COURSE

L3 ASSISTANT
ACCOUNTANT

Apprenticeship

This is an apprenticeship designed as an entry level role into the Accountancy Profession and can lead into a variety of careers with supporting professional qualifications. The role is applicable to a wide range of employers across the sector in both large and small firms in industry, private and public sector.

An Assistant Accountant provides support to internal and external customers and will work predominately either as an Assistant Accountant within practise 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. In addition, the Assistant Accountant may find themselves involved in regulatory financial requirements such as the completion of VAT returns or assisting in the preparation of tax computations.

Aims of this qualification

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

 

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS BEHAVIOUR
Business Awareness Analysis Embracing Change
IT Systems and Processes Communication Adding Value
Ethical Standards Produce Quality and Accurate Information Ethics & Integrity
Financial Accounting & Reporting Uses Systems and Processes Personal Accountability
Management Accounting Problem Solving Productivity
    Team working and Collaboration

Job Roles this qualification is suitable for:

Examples of a job role this qualification is suitable for but not limited to are: Assistant Accountant, Trainee Accounting Technician, Accounts Clerk, Cashier Finance Assistant, Purchase Ledger Clerk, Sales Ledger Clerk.

On Programme Learning:

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

Learning outcomes:

For the full apprenticeship, apprentices will complete:

  • Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship Standard
  • Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths
  • Level 2 Functional Skills in English

How is it delivered:

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) They 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 your
qualification and will be able to access their online portfolio 24/7.

End Point Assessment:

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) A synoptic end-test covering the knowledge and skills gained throughout the
apprenticeship programme. This will be a 3 hour test at a registered test centre.

2) A portfolio of evidence that demonstrates competence in the knowledge, skills
and behaviours in the standard, gathered from the apprentice’s practical experience
in the workplace, combined with a reflective discussion: a structured interview to
examine the portfolio evidence and the learner journey in more detail.

Grading can be pass or distinction.

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.

Assessment Gateway:

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

  • Pass Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English
  • Complete training logs which demonstrate that they have met the knowledge, skills and behaviours detailed in the standard
  • Complete a portfolio of evidence and reflective account
  • Complete mock testing in prep for live EPA

Entry requirements

Individual employers set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include 5 GCSEs, including Maths, English and ICT, 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

How long will it take to complete?

The qualification usually takes around 15-18 months; however, it is possible to complete earlier depending on existing achievement and individual circumstance – this can be discussed with your Tutor.

Progression routes:

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.

We at Pier Training would be very happy to discuss any aspect of this or any other Apprenticeship Qualification you may be interested in.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we look forward to hearing from you.