Assistant Accountant
Carrying out routine financial activities and support for businesses and organisations of all types and sizes.
Overview of the role
The broad purpose of the occupation is to support internal and external customers in the administration of their financial and accounting activities. They may work as an assistant accountant in a practice or alternatively within the finance function of an organisation. An assistant accountant helps in the operation of day-to-day financial activities. These may include data entry to month end management accounts and year-end financial statements.
Details of the Standard
The apprenticeship is broken up into distinct phases:
- The sign-up, which includes an assessment of maths and English, and an agreement between us, the apprentice and the employer, regarding the training plan.
- The practical period, which is the bulk of the apprenticeship. This is where the apprentice completes their required off-job-training according to the agreed training plan.
- The gateway. At the end of the practical period, the employer, training provider and apprentice meet to discuss the next, and final stage, the End Point Assessment (EPA). At the Gateway meeting, we ensure that the apprentice is ready to undertake the EPA.
- The End Point Assessment (EPA) is the last stage of the apprenticeship. The apprentice will undertake a multiple choice test and a professional discussion. Successfully completing this step results in achieving the apprenticeship!
Duration
This apprenticeship is based on an 12 to 14-month practical period, although this may be amended based on prior experience and recognised qualifications. The minimum duration is 12-months.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements are largely dependent on the vacancy notice set out by the employer - please read the job advert that relates to the role you are considering.
English and maths
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to completion of their Apprenticeship.
Curriculum, delivery and readiness for End-Point-Assessment
The content delivery will be agreed between the apprentice, employer and training provider and is based upon prior knowledge and qualifications. This agreement forms the individualised Training Plan, detailing how the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the apprenticeship Standard will be met.
As a gateway requirement, apprentices must complete any maths / English required, submit their portfolio of evidence and have completed the mandatory qualification: AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting / AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.
Summary End-Point-Assessment
The EPA consists of two distinct assessment methods: the multiple choice test will have 40 questions and you will have 150 minutes to complete it. You will also have a professional discussion with an independent assessor which will last 60 minutes; you will be asked at least 10 questions.
Progression
Progression from this apprenticeship is expected to be into a Professional Accounting / Tax Technician apprenticeship at Level 4. Examples of roles include Assistant Auditor, Assistant Management Accountant, Assistant Financial Accountant, Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor, Commercial Analyst, Senior Bookkeeper, Senior Financial Officer, Personal Tax Assistant and Business Tax Assistant.