Learners will work on developing the following knowledge, skills and behaviours, including:

• Understands the transactional processes and support provided by accountancy firms or the accounting function within an organisation.
• Understands how to enter accounting transactions, perform a reconciliation, correct errors and produce a range of reports using a computerised accounting system.
• Understands the basic elements of double entry bookkeeping and accounting standards required to process financial documents and report financial information to users of accounts.
• Understands the current financial standards for basic accounts preparation, in order to be able to make necessary end of year adjustments.
• Understands the basic tax principles to apply current regulations to calculate VAT and submit a VAT return.
• Accepts changing priorities and working requirements readily and has the flexibility to maintain high standards in a changing environment.
• Identifies opportunities to actively engage in the wider business when appropriate. Provides information that positively contributes to influencing business decisions whilst continually striving to improve own working processes and those of the organisation.

We must ensure that an apprentice spends 20% of their contracted working hours developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours illustrated on the Standard. This is achieved via a flexible approach and also by using learning that occurs as part of the job role within the workplace.

• Regular visits at workplace (Every 8 to 10 weeks)
• Reviews in the workplace with Mentor
• College workshop sessions with lecturer weekly

End-Point Assessment is the final test for apprentices during their apprenticeship. It is designed to be an objective and impartial assessment of an apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours developed during the course of their apprenticeship programme. At the end of an apprenticeship, the apprentice will go through a ‘gateway’ process where they are signed-off by their employer as ready for a final assessment of their knowledge and practical capabilities. The assessment will be conducted and graded by an independent End Point Assessment Organisation.

The test will consist of:

• 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.

Learners may have experience in a similar course/job role and will hold a GCSE Grade 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English. Maths and English are a vital part of your apprenticeship and can really support your progression on your chosen course.

If you do not already hold these levels of Maths and English, we have a friendly and experienced team of lecturers; who can support you throughout and will arrange exams once you are ready. We deliver Functional Skills in a variety of ways; including classroom based and online study.

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.