AAT qualified jobs and salaries by level

19 August 2019

There are just so many jobs to choose from when you’re AAT qualified - you can really pick what you feel suits you best.

AAT is an accountancy qualification that makes you instantly more employable, leading to a great career.

Did you know?

85% of AAT members working with UK companies say they feel very or quite secure in
their job.

AAT salary survey 2021

What qualifications or experience do I need to study AAT?

None. You don’t need any prior qualifications or accountancy experience to begin studying AAT. Anyone, from school leavers to career changers, can start the qualification.

Great careers, in-demand skills

With an AAT qualification there are plenty of careers to choose from. Here are just a few to consider:

Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers allow businesses to have a full view of their finances at any time. They keep financial records up to date and accurate. They also deal with other tasks such as:

Purchase orders / invoicing
Sales accounting and credit control
Financial admin
Data processing
Payroll accounting
Preparing financial statements.

Average salary: £24,000 (reed.co.uk)
AAT course: Bookkeeping / Advanced Bookkeeping

Accounts assistant

Accounting Assistants support the Accounting department. They perform tasks such as:

Processing and recording transactions
Preparing reports and budgets
Act as a go between for clients and suppliers
Fact checking
Filing
Admin

Average salary: £21, 000 (2021 AAT salary survey)
AAT course: Foundation Certificate or Advanced Diploma

Payroll Manager

Payroll Managers are required to be responsible for the payroll team.

They deliver training and supervision to ensure legislative compliance.

Essentially they have a relationship with HR, and address any issues with payroll that employees may experience.

Average salary: £37,000 (indeed.co.uk)
AAT course: Professional Diploma

Did you know?

80% of those who have completed an AAT qualification agree that it has increased their earning potential

AAT salary survey 2021

Finance Analyst

Financial analysts typically work in: banks, pension funds, insurance companies, and other businesses. They advise businesses and individuals on investment decisions.

The work involves: the assessment of stocks, bonds, and investment performances.

Average salary: £39,000 (Glassdoor)
AAT course: Professional Diploma

Tax Manager

They create, implement and oversee tax plans for their clients (businesses or individuals).

Their primary goal is to accurately manage clients' tax reporting for compliance.

Average salary: £57,000 (totaljobs)
AAT course: Professional Diploma

Chartered accountant

Completing the Professional level gives you exemptions if you decide to progress to fully Chartered Accountant status. This applies to: CIMA, ACCA or ACA (ICAEW). So you’d be exempt for up to six papers for these qualifications.

Essentially, you’d fasttrack through your studies.

These are world renowned qualifications, which can bring huge benefits for your status and career.

Average salary: £38,000-£41,000 (reed.co.uk)
AAT course: Professional Diploma and beyond

Interesting fact

76% of members say they are very or quite satisfied with their
current job

AAT salary survey 2021

Or...specialise

The AAT Professional Diploma lets you choose from five options. This gives you the chance to become an expert in a chosen field such as: Tax, Audit or Credit Management.

Combined with the knowledge you’ve already developed, these specialisms will vastly enhance your career prospects.