Accounts Finance Assistant Apprenticeship

The Accounts Finance Assistant Apprenticeship is a Level 2 – equivalent to GCSEs – and will equip apprentices with skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in their roles.

This apprenticeship is ideal for team members who assist with financial tasks and undertake junior accounting duties. Apprentices will learn foundation bookkeeping and accounting software skills.

This flexible apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom.

Please note: classroom attendance is one evening/day per week/fortnight during term time. The duration of the apprenticeship will be 12-14 months.

What will I learn?

This qualification will prepare apprentices for junior and entry-level accounting roles. It delivers a solid foundation in finance administration – covering areas such as double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing principles and using accounting software.

This apprenticeship standard is at Level 2. The structure allows students to achieve the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Foundation Certificate in Accounting as their on-programme learning. This internationally recognised AAT qualification enables those working in accounting or those looking to pursue accountancy as a career to gain knowledge, practical experience and the all-important certification often sought by employers.

Example modules

The Level 2 apprenticeship covers a range of key areas, including:

Bookkeeping transactions
Bookkeeping Controls
Using Accounting Software
Elements of Costing
Work effectively in Finance

You will also develop business communications and lifelong learning skills, applying what you learn on the course to the wider industry context.

Study Method – Online and On-Campus

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this apprenticeship through our Online and On-Campus model.

Online lessons can be accessed at any time, using a mobile, tablet or desktop – meaning apprentices can fit their study around work commitments, minimising disruption in the workplace.

On-campus, apprentices benefit from face-to-face classes at college with an experienced tutor. A combination of classroom-based lessons, group exercises and discussion encourage apprentices to apply theory to real-life workplace situations.

This modern, flexible approach to apprenticeship training empowers learners, minimises disruption to employers, and delivers tangible results in the workplace.

Apprentices will attend college once every two weeks and will study online materials during the allotted time at work.

How will I be assessed?

To complete the Accounts/Finance Assistant Apprenticeship, apprentices will be expected to complete:

A synoptic end-test covering the knowledge and skills gained throughout the on-programme stage and detailed in the standard.
A portfolio and reflective discussion will comprise a range of evidence produced in the workplace to show that the Apprentice has met the knowledge, skills and behaviours detailed in the standard. The reflective discussion will be a structured interview to examine this evidence and the learner journey in more detail.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this apprenticeship. Previous knowledge of accounting or a Level 1 Bookkeeping qualification would be advantageous but not essential. Apprentices will need to be employed in a relevant finance, bookkeeping or accounting role.

Progression

On successful completion of this course, you can progress to higher levels of the AAT Accounting Qualifications via apprenticeship training or through part-time courses (Level 3 and then on to Level 4).

Career opportunities

The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this qualification will qualify you for roles including Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant, Credit Control Assistant or Purchase Ledger Clerk.

Additional information

Fortnightly/weekly evening/daytime classes will be held at college.

Course costs

The cost of the apprenticeship programme is £6,000. Levy paying employers can access levy funds to pay for this programme, and our blended learning model can contribute to the 20% off-the-job training requirement.