Be an Independent Assessor for apprenticeships

AAT is registered as an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) so we can offer End Point Assessments (EPAs) for these apprenticeships:

• Level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant
• Level 3 Assistant Accountant v1.1 and v1.2
• Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician.

We're recruiting a team of Independent Assessors (IAs) to assess the portfolio/reflective components of EPAs. We'd like to hear from suitably qualified and experienced accounting and tax professionals in England who are interested in getting involved in this exciting new area of work.

Please read the details below and, if you have the skills, experience and commitment we're looking for, complete the application form (PDF) and email it to trailblazer.assessor@aat.org.uk together with your current CV.

Responsibilities

• Assess (remotely and/or face to face) components of EPAs, including portfolios and reflective statements/discussions, within agreed timescales and in accordance with the apprenticeship standards, AAT criteria and associated procedures.
• Make robust assessment decisions (including grading decisions at Level 3) taking account of all relevant evidence submitted or presented by apprentices.
• Record assessment decisions, complete reports and maintain assessment records accurately and in accordance with AAT requirements.
• Participate in standardisation activities to ensure the consistency of assessment decisions and processes.
• Bring to AAT’s immediate attention suspected cases of malpractice or maladministration and assist AAT, if required, in malpractice investigations.
• Assist AAT, if required, with appeals from apprentices about assessment decisions.
• Liaise closely with AAT staff and Chief IAs and respond promptly to any requests for advice or information.
• Attend initial and ongoing training events (at least annually) and keep own knowledge and skills up to date through continuing professional development.
• Act in a professional and courteous manner at all times when conducting EPAs for AAT.

Qualifications, skills and experience

For the Level 3 Assistant Accountant apprenticeship v1.1 and v1.2, IAs must have:

• an accounting qualification at Level 3 or above
• occupational competence in accounting (preferably within the last five years)
• experience of assessment in an education, training or mentoring capacity
• the A1 Assessor Award or the Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement, or be working towards one of these
• a current UK driving licence.

For the Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician apprenticeship, IAs must have:

• an accounting or taxation qualification at Level 5 or above
• a professional accountancy qualification, as defined by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), or be a Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA, Member of The Chartered Institute of Taxation)*
• specific knowledge and experience of the profession so that competence of the apprentice can be effectively ascertained
• recent experience (within the last five years) of working in professional accountancy and/or taxation services
• experience of assessment in an education, training or mentoring capacity*
• the A1 Assessor Award or the Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement*, or be working towards one of these
• a current UK driving licence.

*These specific requirements aren't mandatory for all IA appointed to carry out EPAs for the Level 4 Professional Accounting/Taxation Technician apprenticeship. However, it's a requirement of the assessment plan developed that 50% of these IAs are professional accountants or chartered tax advisors.

AAT is also keen to ensure that as many IAs as possible have assessment experience and/or hold the relevant assessment qualifications. We're therefore especially interested in receiving applications from individuals that meet these specific requirements for the Level 4 apprenticeship.

Time commitment

It's difficult to make an accurate assessment of time commitments until we know more precisely the number of apprentices that will be requiring EPAs. However, we are asking IAs to commit to a minimum of around 20 days per annum, if possible, which will include attendance at standardisation events.

While some assessments will need to be conducted at employer or training provider premises, much of the work will be carried out remotely, which should make it easier for IAs to fit in their assessment work around other commitments. We're also appointing on a regional basis, which should minimise unnecessary travel time when carrying out on-site assessments.

Applying

Once we receive your application we'll assess whether or not you've got the skills and experience that we're looking for and arrange for an initial discussion over the telephone. If you're then shortlisted we'll invite you to a half-day selection workshop, so that we can further assess your suitability. If we decide to appoint you we'll issue a contract and invite you to attend a full day's induction and training workshop before you carry out any assessment work.

If you're interested in this role and feel that you have the skills, experience and commitment we're looking for, please complete the application form (PDF) and email it to trailblazer.assessor@aat.org.uk together with your current CV.