Entry Requirements

• Employed in a trade/industry related to the apprenticeship.
  You will need to find employment in a related trade/industry before applying for the apprenticeship programme you wish to complete.
• 5 GCSEs with maths and English at Grade 5 / C or Functional Skills Level 2 English and maths
• Good keyboarding skills are essential as well as a good knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Achievement of an AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting is advantageous but not essential.

Course Structure

This qualification covers a range of complex accounting tasks. Apprentices will learn and master financial processes, including accounting principles and concepts, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts, VAT issues in business, management accounting costing techniques and ethical practices for accountants. They will also gain software skills through spreadsheet training for accounting.

This apprenticeship standard is at Level 3. The structure allows students to achieve the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Advanced Diploma 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.

Units of study

The Level 3 apprenticeship covers a range of key areas, including: 

• Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements 
• Management Accounting Techniques
• Tax Processes for Businesses
• Business Awareness 

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

Assessment & Feedback

To complete the Assistant Accountant 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 which will comprise a range of evidence produced in the work-place 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.

Course Cost

• This course is free to apprentices, as the cost is paid by your employer
• Large companies can fund the course using their apprenticeship levy
• SMEs can access government funding to subsidise the cost by 95%

What Next...

You can progress on to the Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship - AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting at Level 4. 

Career opportunities

Upon successful completion of the Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship, you can apply for AAT associate bookkeeping membership and become a professional AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB).

The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this apprenticeship will qualify you for roles including Finance Officer, Assistant Accountant and Bookkeeper.

You will also be eligible for AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB) status, giving you the option to work as a freelance bookkeeper.