Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship Level 3
The Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship is at Level 3 - equivalent to A Levels - and will equip apprentices with skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in their roles.
This apprenticeship will prepare apprentices for junior and entry-level accounting roles. It delivers a solid foundation in finance administration, covering areas such as double entry bookkeeping and basic costing principles. Learners will then move on to mastering more complex accounting disciplines including financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts and ethical practices for accountants.
This flexible apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education, and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom.
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.
Entry requirements
Employment in a relevant environment for a minimum of 30 hours per week. You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English, or Functional Skills Level 2 in 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.
What will I study?
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.
Example modules
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.
Method of delivery
We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this apprenticeship through our Online and On Campus model. Apprentices will attend college and will study online materials during allotted time at work.
Online lessons can be accessed at any time, using a mobile, tablet or desktop - meaning apprentices can fit their study around work commitments, minimising disruption in the workplace. Each lesson lasts around 45 minutes and is accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Exercises, interactive case studies and analytical tools help to enhance the learning experience further.
On campus, apprentices benefit from face-to-face classes at College with an experienced tutor. A combination of classroom-based lessons, group exercises and discussion encourage apprentices to apply theory to real-life workplace situations.
This modern, flexible approach to apprenticeship training empowers learners, minimises disruption to employers, and delivers tangible results in the workplace.
How will I be assessed?
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.
Additional costs
There are no specific College programme related costs, however you will be advised of any additional costs during your application and enrolment process.
Levy paying employers can access levy funds to pay for this programme, and our blended learning model can contribute to the off-the-job training requirement.
Qualifications received
This apprenticeship is at Level 3, the current entry level for accounting apprenticeships. The structure allows students to achieve the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Foundation Certificate and Advanced Diploma in Accounting as their on-programme learning. This internationally recognised AAT qualification enables those working in accounting or those who are looking to pursue accountancy as a career to gain knowledge, practical experience and the all-important certification often sought by employers
Good course combinations
This is a full-time course. It is not possible to combine this course with other Vocational, T Level or A Level programmes.
Your next steps
Progression
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.
To find out more about how to become an apprentice or how to recruit an apprentice into your business, please contact York Apprenticeship Team:
Tel: 01904 770368
Email: apprenticeships@yorkcollege.ac.uk
