Accounting Technician
Flexible, experience-based training
In brief
- The AT designation is formal recognition of your practical accounting skills and experience
- Choose from one of two pathways to become an AT and broaden your career options
- ATs may be able to work in financial roles including payroll, account management, budget preparation and more
Build the foundations
Accounting Technicians (ATs) prepare and manage financial accounts across different areas of finance and business. Currently the designation is only available in New Zealand.
Their skills are valued by organisations that employ qualified ATs in roles such as account management, payroll, budget preparation or assistant finance manager.
Our flexible, detailed training program has learning options to suit different individuals.
Whether you're just starting out in your accounting career or building on the experience you already have, you can earn the AT designation through practical, academic or on-the-job learning.
Pathways to membership
You can apply for membership and start your journey through one of the following pathways:
- Academic pathway: a formal academic qualification covering accounting and business management.
- Experience pathway: An assessment of your practical skills and experience against set competencies, gained through on-the-job training.
If you choose the academic you will also need to complete the 2 year's practical experience. All candidates are required to complete the professional ethics module.
The NZICA Rules do not permit Accounting Technicians to offer accounting services to the public. Members offering accounting services to the public must be a CA Member and hold a Certificate of Public Practice.
Practical experience
Practical experience complements your educational requirements by providing the opportunity to apply your knowledge.
It can also provide you with the knowledge, professional skills and hands-on learning to excel and stand out.
You must complete two years of relevant accounting employment; at least 17.5 hours per week for a minimum of three months in one role (full time equivalent based on a 35 hour week).
Relevant accounting employment provides experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Financial accounting
- Auditing
- General practice
- Management accounting
- Taxation
- Financial management
- Financial advice
- Treasury
- Information systems
- Academia
- Comparable sub-divisions of accounting
This experience will be verified by your supervisor or manager and reviewed by a current Chartered Accountants ANZ member.
Relevant Accounting Employment Form
Download the Verification of Relevant Accounting Employment form
Download nowProfessional Ethics (PETH)
A distinguishing mark of the accountancy profession is its acceptance of the responsibility to act in the public interest. Chartered Accountants ANZ advances and upholds this responsibility by requiring its members to maintain and observe a high level of professional and ethical conduct at all times.
This course will provide an understanding of the accounting profession in New Zealand and it will explain the role of Accounting Technicians (AT) and Associate Chartered Accountants (ACA) in upholding their responsibilities both as advocates of public interest and as members of CA ANZ.
Key features of the Professional Ethics (PETH) course include:
- 25 hours of online study covering 11 learning units.
- 90-minute multiple choice, closed-book, paper-based examination held throughout New Zealand.
- The cost for six weeks access to the online study and the examination is $345 including GST.
- You need to be a provisional AT or provisional ACA member before you can register for the PETH course.
