COURSE

L4 ACCOUNTING OR
TAXATION PROFESSIONAL

Apprenticeship

This is an Apprenticeship designed as an entry-level role into the Accountancy and / or Taxation Sectors. Roles are applicable to organisations of all sizes and to Apprentices in Accountancy and Taxation Practices including finance functions in Private, Public and Charity Sector organisations.

Individuals in the role of a Professional accounting or tax technician will have responsibility for creating, and/or verifying and reviewing, accurate and timely financial information within the organisation in which they are employed or on behalf of another organisation. This will be performed in order to meet relevant ethical, professional and legal standards, and will utilise the individual’s knowledge of the business systems and processes, as well as standard accounting and tax practices. This role may exist in an accounting practice, a professional services company, HMRC or the accounting function of a business or other organisation.

Aims of this qualification

The aim of this qualification is to support the Apprentices understanding of the 3 key areas covering Knowledge, skills and behaviour. The Knowledge part covers business awareness, ethical standards, regulation and compliance, and systems and processes. The Skills parts covers Analysis, communication, planning and prioritisation, production of quality and accurate information, team working and collaboration, use of systems and processes. The Behaviour element covers, adaptability, adding value, ethics and integrity, proactivity, professional scepticism.

Job Roles this qualification is suitable for:

Examples of roles as a Professional accounting or tax technician include, but are not limited to, Assistant auditor, Assistant management accountant, Assistant financial accountant, Accounts payable and expenses supervisor, Commercial analyst, Payroll manager, Senior bookkeeper, Senior financial officer, Tax investigations officer, Personal tax assistant and Business tax assistant.

On Programme Learning:

On programme assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviour outcomes on route to the final synoptic end-point assessment will take place.

Learning outcomes:

For the full apprenticeship, apprentices will complete:

    • Level 4 Professional Accounting, OR
    • Level 4 Taxation Technician 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 Portfolio of evidence that demonstrates competence in the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours defined in the Standard, which have been gathered from practical experience in the workplace. This can include training logs, outputs from work such as presentations and minutes of meetings, independent feedback, observations and professional discussions. The Apprentice must then produce a Reflective Statement that reflects on this Portfolio, either through a written statement, presentation or structured discussion with Independent Assessors appointed by an Assessment
Organisation.

2) A Role Simulation giving the Apprentice the opportunity to tackle a series of business-related tasks through a simulation that reflects activities undertaken in a typical role at this level of competence. An End Point Assessment Organisation will set the simulation, ensure robust invigilation and mark the assessment.

Grading can be pass or distinction.

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
  • Compile training logs for each progress review period and compile them into a portfolio
  • Complete a reflective statement (around the portfolio evidence)
  • Complete mock role simulation in prep for live EPA

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. It 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

Entry requirements :

Most candidates will have Level 2 maths , English and ICT (equivalent to GCSE grade C or above), ideally as part of 5 GCSE A-C grades or other comparable qualifications.

Apprentices without English or maths at Level 2 must achieve this prior to the completion of the apprenticeship.

How long will it take to complete?

The qualification usually takes around 15-20 months however it is possible to complete earlier depending on existing achievement and individual circumstance- this can be discussed with your Tutor.

Progression routes:

Completion of the professional accounting or tax technician apprenticeship may lead to the candidate receiving credits towards the completion of the Professional accountant or tax apprenticeship or chartered Accountancy or taxation qualifications provided by the  relevant professional bodies. Completion of the professional accounting or tax technician apprenticeship may also result in credits being awarded towards relevant undergraduate degree programmes.

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.