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Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship - Level 3

Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship - Level 3

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This occupation is found in all sectors and industries, including the private and the public sector. This ranges from small organisations through to large global corporations and government bodies.

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. In addition, the assistant accountant may find themselves involved in regulatory financial requirements. These may include the completion of VAT returns or assisting in the preparation of tax computations.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to deliver accurate and timely accounts services. This will include their line manager and team members, together with the workers and the clients of the organisation they are managing accounts for. They may liaise with software departments, or houses, where the accounts system is hosted externally.

An assistant accountant will be responsible for managing their own caseload and time whilst reporting to a more senior accountant.

Source: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st0002-v1-2?view=standard

  • Entry Requirements


    There are no set entry requirements but we recommend that Level 3 apprentices already hold a Level 2 Certificate in Accounting.

  • Course Content


    During your apprenticeship programme, you will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to include:

    Knowledge Principles of financial accounting, adjustment and reporting including calculation and input of accruals and prepayments, maintenance of the fixed asset register, accounting for asset purchase and disposal, depreciation, and financing. Principles of management accounting for example, the principles of provision of costings, awareness of monthly and rolling forecasting and including the principles of financial planning, the calculation of income and expenditure budgets, budget holder sign off, and the investigation and reporting of variances to budgets.

    Skills Assist with the investigation and response to financial information queries. Record and analyse financial data using the organisation's standard tools and processes. Apply double entry bookkeeping and accounting standards to process financial documents, generate financial statements and report financial information to users of accounts. Assist with production of accurate financial information for the preparation of accounts. Reconcile financial data, such as, preparation of reconciliations or review of reconciliations.

    Behaviours Collaborative and inclusive - builds strong collaborative working relationships recognising the importance of diversity and inclusion. Ethical and Professional - applies a transparent, objective and sustainable manner to meet the ethical requirements of the profession. Organised with an attention to detail – organises work efficiently and effectively to meet required targets, escalating queries or problems as appropriate. Demonstrates a professional approach to working to deadlines. Embracing change - accepts changing priorities and working requirements readily and has the flexibility to maintain high standards in a changing environment.

  • Progression Next Steps


    Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting

  • Course Structure


    This is a 2-year apprenticeship programme.

    In your first year, you will attend South Thames College one-day per week (Wednesdays) to study towards a Level 3 Diploma in Accounting (AAT), which is a mandatory requirement of the apprenticeship.

  • Assessment Details


    In addition to the Level 3 Diploma in Accounting (AAT) course, apprentices must also sit an End Point Assessment at the end of the programme.

    The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by this assessment method. It will typically contain 10 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.

    What is an end-point assessment and why it happens? An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.

    Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA. The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 15 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.

    The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:

    fail pass merit distinction

    When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.

    Source: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st0002-v1-2?view=standard