Summary
An Accounts or finance assistant is responsible for maintaining an efficient and accurate finance function within a business, The work includes basic book-keeping activities, working with sales and purchase ledgers, ensuring that records and payments are correct, recording cash and data entries. They may work in-house or they might work for an accountancy firm, bookkeeping practice, shared service provider, be self-employed, or on behalf of several different clients.
Ideal candidates
This course is ideal for people currently working in a finance-related area and wishing to pursue a dedicated career in accountancy and finance, perhaps in one of these roles…
- Accounts Payable Clerk
- Audit Trainee
- Credit Controller
- Finance Officer
- Payroll Supervisor
- Professional Book-keeper
- Tax Assistant
Qualification
Riverside offers a Foundation Certificate in Accounting awarded by AAT.
Course structure
4 units
- Introduction to Bookkeeping
- Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
- Principles of Costing
- The Business Environment
Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour
Knowledge
The need to be aware of and understand…
General business
Understanding your organisation
Accounting systems and processes
Basic accounting
Ethical standards
Skills
What is required for occupational competence?
Attention to detail
Communications skills
Uses systems and processes effectively
Personal effectiveness
Behaviour
What is required for occupational competence?
Team work
Personal development
Professionalism
Customer focus
Examinations
AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting Level 2 Exams
- Bookkeeping Transactions
- Bookkeeping Controls
- Elements of Costing
- Using Accounting Software
- Working Effectively in Finance
- Foundation Synoptic assessment
End Point Assessment
The two EPA assessment methods are:
- Structured interview (supported by a portfolio of evidence summary) lasting 60 minutes with Fail/Pass/Distinction marks
- In-tray test lasting 90 minutes with 15 extra minutes for review time of 1500 words background info. The test will consist of 3 elements; 20 multiple choice questions, 3 short written responses and a correction of deliberate errors. Fail/pass marks.
Both assessment methods will be conducted and graded by an independent EPAO.
Professional Recognition & Progression Paths
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
Possible Benefits
Achieving these qualifications will significantly improve your job prospects, enhance your CV and get you noticed by potential employers. Here are some achievable potential roles and average salaries:
Accounts payable Clerk: £20,500
Accounts Officer: £21,000
Payroll Administrator: £23,000
Membership
12 Months AAT membership included (value £155)
Overview
Duration
- Training: 15 Months
- Gateway : 15 Month point
- End Point Assessment: 3 Months
Total: 18 Months
Enrolment
Enrolling now subject to suitability
Funding
- Levy – £7,000 deducted from your digital account
- Non-Levy – 95% Government funded, £350 employer contribution
Level of Apprenticeship
Level 2
Gateway
Upon completion of your training, you will need to pass through the Gateway to enter the End Point Assessment.
Gateway requirements:
- Maths & English (Level 1/Grade E/2 or equivalent)
- AAT Foundation certificate in accounting (Level 2)
All training will be provided for the above Gateway requirements, if not previously achieved. For exemption of these aims, we will require evidence of certification at enrolment.
Register you interest