Key Facts

Accounts or Finance Assistant Apprenticeship - Level 2

An Accounts or Finance Assistant's work could include basic bookkeeping activities, working with sales and purchase ledgers, running calculations to ensure that records and payments are correct, recording of cash and data entry. Accounts or Finance Assistant can work in almost any sector.

Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to work for an employer, earn a salary and at the same time study to achieve a nationally recognised qualification whilst gaining valuable workplace skills and experience. Apprenticeships are flexible and are designed to offer a structured programme of learning to fit around the needs of the individual and the employer.

Learning takes place mainly during the employment through the development of on the job skills, supported by your College based off the job training which will take place at the college typically for one day every other week. Both the on and off the job elements of the apprenticeship lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

  • Entry Requirements


    You must be in suitable employment to do an apprenticeship. Apprentices can be existing or new members of staff.

    Employers will set their own entry. Typically, an apprentice would be expected to have already achieved 5 GCSEs including English and maths grades A*/9-C/4. Some employers will accept other relevant qualifications and experience, including Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications.

    Apprentices without English and maths at Level 2 must achieve these prior to taking their End Point Assessment

  • Course Content


    An Accounts or Finance Assistant is an integral part of the team responsible for maintaining an efficient and accurate finance function within a business. The Accounts or Finance Assistant is responsible for assisting the team of accountants with junior accounting duties. These can vary massively depending on the team structure and size of business.

    An Accounts or Finance Assistant's work could include basic bookkeeping activities, working with sales and purchase ledgers, running calculations to ensure that records and payments are correct, recording of cash and data entry.

    Accounts or Finance Assistant can work in almost any sector. Potential employers include corporate businesses, sole traders, partnerships, Public sector, not-for-profit organisations and educational institutions. Accounts or Finance Assistant may work in-house for an organisation or they might work for accountancy firm, bookkeeping practice or Shared Service provider.

  • Progression Next Steps


    Apprentices maybe able to progress on to Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship - Level 3

  • Additional Information


    Click on the Apply link on this page to start the application process if you are in or have secured suitable employment for the Apprenticeship.

    For further guidance and information if you are not currently employed in a suitable role please have a look at Apprenticeship FAQs

    If you are an employer and interested in any of our Apprenticeships for your staff, please email our dedicated Apprenticeship team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • Course Structure


    The course is split into a number of phases:

    On-programme Training and development takes place during this part of the apprenticeship, with apprentices attending college one day a week plus assessment in the workplace. During this time, you will develop a portfolio. During their training, apprentices will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected from a competent Accounts or Finance Assistant.

    End Point Assessment (EPA) is the final stage that an apprentice goes through to complete their apprenticeship. The apprentice must show their learning to an independent end-point assessor and the overall grade available is distinction, pass or fail.

    The apprenticeship duration is a minimum of 12 months plus EPA. One day a week at College, with a minimum four days per week employed in suitable employment.

  • Assessment Details


    The apprentice has to successfully achieve their End Point Assessment (EPA) which includes;

    • Knowledge test - multiple choice exam paper,
    • Practical test and Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.