Overview

Accounting Technician Program

The Accounting Technician (AT) Program combines a nine-week AT Program course with AT Supervised Practical Experience.

The AT Program is currently offered only to applicants residing in Aotearoa, New Zealand. With more choice, flexibility and support as you develop your professional capabilities, the AT Program will prepare you for a successful career in accounting.

Not only will you gain a highly regarded accounting designation, you will also be equipped to shape a future where your contributions truly make a difference. The AT Program aligns with the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) competency framework for Accounting Technicians. This means that the educational quality of the AT Program meets International Accounting Standards.

Download the AT program course outline

AT Supervised Practical Experience

The supervised practical experience component of the AT Program supports you to develop and apply your professional and technical competencies on the job, while working under the guidance of a supervisor.

As an AT provisional member you are required to complete a logbook under supervision, outlining your work over one or two years, depending on your entry pathway. The logbook is designed in the form of a Professional Development Plan which helps both you and your supervisor to plan and achieve required competencies.

Download AT Supervised Practical Experience Logbook

The Professional Development Plan may also incorporate an employer's performance management, system competencies and other skills required to fulfil your longer-term objectives.

Access the AT Program progression plan to schedule your studies

Why AT

Be known for your accounting skills, experience, and high professional standards.

An Accounting Technician (AT) is specially trained to oversee and manage financial accounts to meet high ethical and professional standards.𠊊Ts are often the backbone of businesses, employed in finance and accounting roles within operational functions. These roles can include Assistant Accountant, Senior Accountant, Finance Manager, Office Manager and Financial Controller.

Give your career a lift

Focused on developing your skills and staying up to date with the latest developments in the modern accounting environment, an AT designation can build your confidence and open doors to a wider selection of career opportunities. Backed by research with ATs, employers and academics, our AT program sets you up with a future-focused, relevant skill set. This involves real, scenario-based learning focused on competencies of future accountants.

Upskill your team

For people leaders and employers, skilled ATs on a finance team drive accuracy, productivity and standards into daily work and help ensure accounting processes and knowledge are up-to-date and best practice. You can support your employees to become an AT by helping them determine the right pathway for their development, verifying their work experience and investing in their future by contributing towards their membership fees.

Access to Professional development and support

As a member, you are part of a network of over 140,000 financial professionals who make a difference to businesses and communities. From members-only webinars, resources and networking events to complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning and the CA Library, your membership ensures you are equipped with the support, skills and information to thrive in the accounting profession.

Know for high ethical and professional standards

ATs are members of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and subject to a Code of Ethics throughout their career. This ensures that the AT designation and members are known for high standards and remain trusted in the profession and community.

Eligibility

There are two entry pathways into the AT program:

Experience Pathway

This pathway enables you to be formally recognised for your existing skills and experience, which must include five or more years relevant employment in accounting or finance roles. The current form and process does not require a competence level check and instead looks at role and years of experience.

Academic Pathway

This pathway is applicable if you are studying towards or have gained a formal academic qualification covering accounting and business management. This should be completion of a New Zealand Diploma in Business, or equivalent university degree level study.
This pathway allows you to undertake the AT Program while you study towards an approved course covering required competence areas.

If you have obtained any of the following qualifications, you will be eligible for the academic pathway:

• NZ Diploma of Business (Level 5) Accounting Strand (1 year full-time study NZQA2459)
• NZ Diploma of Business (Level 6) Accounting Strand (1 year full-time study NZQA2460)
• NZ National Diploma in Business Level 6 (2 years full time study NZQA1499) with specified topic coverage
• Completed at least the first year of study of a CA ANZ accredited degree and passed subjects in required AT competence areas

Note: 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.

AT approved academic course lists

For more information on entry qualification and education providers, please refer to the AT approved academic course lists

2025 Course List

2024 Course List

2023 Course List

2020 - 2022 Course List

Overseas or other non-accredited academic qualification

Complete the Standard assessment of qualifications form

If you hold a qualification from an overseas or non-accredited New Zealand educational provider, you will need to apply for a Standard Assessment to determine if you meet the entry requirements.

AT Program enrolment resource & guides

For more information about enroling in the AT Program below.

AT Program Terms and Conditions

AT program course enrolment guide

Schedule + Fees

AT Program Fee

Fees apply prior to commencing the AT program. Subject tuition fees must be paid at the time of enrolment by nominating to pay upfront by credit card.

Note: Prices are inclusive of GST

CA ANZ Full Membership Application Fee

Once you’ve completed the AT Program course and supervised practical experience, including the logbook, you can apply to become a full member of CA ANZ and enjoy the full benefits as part of your membership.

Note: Prices are inclusive of GST

AT Supervised Practical Experience

AT Supervised Practical Experience is an integral part of becoming an AT, requiring you to demonstrate technical and professional competencies in the workplace. This can include knowledge and skills to solve problems, make decisions, work in teams, build relationships and communicate with others. The length of time of your supervised practical experience depends on your pathway and education.

AT Program Course

The AT Program course involves a total 45 learning and assessment hours over eight weeks, and is offered four times a year. You can choose a time that suits you best to enrol in the course. The blended learning program comprises of three elements:

• Accounting Technician Essentials (online learning)
• Accounting Technician Workshop (workshop)
• Accounting Technician Assessment (exam)

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Choose a suitable entry pathway into the AT Program

There are two pathways into the AT Program:

Experience Pathway

This pathway enables you to be formally recognised for your existing skills and experience, which must include five or more years relevant employment in accounting or finance roles. The current form and process does not require a competence level check and instead looks at role and years of experience.

Academic Pathway

This pathway is applicable if you are studying towards or have gained a formal academic qualification covering accounting and business management. This should be completion of a New Zealand Diploma in Business, or equivalent university degree level study.
This pathway allows you to undertake the AT Program while you study towards an approved course covering required competence areas.

If you have obtained any of the following qualifications, you will be eligible for the academic pathway:

• NZ Diploma of Business (Level 5) Accounting Strand (1 year full-time study NZQA2459)
• NZ Diploma of Business (Level 6) Accounting Strand (1 year full-time study NZQA2460)
• NZ National Diploma in Business Level 6 (2 years full time study NZQA1499) with specified topic coverage
• Completed at least the first year of study of a CA ANZ accredited degree and passed subjects in required AT competence areas

Contact us

Have questions or feedback on the AT Program? Access our FAQs here or Contact us for assistance.

Mary Rose Hancox AT

“I am so glad I could continue my passion for helping others by becoming an accountant. The AT Program has equipped me with the skill requires to truly make a difference.” 

Erutini Paringtai-Walker AT

“Becoming an AT has given me the opportunities to grow and network with other likeminded people, create positive change and meaningful engagements with different business and brands, and give back to my people”

April Stone AT

“I didn’t have a degree but that didn’t stop me from getting a job at one of the world’s top accounting firms.”

Register your interest

If you would like more information about the AT Program, register your interest by filling in the form below and we will get in touch with you:

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.