Summary
An Assistant Accountant provides support to internal and external customers either within a practise or within an organization’s finance function. The role will involve assisting in day-to-day financial activities such as data entry to month-end management accounts and/or year-end financial statements, as well as In addition, the completion of VAT returns and assisting in the preparation of tax computations.
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
Modules
Riverside offers both an AAT Advanced Diploma and the Assistant Accounting Apprenticeship, Level 3.
The programme covers:
- Unit 1: Advanced Bookkeeping
- Unit 2: Final Accounts Preparation
- Unit 3: Management Accounting: Costing
- Unit 4: Indirect Tax’
- Unit 5: Ethics for Accountants
- Unit 6: Spreadsheets for Accounting
Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours
Knowledge
What is required?
- Business awareness
- IT systems and processes
- Ethical standards
- Financial accounting and reporting
- Management accounting
Skills
What is required?
- Analysis
- Communication skills
- Produces quality and accurate information
- Uses systems and processes effectively
- Problem solving skills
Behaviours
What is required?
- Embracing change
- Adding value
- Ethics and integrity
- Personal accountability
- Productivity
- Team working and collaboration
Examinations
Apprentices will be expected to complete:
- A synoptic end-test covering the knowledge and skills gained throughout the on-programme stage
- A portfolio covering a range of evidence produced in the work-place to show that the Apprentice has met the required knowledge, skills and behaviours. This will be followed by a structured interview (reflective discussion) to examine this evidence and the learner journey in more detail.
The end-test will take up to 3 hours and carry a weighting of 40%. Marking: Fail/Pass/Distinction.
The reflective discussion will take 60 minutes and with the portfolio will attract a weighting of 60%. Same marking.
Professional Recognition and Progression Routes
By signing up for Riverside’s Assistant Accounts Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard, we will automatically pay for your first year’s AAT membership to help you through your qualification.
As well as ensuring full competency as an Assistant Accountant, this standard provides the foundation for progression into a number of career paths in the Accounting sector including Audit Trainee, Corporate Recovery Analyst, Credit Controller or Tax Accountant.
Possible Benefits
Being an AAT member and completing one of their qualifications can benefit you significantly. for example 80% of Apprentices who have completed an AAT accounting qualification say it has definitely increased their earning potential. In addition 32% of AAT members received a bonus in the last year.
Accounts Membership
If you sign up for our Assistant Accounts Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard and we will pay for your first year’s AAT membership to help you through your qualification.
Get your information pack!
Overview
Duration
18 Months
Funding
Levy – £8,000
80% Training – 20% Assessment
Non Levy – £400
Level of Apprenticeship
Level 3
Entry Requirements
Individual employers set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English, although some employers will accept other relevant qualifications and experience, including a relevant Level 2 qualification. Apprentices without English or Maths at Level 2 must achieve this prior to taking the end point assessment.
Employers Involved in Creating the Standard
Derbyshire NHS Trust, Brothertons, Charles Wells, Environment Agency, Forum Trust, La Livre, XPO Logistics, Tax Assist, DWP, PWC, KPMG