment paperwork, signs the apprenticeship agreement and gets you set up on the MyPTA learning platform. You begin your studies from day one with full access to all resources.
You spend at least 20% of your contracted hours on off-the-job training. Our flexible online platform means you can complete study modules around your working day, with tutor support available throughout.
As you complete each unit, Premier Training confirms your readiness before you sit the AAT computer-based assessment. Assessments can be booked remotely from home or at an approved AAT centre.
Once all on-programme learning is complete and AAT assessments are passed, you reach gateway. Your employer, Premier Training and you jointly confirm you are ready to progress to End-Point Assessment.
The End-Point Assessment is conducted by an independent EPA organisation. On completion you achieve your AAT qualification and your apprenticeship standard — opening doors to further career progression.
Watch & learn
Whether you are a student exploring your options or an employer looking to grow your team, these videos explain how accounting apprenticeships with Premier Training work.
For Employers
Developing Your Workforce Through Apprenticeships
For Students
What Is an Apprenticeship? | Start Your Career with Premier Training
For employers
Apprenticeships allow employers to train motivated staff towards AAT qualifications at minimal cost. Whether developing new recruits or upskilling existing employees, Premier Training handles the training so you can focus on your business.
Employer informationLevy-paying employers use their apprenticeship levy pot to fund training in full. Non-levy employers contribute just 5% — the government funds the rest.
Premier Training manages enrolment paperwork, ESFA compliance, progress reporting and EPA coordination — keeping your administrative burden to a minimum.
Apprenticeships improve staff retention. Investing in your team’s AAT qualification builds loyalty and develops skilled professionals within your organisation.
A dedicated Premier Training account manager works with you throughout — from initial setup through to End-Point Assessment and beyond.
Career prospects
An accounting apprenticeship opens the door to a wide range of finance roles. AAT qualifications are recognised by employers across every sector — from small businesses to global corporations, public sector organisations and accounting practices.
Salary ranges are indicative based on UK market data. Actual salaries vary by employer, location and experience.
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A word from our director
Operations Director — Premier Training
Accounting apprenticeships are a fantastic route into the profession — you earn a salary, you gain real-world experience and you come away with a qualification that employers across every sector recognise and value. At Premier Training, we treat every apprentice as an individual and make sure they have everything they need to succeed.
Premier Training was established in 1998 and has grown into one of the UK’s leading AAT distance learning providers. We have been recognised as AAT Distance Learning Provider of the Year 2024 and 2025, and our team of qualified tutors and course advisors is dedicated to making sure every learner gets the support they need — from their first lesson through to their final End-Point Assessment result.
An accounting apprenticeship is a government-funded work-based learning programme that combines paid employment with structured training towards a nationally recognised AAT accounting qualification. You work in a real finance role, earn a salary throughout, and complete off-the-job training with an approved provider such as Premier Training — with no tuition fees to pay.
Accounting apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 or over who lives in England and is employed (or about to be employed) in a relevant finance role. There is no upper age limit — apprenticeships are suitable for school leavers, career changers and existing employees who want a formal qualification.
No. Apprenticeship training costs are funded by the government and your employer. Levy-paying employers (typically those with a payroll over £3 million) fund training in full from their levy pot. Non-levy employers contribute just 5% of training costs, with the government covering the remaining 95%. As an apprentice, you pay nothing and earn a salary throughout.
Duration depends on the level: the Level 2 Accounts or Finance Assistant apprenticeship typically takes 12–14 months; Level 3 Assistant Accountant typically 15–18 months; and Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician typically 18–24 months. All require a minimum of 12 months of on-programme learning before the End-Point Assessment.
The Level 2 apprenticeship leads to the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting. Level 3 is aligned to the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting. Level 4 supports achievement of the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting and pathway to MAAT membership. All are nationally recognised qualifications valued by employers across every sector.
Yes. If your employer pays the Apprenticeship Levy (typically businesses with a payroll over £3 million), they can use their levy funds to cover the full cost of your apprenticeship training. Non-levy employers contribute just 5% of training costs and the government funds the remaining 95%. Premier Training can guide employers through the entire funding process.
Yes. Apprenticeships are available to existing employees who want to gain a formal qualification, not just new starters. If you are already working in accounting or finance, an apprenticeship with Premier Training can formalise your experience and open doors to higher roles, provided you are genuinely learning new skills through the programme.
Not sure whether an apprenticeship or a distance learning course is right for you? Premier Training also offers the same AAT qualifications as standalone distance learning courses — ideal if you are self-employed, between jobs or studying independently.
The starting point on the full AAT accounting pathway. Covers bookkeeping, costing, accounts preparation and payroll basics. Study online at your own pace.
View course → Level 3Covers financial statements, management accounting techniques, tax and business awareness. All units assessed by computer-based exam.
View course → Level 4Advanced accounting leading to full MAAT membership. Five computer-based end-of-unit assessments and a synoptic assessment.
View course → ApprenticeshipDetailed information about each apprenticeship standard including programme content, job roles, EPA details and employer requirements.
Full apprenticeship details →Whether you are a prospective apprentice or an employer interested in funding apprenticeship training, our team is here to help. Available Monday to Friday 9am–8pm and Saturday 9am–12pm.
Register your interest today and our apprenticeship team will be in touch to discuss programmes, eligibility and next steps.
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