What Job Can I Get with AAT?


What job can I get with AAT?

When you're at the start of your AAT journey one of the most common questions you're likely to have is: 'what job can I get at the end of my AAT studies?'

Every two years AAT undertake a comprehensive survey of its members and we've used their most recent report to give you a idea of salary and job roles for each level of AAT.

AAT Level 2: Foundation Certificate in Accounting

This level will give you a solid grasp of basic accounting tasks. This includes essential bookkeeping tasks, the ability to accurately record financial transactions and reconciling accounts. In addition, you will have a basic understanding of cost classification.

What jobs can I get with AAT level 2?

  • Accounts Administrator
  • Accounts Assistant
  • Accounts Payable Clerk
  • Apprentice Accounts Assistant
  • Purchase/Sales Ledger Clerk
  • Trainee Accounting Technician
  • Trainee Finance Assistant

These roles will have similarities and overlap, generally at this level you’d be expected to handle a variety of financial and administrative tasks to support the smooth operation of an organisation’s accounts.

Typical duties may include:

  • Recording daily transactions and maintaining accurate ledgers.
  • Assisting with payroll processing and preparing invoices.
  • Reconciling bank statements and accounts.
  • Supporting the preparation of financial reports and tax returns.
  • Handling administrative tasks such as filing and data entry.

Expected salary

According to AAT, the average salary for Level 2 Accounting students is £24,500*

Source: AAT Salary Survey 2023 – The figure quoted refers to the average (median) full-time salary

AAT Level 3: Diploma in Accounting

Level 3 will equip you with a robust skill set and an in-depth understanding of advanced accounting concepts. You will be able to handle intricate financial transactions, perform complicated reconciliations, and contribute effectively to financial decision-making processes.

Additionally, you will gain expertise in preparing financial statements that comply with industry standards and regulations.

What jobs can I get with AAT level 3?

  • Accounts Assistant
  • Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor
  • Assistant Accountant
  • Audit Trainee
  • Credit Controller
  • Finance Assistant
  • Finance Officer
  • Payroll Supervisor
  • Senior Bookkeeper
  • Tax Assistant

Expected salary

According to AAT, the average salary for Level 3 Accounting students is £24,000*

Source: AAT Salary Survey 2023 – The figure quoted refers to the average (median) full-time salary

AAT Level 4: Diploma in Professional Accounting

At level 4, there are 3 compulsory units, and then you will complete 2 optional units out of a choice of 5. So your job options can vary depending on which optional units you choose.

What jobs can I get with AAT level 4?

  • Assistant Auditor
  • Assistant Financial Accountant
  • Assistant Management Accountant
  • Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor
  • Commercial Analyst
  • Cost Accountant
  • Fixed Asset Accountant
  • Indirect Tax Manager
  • Payroll Manager
  • Payments and Billing Manager
  • Professional Accounting Technician
  • Senior Bookkeeper
  • Senior Fund Accountant
  • Senior Financial Officer
  • Senior Insolvency Administrator
  • Tax Supervisor
  • VAT Accountant

Expected salary

After gaining the Level 4 qualification you’ll be eligible to apply for full membership of AAT (MAAT). Full members of AAT can expect to earn around £35,000.

Source: AAT Salary Survey 2023 – The figure quoted refers to the average (median) full-time salary

Salary Progression

The AAT’s Salary Survey revealed a 35% jump in salary to £35,000 when students have successfully completed Level 4 and become a Full Member of AAT (MAAT).

And after five years of MAAT status you are then eligible to apply for Fellow Membership (FMAAT). The average median salary for Fellow Members is £44,000 (an increase of 26% from those with MAAT status).

Source: AAT Salary Survey 2023

Career Progression and Further Opportunities

After completion of AAT Level 4, there is scope for further study at a higher level. There are different qualifications from several membership bodies to investigate.

The two most popular choices are ACCA and CIMA.

ACCA

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification (fundamentals level) is considered to be the equivalent of a degree. The Professionals level would be closer to a Masters equivalent.

There is an established pathway to ease your move from AAT to ACCA – ‘ACCA – Fast Forward’ – which includes exemptions from three papers from the Applied Knowledge level.

CIMA

The Chartered Institute for Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification is tailored towards someone aspiring towards a business leadership role. The CGMA Professional Qualification is benchmarked at Level 7, so is an equivalent to a Master’s degree in Accounting.

Accountext offer self-study textbooks and question banks for AAT units across levels 2, 3 and 4.

Get your guide - The *almost* compete guide to how and why to study AAT Accounting
Proud to sponsor AAT Acceleraate