What is an accounting technician?

An accounting technician is someone who has qualified with the AAT.  Accounting technicians work at all levels of finance, depending on the level of their career. Some accounting technicians work as accounts clerks, others go on to become managing directors or finance directors of well known companies.

Our qualifications

Our vocational qualifications are designed to give our students practical accounting skills that they can use in the workplace. We assess understanding and ability through a combination of exams and skills tests.  These include

    * The AAT Accounting Qualification
    * The Certificate in Payroll Administration (QCF)
    * The AAT Level 2 Award in Bookkeeping (QCF)

We have recently introduced computer based exams (CBE) for some qualifications. CBEs run throughout the year, allowing student members to take their exams on a computer, in a supervised environment. CBEs help students to progress through our qualifications at their own pace, rather than being restricted by exam sittings.

The AAT was set up in 1980 by merging two accountancy bodies

    * The Institute of Accounting Staff (IAS)
    * The Association of Technicians in Finance and Accounting (ATFA)

At the time it had 5,995 members and 19,405 students.  Since then, the AAT has gained more than 120,000 members, and expanded its qualifications and branch network into 90 countries. The branches are run in the same way as they are in the UK, with volunteers giving up their time to support other AAT members in their professional development.

CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA and ICAS have continued to support the AAT.

These bodies recognise the skill and aptitude of AAT qualified people by offering them attractive opportunities for further progression.