A career in finance can be a lucrative and productive career path, as finance roles can be found within most sectors and organisations. There are many ways to start and develop within a finance career and some journeys may be different to others, but one thing is clear: having the right qualifications can really make a difference.

What is an AAT qualification?

AAT qualifications are internationally recognised vocational and technical qualifications in accounting, and bookkeeping. These qualifications are offered by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), the leading accounting body for accounting professionals. The AAT qualification is the start of an accountancy career for anyone without any previous experience.

These qualifications come in three levels: Level 2 (foundation), Level 3 (advanced) and Level 4 (professional).

How an AAT qualification can boost your career

While having an AAT qualification is not required for working within the finance sector, having this qualification can help you in your career as many employers prefer it. Having a qualification means that you have a good base knowledge of the finance sector and role and provides many practical skills for those looking to work in accounting.

For those currently working within a finance role, having additional qualifications can still be a huge benefit, as it will allow you to be able to progress into more senior roles and show your employer your dedication to your career.

Lastly, AAT qualifications can provide exemptions and faster routes to chartered accountancy qualifications like ACCA, ACA, or CIMA that are in high demand in various sectors.

Finance apprenticeships

A great way to gain a finance qualification is through an apprenticeship path. Undertaking an apprenticeship allows you to get real world experience while continuing to learn and gain a qualification. Apprenticeships have the benefit of allowing you to “learn as you earn” as you will be working a full-time job while getting your qualifications.

Apprenticeship pathways are also beneficial for employers, as they help employers to upskill their staff on the job making sure that the job gets done while ensuring their team is fully qualified.

You can become an apprentice and enter a job through the apprenticeship path, but you can also start an apprenticeship programme while currently employed to help you in your current role and progress further in your career.

LMP finance apprenticeships

LMP Education offers 3 finance apprenticeship programmes, all including AAT qualifications. Benefit from an enhanced learning experience from the new online and virtual classroom model through Mindful Education. On-demand access to high quality online finance training means that learners can study on their own terms, as their work schedule allows. Apprentices also benefit from blended learning and regular online classes with an expert LMP tutor, who guides them through their programme.

These three programmes are designed to help aspiring financial leader to progress through the levels of AAT qualifications and help them shape their careers.

Learn more about finance apprenticeships at LMP Education.

Case study: Oliver Greensmith

Oliver embarked on his finance apprenticeship journey in 2021. He initially joined TIEVA as a Level 3 Assistant Accountant apprentice after seeing the role advertised. Since then, Oliver continued to grow within TIEVA and finance, most recently being promoted to the role of Finance Manager. Oliver shared his apprenticeship journey with LMP while he was still on programme, read his story.

Are you ready to take the leap into apprenticeships? Explore all our programmes!

If you are an employer who is looking to hire or upskill your team through apprenticeships, book a discovery call today!

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