L2 Accounts
or Finance Assistant

The aim of this qualification is to support the learners understanding of the 3 key areas covering Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours.

On-programme assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviours will lead to the final synoptic end-point assessment.

For the full apprenticeship, apprentices will complete:

• Level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant Apprenticeship Standard
• Level 1 Functional Skills in maths
• Level 1 Functional Skills in English
• There will also be a mandatory professional qualification chosen by the Employer and Training Provider as listed below

Apprentices will be allocated a qualified Tutor to support the full completion of the apprenticeship and prepare them for end-point assessment (sometimes 2 Tutors will be required at different times for teaching different elements). The Tutor will undertake engaging and interactive teaching, learning and support sessions with the Apprentice on a regular basis (at least every 4-5 weeks) remotely via Zoom or in the workplace if appropriate to conduct teaching, learning and assessments. These will be planned with the Apprentice and Employer.

The Tutor will manage a portfolio of evidence using an online electronic system called OneFile and give regular updates about progress. Apprentices can contact their Tutor in between visits to discuss any aspect of their qualification and will be able to access their online portfolio 24/7.

An End-Point Assessment will be carried out by staff from an independent End-point assessment provider approved by the Register of Apprenticeship Organisation.

The End-point Assessment will comprise two components. Both components must be individually passed for the Apprentice to be deemed competent:

1) Structured interview (supported by a portfolio of evidence)
The structured interview will focus on the portfolio completed by the apprentice during the on-programme phase of the apprenticeship. The interview will last for 60 minutes, and it will be conducted either remotely via a webcam platform or face-to-face.

A portfolio of evidence, which exhibits competence in the knowledge, skills and behaviours defined in the standard, must contain a minimum of four pieces of evidence. The typical elements of the portfolio are: job related certificates; observation report undertaken by a third party (e.g., a workplace mentor); completed observation checklist and related action plans; worksheets, assignment projects and reports; record of any formal discussions (e.g., professional discussion, performance review); record of oral and written questioning; and apprentice and peer reports.

2) In-tray test
This assessment method tests the occupational competency against the knowledge and skills outlined in the standard. The test provides for an in-tray exercise based on a fictitious organisation’s scenario, which replicates the typical work an Accounts/Finance Assistant will have to manage in a workplace. The in-tray test is computer based and it will last for 105 minutes. This will consist of 20 multiple choice questions, 3 scenario-based questions and opportunities to identify data errors in a set of data.

• Grading for structured interview – Pass/Distinction.
• Grading for in-tray test – Pass.

Before the Apprentice is adjudged ready to undertake the end point assessment by
their employer and learning provider, they will need to:

• • Complete Level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant Apprenticeship Standard
  • Pass Level 1 Functional Skills in Maths and English
  • Complete and submit to IEPAO a portfolio of evidence
  • Complete a mandatory professional qualification
  • The gateway also requires competence to be demonstrated via achievement of one of the following Level 2 qualifications:
• AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting (Level 2)
• ACCA Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting (Level 2)
• IAB Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
• ICB Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping

The purpose of the end point assessment is to test (in a synoptic way) the skills, knowledge and behaviours of the apprentice as set out in the apprenticeship standard.

End-point assessment provides apprentices with a showcase opportunity to provide oral and documentary evidence of their knowledge, skills and behaviours developed throughout the apprenticeship. Enables the independent assessor to assess the skills and behaviours of the apprentice by observing the apprentice in the course of their normal work. Tests the knowledge acquired by the apprentice throughout the apprenticeship.

Individual employers will determine their own entry requirements. Apprentices without Level 1 English and mathematics will need to achieve this level and have taken the test for Level 2 prior to taking their EPA. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and mathematics minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. The British Sign Language qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.

The qualification usually takes around 12-14 months; however, it is possible to complete earlier depending on the learner’s existing achievement and individual circumstance. This can be discussed with the Tutor.

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 for this apprenticeship are:

• IAB – Associate Level Membership
• ICB – Associate Level Membership

Neither AAT nor ACCA offer professional registration upon completion of this apprenticeship.