Skip to main content

Latest insights

From study tips to career advice, thought leadership to professional development, explore from a range of insights suited to learners and employers.

Is it time for a new apprenticeship route to become an accountant?

A woman in business attire standing at a fork in a dirt road, symbolizing a decision point or crossroads, with open fields and distant mountains in the background.

For years, the typical route for a school leaver aspiring to become an accountant has followed a well-established structure: begin with the Levels 2, 3, and 4 in accountancy, before moving onto a chartered qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW. This progression has served the profession well, producing capable accountants grounded in financial fundamentals.

Traditionally, the journey has looked like this:

But in an evolving world, where digital transformation, automation, and data are reshaping business, should we be asking: is it time for a new route into accountancy?

A new perspective: integrating data skills early

Swapping the traditional Level 3 Assistant Accountant apprenticeship for the Level 3 Data Technician apprenticeship offers a significant shift in emphasis. Instead of focusing solely on transactional finance and bookkeeping, learners are exposed to the rapidly growing discipline of data management and analysis - skills that are increasingly valuable across all areas of business, including finance.

Let’s compare the two:

Skills comparison

Skill areaAssistant Accountant (Level 3)Data Technician (Level 3)
Core focusFinancial reporting, budgeting, general accounting principlesData sourcing, preparation, analysis, and presentation
Technical proficiencyPreparing financial statements, reconciling accountsCollecting, formatting, and analysing data using statistical tools
Software utilisationAccounting software (e.g. Sage, QuickBooks)Data tools (e.g. Excel, SQL, Power BI)
Regulatory knowledgeAccounting standards and financial regulationsData protection laws and ethical handling of information
Communication skillsReporting financial matters to internal stakeholdersPresenting data insights to technical and non-technical audiences

Behaviours comparison

Behavioural traitAssistant Accountant (Level 3)Data Technician (Level 3)
Attention to detailAccuracy in financial recordsPrecision in data cleaning, analysis, and reporting
ConfidentialityHandling financial data responsiblyManaging sensitive information in line with data regulations (e.g. GDPR)
AdaptabilityResponding to regulatory changesAdapting to new data technologies and methods
ProfessionalismUpholding ethical financial practicesDemonstrating integrity in data handling and analysis
Continuous learningStaying current with accounting standardsKeeping up with emerging tools and data practices

The Kaplan ACCA Finance Analyst Pathway

Here at Kaplan, we’ve taken this concept a step further by creating a new route that blends financial and analytical skills from the outset: the ACCA Finance Analyst Pathway.

This innovative programme allows learners to:

  1. Start with our free online bookkeeping courses, which cover the core fundamentals and prepare learners for progression into a formal apprenticeship.
  2. Move into the ACCA Finance Analyst programme, which combines the Level 3 Data Technician apprenticeship with the first three papers of ACCA:
    • Business and Technology (BT)
    • Financial Accounting (FA)
    • Management Accounting (MA)

    This unique blend develops practical, applied data skills alongside core finance knowledge. These initial ACCA papers are equivalent to a Level 4 qualification, meaning learners can progress straight onto a Level 7 programme — bypassing the traditional standalone Level 4 apprenticeship.

  3. Progress directly onto the Level 7 ACCA apprenticeship, entering with a strong foundation in both financial and analytical capability. Learners are equipped not just for traditional accountancy roles but also for roles where financial expertise and data insight intersect.

A broader skillset for the future of finance

This pathway produces a well-rounded, future-ready finance professional. Not only do learners gain a head start on their ACCA qualification, but they also bring a broader perspective to their roles, combining finance knowledge with data fluency, critical thinking, and insight-driven decision making.

So, is it time?

As the role of the accountant continues to evolve, it’s clear that the profession needs adaptable, data-literate talent. While the traditional route still offers strong foundations, integrating data skills earlier in the journey can unlock a more modern, versatile career path.

The ACCA Finance Analyst Pathway offers just that, a powerful new route for the next generation of finance professionals. Find out more by visiting our ACCA Finance Analyst apprenticeship page.

Ready to step into the future of finance?

Find out more

Mentioned Products:

ACCA Finance Analyst (Level 3)

Table of contents

Share article

Related articles

How to gain a salary progression when working in finance

How to gain a salary progression when working in finance

Discover smart, practical steps that can elevate your earning potential.

Kaplan · 2 minute read

Is it time for a new apprenticeship route to become an accountant?

Is it time for a new apprenticeship route to become an accountant?

Blending essential data skills with core finance knowledge from day one is more important than ever in today’s data-driven world of accountancy.

Kaplan · 4 minute read

Do I have to do a graduate scheme to progress my finance career?

Do I have to do a graduate scheme to progress my finance career?

No graduate scheme? No problem. Explore finance career alternatives like apprenticeships, qualifications, and internships.

Kaplan · 2 minute read

View all articles

Lady smiling while looking at mobile phone

Stay in the loop

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive:

  • Exclusive offers
  • Webinar invites
  • Accountancy insights

Subscribe to our Newsletter