Accountants and Finance Assistant L2 Apprenticeship

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Summary

Role Profile
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.

Typical Job Roles
Accounts Assistant, Accounts Payable Clerk, Accounts Administrator, Assistant Bookkeeper, Junior Cashier, Junior Credit Control Clerk, Bank Reconciliation Clerk, Finance Administrator, Data Input Clerk.

Duration
This apprenticeship typically takes 15 months to complete.

Programme Delivery
SGS has elected to deliver the on-programme-learning using the Association of Accounting Technician (AAT) Foundation Certificate in Accounting Level 2. AAT as the lead awarding organisation for accounting have been involved in the development of the apprenticeship Standard and have mapped the diplomas to the Standard.

Advantages of using the Certificate as the delivery model for the Apprenticeship Standard;

A structured, proven training programme that equips the candidate with the skillset required for the industry
Thorough mapping against the Standard ensuring all skills, knowledge and behaviours are covered
Achievement of an industry-recognised accounting technical qualification
Provides a platform for progress tracking
Prepares the candidate for End Point Assessment with AAT
Provides a basis for progression
External quality assurance through an Ofqual regulated awarding organisation
An appeals and redress process with the awarding organisation
Attendance at weekly classes for each module is mandatory for all apprentices.

Resources
Resources will be available through Smart Assessor, the e-portfolio platform used by the college for apprentices.
Registration with AAT is required and will be an additional one-off fee.

Maths and English
This apprenticeship requires learners to achieve maths and English at Level 1, and sit the tests for Level 2 in both subjects. Typically, it is realistic for learners to progress up one level during the apprenticeship. At interview, we will carry out an assessment to determine current literacy and numeracy levels. We will take account of any support needs in determining the suitability of learners for this apprenticeship.

Assessment Overview
Each of the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) included in the Apprenticeship Standard are mapped to one of the two assessment methods. This is set out in the End Point Assessment (EPA) overview table below. To achieve final certification of an overall pass, the apprentice must have achieved a minimum of a pass in each assessment method. A pass in the EPA will demonstrate that the apprentice can apply the KSBs required by this apprenticeship standard, meaning they are occupationally competent. Apprentices achieving a distinction will be demonstrating performance above the minimum requirements of the occupational standard.

Our recommended End Point Assessment Organisation is AAT.

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours for the Accounts/Finance Assistant Apprenticeship

A Standard contains a list of the skills, knowledge and behaviours an apprentice will need to have learned by the end of their apprenticeship. A portfolio will be compiled throughout the apprenticeship to reflect this.
Knowledge
• General Business
• Understanding Your Organisation
• Accounting Systems and Processes
• Basic Accounting
• Ethical Standards
Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Communication
• Use Systems and Processes
• Personal Effectiveness
Behaviours
• Team Work
• Personal Development
• Professionalism
• Customer Focus

20% Off-The-Job Training
“Off-the-job training is a statutory requirement for an apprenticeship. It is training which is received by the apprentice, during the apprentice’s normal working hours, for the purpose of achieving the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship.”

In addition, there will be relevant activities in the workplace which will be discussed and planned with the assessor which will count towards the total hours required.