AAT Job Map

Association of Accounting Technicians News
What types of jobs are appropriate for the different levels of qualification?
As a guide, student members will be eligible for the roles outlined below on completion of the following levels, subject to their level of work experience:


AAT Foundation/Certificate level

Jobs that can be undertaken on completion at this level may have an administrative emphasis.
Typical job description at this level: Finance Assistant / Administrator
Typical duties may include:
1.Inputs and processes financial information (i.e. invoices, receipts and payments), completing routine financial transactions in accordance with procedures.
2.Responds to routine enquiries from staff/customers and suppliers and investigates queries as required.
3.May advise patients/clients regarding eg charges.
4.Able to prepare ledger balances and an initial trial balance.
5.Responsible for petty cash and bank account reconciliation for the organisation.

Accounting technicians use computers regularly to make tax calculations or establish balances using accounting software. They also use databases and spreadsheets.

AAT Intermediate / Advanced Certificate level

Jobs that can be undertaken on completion at this level may have a more evaluative emphasis.
Typical job description at this level: Finance Officer
Typical duties may include:
1.Ensures financial, payroll information is processed in accordance with procedures and in order to provide information for statutory returns.
2.Investigates enquiries and queries from suppliers and staff/customers and provides assistance and advice as required.
3.Ensures that work is completed in line with financial timescales
4.May advise customers regarding charges/payments
5.Able to record and evaluate costs and revenues.
6.Able to prepare a set of accounts and tax returns
7.Able to maintain financial records and prepare accounts.
8.Knowledge of computerised accounting systems.
9.Working knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping
Accounting technicians use computers regularly to make tax calculations or establish balances using accounting software. They also use databases and spreadsheets.


AAT Technician / Diploma level

Jobs that can be undertaken on completion of this level may have a management emphasis.
Typical job description at this level:

Finance Team Leader
Typical duties may include:
1.Leads a team of finance staff
2.Ensures financial information is processed in accordance with procedures and in order to provide information for statutory returns.
3.Investigates enquiries, providing assistance and advice as required.
4.Ensures that work is completed in line with financial timescales and legal requirements.
5.May provide advice to customers regarding eg charges

Finance Officer (Higher Level)
Typical duties may include:
1.Ensures financial information is processed in accordance with procedures and in order to provide information for statutory returns, through completion of own work and through the coordination of the work of others.
2.Investigates financial enquiries, providing assistance and advice as required.
3.Ensures that work is completed in line with financial timescales and legal requirements
4.May provide advice to customers regarding e.g. charges
Accounting technicians use computers regularly to make tax calculations or establish balances using accounting software. They also use databases and spreadsheets.


AAT full membership (MAAT)

Jobs that can be undertaken at this level (as at the technician level) may have a managerial emphasis. The position could also have a supervisory role.
Eligibility for these roles would depend on previous experience.
As a full or fellow member, you can make the most of a range of discounts and services all designed to assist in your professional life, and enhance your leisure time through specially negotiated discounts and membership offers.
Finance Section Manager
Typical duties may include:
1.Responsible for the daily management of a finance team e.g. payroll, financial accounts.
2.Ensures financial information is processed in accordance with procedures, in order to provide information for statutory returns.
3.Investigates complex enquiries providing assistance and advice as required.
4.Ensures that work is completed in line with financial timescales and legal requirements, interpreting these where necessary.
5.May provide advice to customers regarding eg charges.

Finance Analyst
Typical duties may include:
1.Ensures financial information is processed in accordance with procedures, in order to provide information for statutory returns, through completion of own work and through the coordination of the work of others.
2.Investigates complex financial enquiries, providing assistance and advice as required.
3.Ensures that work is completed in line with financial timescales and legal requirements, interpreting these where necessary.
4.May provide advice to customers regarding e.g. charges.
Accounting technicians use computers regularly to make tax calculations or establish balances using accounting software. They also use databases and spreadsheets.
For more information on jobs available see the Trainee Recruitment Service on www.aat.org.uk