ACCOUNTING / FINANCE APPRENTICESHIP

Overview of Role:

An Accounts/Finance Assistant is an integral part of the team responsible for maintaining an efficient and accurate finance function within a business. The Accounts/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/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/Finance Assistants can work in almost any sector. Potential employers include corporate businesses, sole traders, partnerships, Public Sector, not-for-profit organisations and educational institutions. Accounts/Finance Assistants may work in-house for an organisation or they might work for accountancy firm, bookkeeping practice, Shared Service provider, self-employed or on behalf of several different clients. 

For more information on the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to fulfil this role, please see: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/accounts-finance-assistant/

Delivery:

Apprentices will complete work-based learning and will be paid a wage, gaining valuable knowledge and experience. In-house training will be provided by the employer with an Assessor visiting and supporting in the work place. Further training will be provided at the Isle of Wight College, depending on the needs of the learner and the employer. This method of delivery allows for a flexible approach which is tailored to each apprenticeship.

If you have an employer that is willing to take you on as an apprentice, please provide us with those details so we can contact them.

If you don’t have an employer, all of our current vacancies are available to see and apply for on The College website and on Isle of Wight Jobs. In the meantime, someone from the apprenticeship team will contact you with information on the next steps.

Qualification:

Apprentices without Level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and taken the test for level 2 prior to taking their end point assessment.

Apprentices will be required to take one of the professional qualifications listed below, as chosen by the employer to be most relevant to the job role:

• AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting (Level 2)

• ACCA Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting (level 2)

• IAB Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping

• ICB Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping

Assessment:  

The apprenticeship will end with an End Point Assessment (EPA). This measures the skills, knowledge and behaviours each apprentice has developed. Employers will decide when the apprentice is ready to be assessed. 

The End Point Assessment consists of:

• Structured interview (supported by a portfolio of evidence)

• In-tray test

Career Progression:

On completion, the apprentice will be able to apply for the appropriate level of professional membership aligned with this apprenticeship, dependent on the qualification chosen. Professional body memberships that are relevant to the options for this apprenticeship are:

• IAB – Associate level membership

• ICB – Associate level membership

As well as ensuring full competency as an Accounts/Finance Assistant, this standard provides the foundation for progression onto a number of career paths in the Accounting sector including Audit Trainee, Corporate Recovery Analyst, Credit Controller or Tax Accountant. Many apprentices will go on to complete the level 3 Assistant Accountant and Level 4, Professional Accounting/Taxation Technician standard (AAT).

There may be a cost for purchasing equipment or uniform for this course. Find out about financial support available.