AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) is calling on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to consider taking on accounting apprentices to help them improve financial resilience and strengthen their bottom line.
To help support small accountancy practices and SMEs who are considering taking on apprentices but are unsure where to start, AAT has launched two new e-books with targeted advice and information. The e-books cover issues including what benefits apprentices can bring to a business and how they can shape organisational culture, as well as simple steps to get started, what financial support is available and ‘myth-busting’ sections tackling some of the major concerns SMEs have around hiring apprentices. They also include real-life examples of accounting apprentices and companies who have hired them, showing the positive impact that investment in apprentices can have on SMEs.
Anthony Clarke, business development manager (employers), AAT, said: “The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and economic slowdown and uncertainty mean that many SMEs are finding their cash flows and balance sheets under increasing strain. Now, more than ever, good financial management is needed to help businesses not only survive, but also adapt to new opportunities.
“Hiring an accounting apprentice can bring huge benefits to SMEs, including improving financial resilience and company culture, providing invaluable support in hands-on ways, and bringing accountancy knowledge and technical skills coupled with strong business behaviours into the heart of the organisation. Yet SMEs and small accountancy practices often have concerns about hiring accountancy apprentices, such as the cost of training and how much time they will spend away from the office.
“That’s why AAT has developed two new e-books to help SMEs and small accountancy practices who are interested in hiring apprentices to get started, as well as tackling the common perceptions around accounting apprentices and outlining what financial help they can access. For organisations who invest in apprentices, the reward is loyal, highly qualified employees who can help upskill the business as a whole and have the skills to succeed in a rapidly changing business environment.”
AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) is the UK’s leading qualification and professional body for technical accountants and bookkeepers, and has around 130,000 members in over 100 countries. We have been helping people enter and develop their skills within the accounting sector for the past 40 years.
We offer a range of qualifications that are open to all regardless of previous education or age, such as the AAT Accounting Qualifications that provide a non-degree route into chartered accountancy, and the AAT Bookkeeping Qualifications that can support business growth through accurate and up-to-date financial records. Students encompass a wide range from school and college leavers, to older people hoping to change their career or learn the skills to run their own business.
An AAT Accountant is a qualified accounting professional with the practical and technical skills needed to support businesses with their accounting activities. Typical job roles of an AAT Accountant include: Financial Accountant, Commercial Analyst, Senior Finance Officer, Payroll Manager, VAT Accountant and Tax Supervisor. An AAT Accountant in the UK can sign off the accounts for small companies that meet two out of three of the criteria of turnover less than £10.2 million, total assets less than £5.1 million and less than 50 employees. Currently over half a million businesses trust AAT Accountants and AAT Bookkeepers to service their accounting requirements.
AAT awards around 80% of all technical qualifications in accounting in the UK, and generous exemptions are provided by many of the senior UK bodies including ACCA, CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA and ICAS. As part of our ongoing commitment to service excellence, we’re proud to be a member of the Institute of Customer Service, the independent professional body for customer service.
AAT’s qualifications are internationally respected. AAT works hard to raise the profile of accounting technicians worldwide and their role in building stronger economies. Globally, in select economies, AAT plays a role in establishing, maintaining and raising professional standards of accountancy practice. See our international page for more information about options for international students.