An assistant accountant provides support to internal and external customers and will work predominantly either within practice or alternatively within the finance function of the organisation. Part of their role will involve assisting in the day to day financial activities such as data entry to month end management accounts and/or year-end financial statements, and may find themselves involved in regulatory financial requirements such as the completion of VAT returns. Learn how to use the organisation’s own bespoke accounting software package(s) in addition to more generic ones such as Sage, TaxCalc, QuickBooks, or Xero.
Apprentices are supported by an AAT tutor whilst at college, assessment in the workplace and with regular reviews between the employer, Assessor/Trainer and apprentice to discuss progress and achievements.
During the first 12 months apprentices will complete an On Programme Learning (OPL) and cover units and unit assessments for advanced bookkeeping, final accounts preparation, management accounting, costing, indirect tax, ethics for accountants and spreadsheets for accounting. At the same time apprentices will also complete an e-portfolio of evidence demonstrating competence in the relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours as set out in the standards.
Careers in Assistant Accountant, Trainee Accounting Technician, Accounts Clerk, Cashier, Finance Assistant, Purchase Ledger Clerk, Sales Ledger Clerk, Audit Trainee, Credit Controller
Progression: Many apprentices remain employed with the company and move onto the Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship.
• A minimum of GCSEs at grades 4 – 9 (GCSE C or above)
• English and Maths
• Be able to work more than 30 hours per week
• To sit an assessment for English and maths
• An interview with the Apprenticeship Team
On completion of the OPL the employer and training provider sign off the apprentice ready for End Point Assessment (EPA) and apprentices move to Gateway. The e-portfolio is submitted to an independent AAT Assessor for grading which is then followed up with a professional discussion to confirm competency and is also graded. The apprenticeship is graded fail, pass or distinction. On completion of the OPL the apprentice will be able to sit the final unit assessment – Advanced Synoptic Assessment also known as AVSY.
The apprentice on successful completion of all unit assessments achieves the AAT L3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting qualification.
The apprentice on successful completion of the L3 AAT Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship will also receive an Apprenticeship Certificate.
As an AAT qualified apprentice, there is a proven track record of skills obtained in the workplace, a recognised accountancy qualification and the practical, technical and professional skills that have been acquired that make one a highly sought-after employee.
