Please note: this qualification is coming soon!
The apprenticeship standards are a new in-depth way of gaining qualifications in your chosen job role. By completing this Level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant apprenticeship, you will gain a qualification equivalent to five GCSEs at grades A-C.
As part of the apprenticeship you will engage in off-the-job training, create a portfolio of evidence, and complete the End-Point Assessment.
This apprenticeship qualification suits job roles such as Finance Assistant, Accounts Assistant, Purchase Ledger Clerk, and many more.
What are the subject areas for a Level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant apprenticeship?
For the Level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant apprenticeship, you will study these subject areas:
- Accounting Systems and Processes
- Basic Accounting
- Legislation and Commercial Law
- Ethical Standards
- Software and Security
This apprenticeship is ideal to get you started on your career in accounting—no previous qualifications required. In addition, it is also ideal for those already in the industry to boost their knowledge and help them progress.
To find out more about these subject areas, give us a call on 01246 278931, or email info@apprenticeteam.co.uk.
AAT Level 2
As part of the Accounts Finance Assistant apprenticeship standard, you will also complete the AAT at level 2, a Foundation Certificate in Accounting.
It can take anything from 4 to 12 months to complete. It is delivered as part of the apprenticeship and is incorporated within learning sessions. In terms of entry requirements, you must first complete an AAT Skillcheck test before enrolment.
This qualification will prepare you for junior and entry level accounting roles. It delivers a solid foundation in finance administration – covering areas such as double entry bookkeeping to basic costing principles and using accounting software. You will learn finance, accountancy, business and communications skills.
Within the Level 2 AAT qualification, you will cover areas such as:
- Bookkeeping Transactions
- Bookkeeping Controls
- Elements of Costing
- Using Accounting Software
- Work Effectively in Finance
The qualification is assessed through a Foundation Certificate Synoptic Assessment. The synoptic assessment will ask students to apply knowledge and skills gained across the qualification in an integrated way within a workplace context. Scenarios will change over time to ensure the validity of the assessment.
Functional Skills
If you do not have grades A-C/9-4 in GCSE Maths and English or equivalent, you will complete Functional Skills alongside the apprenticeship. It is nationally recognised, and is completed as part of the apprenticeship. See below for more information:
- You will complete Functional Skills at either Level 1 (GCSE E-D/1-3) or Level 2 (GCSE A-C/9-4) based on your learning needs and prior achievements.
- Tutors will deliver most learning within the workplace, either in person or by online learning. The only exceptions are the speaking and listening assessments, which may be delivered in a classroom.
- The tutors will visit your workplace once a month for roughly 3-4 hours per session, dependent on your learning needs during your apprenticeship visits.
- With their expert help, you will have all the support you need to achieve your goals.
What is off-the-job training?
In short, for 20% of your apprenticeship, you must have time away from your regular duties to engage in training related to your post. This is known as off-the-job training, and could include a variety of tasks. For example, practical training, theory tests and writing tests would all count as off-the-job training.
You do not need to visit a classroom to complete off-the-job training, and you will complete it within your normal working hours. As part of this training, one of our tutors will conduct both one-to-one workplace visits and remote learning sessions. This will take place every 4-6 weeks, with remote sessions delivered through video conferencing. Each session lasts 1½-4 hours, depending on your individual learning needs.
The End-Point Assessment
As part of your apprenticeship, you will complete the End-Point Assessment (EPA). In short, this assessment will help you to showcase the skills, knowledge and behaviours you have developed through the programme. For the final grade, you can achieve either a Pass or Distinction.
For the Level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant apprenticeship, the EPA includes the following:
- Portfolio and Interview
- During your apprenticeship, you will gather evidence as part of a portfolio.
- Forget about lugging around your work. Instead, the online iLearner portfolio system means it can be uploaded to your account and accessed wherever you go. You may also use this system to access new action plans set by your tutor, as well as check your overall progress.
- While the system is easy to navigate, we will still offer full guidance. This is provided through our iLearner handbook, as well as through one-to-one support from your tutor.
- Once you have your portfolio is complete, an independent assessor will interview you to discuss the evidence you have gathered. This is a great way to showcase the knowledge, skills and behaviours you have acquired throughout your apprenticeship.
- In-Tray Assessment
- After the interview and portfolio is the in-tray assessment, lasting 90 minutes. You will answer both multiple choice questions and written questions based on a scenario.
- Once you have given your answers, you will then be given a task. This can include data entry, correction of errors, and postings of accounts.
Go Further
Once you have completed this apprenticeship, there are several progression routes available, dependant on your industry and job role:
You could also progress onto a variety of job roles, such as Assistant Accountant, Trainee Accounting Technician, Accounts Clerk, Cashier Finance Assistant, and many more.
Call us on 01246 278931 or email info@apprenticeteam.co.uk to check availability and for further advice about the next steps. Our team will be happy to advise you on the programmes we provide, and can help point you in the right direction for any learning not delivered by Apprentice Team Ltd.
