Please note, to enrol on an apprenticeship you must be working in a relevant sector for at least 16 hours per week. If you are not currently employed, you can view our apprenticeship vacancies here. You do not need to be employed to apply for these and new vacancies are added regularly.
An Accounts or Finance Assistant is responsible for maintaining an efficient and accurate finance function within a business. Learner undertaking this apprenticeship will be responsible for assisting the accountants with junior activities. This position can vary depending on the businesses structure and size. Learners day-to-day tasks may include bookkeeping activities, working within sales, running calculations to ensure all payments are correct and the recording of data entry.
Learners will develop a variety of skills throughout their apprenticeship, including understanding company strategies, using accounting software, entering accounting transactions and being able to correct errors and produce reports, awareness of basic accountancy concepts, problem solving and understanding of the differences between Financial and Management Accounting.
Learners without Level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for Level 2 prior to completion of their Apprenticeship.
Here is the Skills England Page that details the full standard for this apprenticeship including the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours that learners must demonstrate.
The Level 2 Accounts or Finance Assistant apprenticeship consists of a Synoptic assessment. The performance of the learners End Point Assessment will determine their overall apprenticeship standard and grade.
The Level 2 Accounts or Finance Assistant Apprenticeship is a nationally recognised work based programme for individuals starting a career in accounting, bookkeeping, or finance. It develops practical skills in processing financial transactions, maintaining records, reconciling accounts, processing invoices, and supporting day to day finance functions.
The main requirement is that you are employed in a suitable finance or accounting role where you can demonstrate the requirements of the apprenticeship standard. Reasonable IT skills and access to a suitable device and internet connection are required for online learning and evidence collection.
The apprenticeship typically takes around 12 months to complete. Apprentices remain employed throughout, receive support from a dedicated PTS tutor, and complete off the job training during paid working hours alongside their day to day role.
Apprentices never pay for their training. For non-levy employers, the employer contribution is typically £350 plus VAT, with the government funding the remaining cost of the programme.
The apprenticeship leads to roles including Finance Assistant, Accounts Assistant, Purchase Ledger Clerk, Sales Ledger Clerk, and Bookkeeping Assistant. It also provides a natural progression route to the Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship and further professional accounting qualifications.
