Assistant Accountant Level 3 Apprenticeship (AFBMS)

An Assistant Accountant provides 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. 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.

Knowledge

• Business awareness
• IT systems and processes
• Ethical standards
• Financial accounting and reporting
• Management accounting

Skills

• Analysis
• Communication
• Produces quality and accurate information
• Uses systems and processes
• Problem solving Behaviours
• Embracing change
• Adding value
• Ethics and integrity
• Personal accountability
• Productivity
• Team working and collaboration

English and maths

English and maths qualifications are a requirement for most jobs and it is important that you are able to demonstrate your ability in these areas. If you do not already have a grade C or above in GCSE English and maths you will automatically undertake further study in these subjects as part of your apprenticeship.

You will be assessed through on programme assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviour outcomes on-route to a final synoptic end point assessment, consisting 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 of a range of evidence produced in the work-place to show that you have 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.

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

You will need to find an employer to employ you as an apprentice. Please see our Apprenticeship vacancies.

Apprentices can progress onto the Level 4 Professional Accounting/Tax Technician Apprenticeship, the stand alone Level 4 Diploma in Accounting qualification and onto a Foundation Degree in Accounting and various degree programmes in Accounting.

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.