Assistant Accountant

The Assistant Accountant apprenticeship provides an ideal progression route for those who have completed the level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant Apprenticeship. It builds on the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed through the level 2 programme and takes them to a more advanced level.

Examples of roles for which the programme is suitable include: Assistant Accountant, Trainee Accounting Technician, Accounts Clerk, Cashier, Finance Assistant, Purchase Ledger Clerk or Sales Ledger Clerk.

The Assistant Accountant apprenticeship standard details the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) expected of a competent Assistant Accountant. The KSB are covered through 9 duties, these are:

• Duty 1 - Assist with monthly and year end reporting of financial and accounts information. This will include the timely collation of data from a range of sources, such as different functions within one organisation, or a range of external clients if operating in a practice. This includes both foreseeable finance and accounting data requirements and unexpected requirements.
• Duty 2 - Maintain financial and accounting records including the timely collation of data from a range of sources. For example, different functions within one organisation, or a range of external clients if operating in practice. This includes both foreseeable requirements and unexpected requests, often to tight timescales.
• Duty 3 - Safeguard against suspicious activities for example anti-money laundering.
• Duty 4 - Assist with the compilation of accounting and financial records, for example, to inform direct and indirect tax returns under supervision, audit documentation or control account reconciliations.
• Duty 5 - Deliver financial and accounting information and data to stakeholders to ensure that key messages are communicated.
• Duty 6 - Assist in the maintenance and use of digital systems by using software applications and packages to support the delivery of accurate and timely financial and accounting information.
• Duty 7 - Use digital systems safely to ensure that the cyber security of the organisation is not compromised, and data handling legislative requirements are met.
• Duty 8 - Undertake Continuous Professional Development by keeping up to date with relevant statutory obligations and procedural best practice.
• Duty 9 - Collaborate with people both internally and/or externally at appropriate levels with a view to deliver a service that meets customer’s needs with a commitment to professional and ethical standards, for example, professional code of conduct and duty of confidentiality as appropriate.

Learners complete the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting alongside the apprenticeship. The four qualification modules are listed in the curriculum above. The first three modules are each assessed through 2 and a half hour online exams, Tax is 90-minutes, and is sat at an approved assessment centre. Further information can be found here. The AAT level 3 diploma qualifies for UCAS points as follows:

The qualification is delivered online with AAT tutor support where required. An Assessor Coach also supports learners through the apprenticeship.

Once training is complete and all required elements have been achieved, learners take an end-point assessment. Both assessment elements are conducted and graded by an independent end-point assessment organisation.

The primary progression route for candidates completing this programme is the Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician apprenticeship standard or the AAT level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting. However, in order to progress to one of these, individuals need to be employed in a role with significant levels of responsibility in line with the requirements of the programme. This will usually mean applicants need at least 2-3 years experience in an accounting role.

Assessor Coaches will discuss career and progression options with learners and employers throughout the apprenticeships and especially as they near completion.

Contact study@boom-training.com with questions about the programme or to discuss whether it fits your needs.