Level 4 Professional Accounting Taxation Technician Apprenticeship Standard
Trusted with the figures other people rely on
An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.
The short answer
What an apprentice needs
Apprentices will be required to have or achieve a level 2 English and Maths.
The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.
What they’ll learn
In an accounting practice, a professional services company, HMRC, or a business's own finance function.
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They will produce financial information that is right and on time
Creating it, and verifying and reviewing what others have produced. Both halves matter, and the second is the one that catches errors.
Covers creating financial information, verifying and reviewing, accuracy and timeliness
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They will meet the ethical, professional and legal standards
This is a regulated field. Knowing where the line is, and staying the right side of it, is part of the competence rather than an add-on to it.
Covers ethical standards, professional standards, legal requirements
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They will know your systems as well as the accounting
Standard accounting and tax practice applied through the actual business systems and processes in front of them.
Covers business systems and processes, standard accounting practice, tax practice
Nobody springs anything on anyone
All apprentices must undertake an independent endpoint assessment which is an assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours which have been developed throughout the apprenticeship. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure the apprentice meets the standard set by employers and are fully competent in the occupation.
Coursework and portfolio
Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.
A review with you
The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.
A full mock
Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.
What it takes, on both sides
If you're the employer
- A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
- Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
- Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
- Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.
If you want to be the apprentice
- A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
- Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
- An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
- No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
This is a step, not a destination
Most of our apprentices carry on, usually with the same employer and usually into a wider role. Which route is right depends on the job being done, so it is worth a conversation rather than a guess.
Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.
Where this course can take you
- Before you start
- This course Level 4
- Further study
Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.
Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 5 FdA in Management At University Campus North LincolnshireAlso at University Campus Doncaster
- Level 5 CMI Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management At this collegeAlso at Doncaster College
- Level 5 Level 5 Operations/Department Manager Higher Apprenticeship Standard At this college
See all 15 courses
At this college
At University Campus North Lincolnshire
At Doncaster College
Careers it can lead to
- Finance Officers £27,400 a year
- Financial and Accounting Technicians £63,100 a year
- Book-keepers, Payroll Managers and Wages Clerks £25,700 a year
- Financial Accounts Managers £41,300 a year
See all 11 careers
- Financial Administrative Occupations £24,600 a year
With further study or experience
- Taxation Experts £39,200 a year
- Chartered and Certified Accountants £39,100 a year
- Management Consultants and Business Analysts £43,100 a year
- Finance and Investment Analysts and Advisers £42,300 a year
- Business and Financial Project Management Professionals £52,000 a year
- Financial Managers and Directors £50,900 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
How to start this apprenticeship
It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.
Put someone on this programme
Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.
Speak to us today 01724 281111
Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.
You'll need an employer first
An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.