Apprenticeship Standard Level 3 (Assistant Accountant) - January

This course is for an Assistant Accountant who will provide support to internal and external customers and will work predominately either as an assistant accountant within practice or alternatively within the finance function of an 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.

The Assistant Accountant at Level 3 has been developed based on learner and employer needs and has been designed by employers for learners wishing to gain an apprenticeship within the Accountancy Profession.Our Level 3 apprenticeship is delivered both in the workplace and online.  Apprentices will attend college once every two weeks, whilst using the online learning platform provided by Mindful Education.  Online lessons can be assessed at any time, using a mobile, tablet or desktop this means apprentices can fit their study around work commitments, minimising disruption in the workplace.

Apprentices work towards achieving an Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship at Level 3 and will gain knowledge and skills in the following topics:
- Business Awareness
- IT Systems and Processes
- Ethical Standards
- Financial Accounting and Reporting
- Management Accounting
- Analysis
- Communication
- Produce quality and accurate information
- Use systems & processes
- Problem solving

Apprentices will learn about the importance of the behaviours and attitudes expected of Accountants towards clients and colleagues and be able to demonstrate them. This includes:
- Embracing Change
- Adding Value
- Personal Accountability
- Ethics and Integrity
- Productivity
- Team work
- Collaboration.

This course is available at Cambridge.

Registration and Exam Fees: Registration to become a member of the AAT is mandatory for all students and costs £147 per year. The membership fee can be paid by the employer or the learner but must be done directly to the AAT. The renewal fee is £99. There is an opportunity for students to undertake AAT exams alongside the Apprenticeship Standard but this is optional.  Apprenticeship funding cannot be utilised to pay for examination fees (as these are not a mandatory part of the apprenticeship) and must be paid for by the employer. We will invoice the employer for the cost of the exam fees, £258, following enrolment. Pre-payment will also be required for any learner re-taking examinations, fees will be confirmed for this before organising any re-sit.

Note regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19): Due to the nature of our Online and On Campus apprenticeships, with key concepts being taught online through high-quality video lectures, apprentices are able to continue their studies seamlessly with social distancing in place or if the college has to close. Regular ‘On Campus’ lessons are replaced by remote ‘virtual classroom’ sessions led by college tutors. This flexible approach can be easily adapted to suit government guidance and college policies.

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. The programme opens up career opportunities for employment in the management aspect of Accountancy.  There may be the possibility of Management Apprenticeships, Short course in Management and Professional qualifications.

To enrol on an Apprenticeship, you MUST be employed over 30 hours per week. Please contact us should you need help in finding suitable employment.  Apprentices are paid a wage by the employer.  Your employer is required to give you a contract of employment, which will include holiday entitlement and all other benefits.  

Your workplace should provide you with relevant training and be able to support you on the Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship.
Entry onto the L3 Apprenticeship Framework or Standard requires 2 x C Grades / 2 x Grade 4 or above in Maths and English.

We currently offer pre apprenticeship courses for applicants, in Maths and English, to support learners wishing improve their grades to meet the entry criteria. Learners should have secured employment.

All applicants will be interviewed- this includes maths and English skills scan and a formal interview.

The Assistant Accountant programme consists of the following learning and assessment:

On-programme Knowledge and Assessment  

Assessment Gateway- completed exams, completion of training logs which demonstrates they have met the knowledge, skills and behaviours detailed in the standard, evidence from performance appraisals and feedback from progress reviews completed.

End-point Assessment: Synoptic Test, Portfolio and Reflective Discussion