Assistant Accountant
An accounts or finance assistant plays a crucial role in maintaining accurate financial functions within an organisation.
They assist accountants with routine tasks, which can vary by team structure and business size. Their duties include data entry, basic bookkeeping, managing sales or purchase ledgers, and ensuring accurate records and payments, often using digital finance systems. They may also handle cash transactions.
Apprenticeship information
Entry requirements
- A minimum of four GCSEs at Grade 5 (B/C) or above, including maths and English. OR a Level 2 AAT qualification. If you haven’t got your Level 2 we will include basic book keeping at the start of your Level 3.
- All accounting apprentice applicants must complete an Accounting Assessment Day with our experienced accountancy team.
Where will I study?
Training 2000 Blackburn
Duration
18 months – one day per week.
Your AAT registration is included with your Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship information
Comprehensive reporting
Assist with monthly and year end reporting of financial and accounts information. This will include the timely collation of data from a range of sources, such as different functions within one organisation, or a range of external clients if operating in a practice. This includes both foreseeable finance and accounting data requirements and unexpected requirements.
Accurate record-keeping
Maintain financial and accounting records including the timely collation of data from a range of sources. For example, different functions within one organisation, or a range of external clients if operating in practice. This includes both foreseeable requirements and unexpected requests, often to tight timescales.
Ensuring compliance
Safeguard against suspicious activities for example anti-money laundering.
Supporting record compilation
Assist with the compilation of accounting and financial records, for example, to inform direct and indirect tax returns under supervision, audit documentation or control account reconciliations.
Effective communication
Deliver financial and accounting information and data to stakeholders to ensure that key messages are communicated.
IT systems and processes
Assist in the maintenance and use of digital systems by using software applications and packages to support the delivery of accurate and timely financial and accounting information.
Cybersecurity and compliance
Use digital systems safely to ensure that the cyber security of the organisation is not compromised, and data handling legislative requirements are met.
Ongoing professional growth
Undertake Continuous Professional Development by keeping up to date with relevant statutory obligations and procedural best practice.
Effective collaboration
Collaborate with people both internally and/or externally at appropriate levels with a view to deliver a service that meets customer’s needs with a commitment to professional and ethical standards, for example, professional code of conduct and duty of confidentiality as appropriate.
You can also achieve your Level 3 AAT Diploma in Accounting*.
*exam fees for commercial bookings and re-sits will be charged extra
You will sit exams at various stages through your Apprenticeship:
- Preparing Financial Statements
- Tax Processes for Businesses
- Business Awareness
- Management Accounting Techniques
At the end of your Apprenticeship you’ll go through an end-point assessment (EPA) and be graded a pass, merit or distinction based on a:
- A final assessment covering the knowledge and skills gained
- A portfolio and reflective discussion
This Apprenticeship teaches you a wide range of skills so that you can work as a:
- Accounting technician
- Accounts clerk
- Assistant accountant
- Assistant cashier
- Bookkeeper
- Finance assistant
- Purchase ledger clerk
- Sales ledger clerk
Next steps
On completion of this course you may want to consider the following options to further your career.
Where can you progress to?
Frequently asked questions
Association of Accounting Technicians and is a highly recognised professional accounting qualification.
AAT is the UK’s leading professional body offering skills-based accountancy and finance qualifications. Their qualifications are practical, internationally recognised and can open doors in any industry across the world.
AAT is open to everyone – you don’t need previous qualifications or experience, and you can work at a pace that fits in with your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for your first job in accountancy, want to change careers, or simply want to enhance your existing accounting skills, AAT will give you the training you need.
AAT offers a range of benefits for students, including study support, topical news and updates, and exclusive discounts. AAT also offers an excellent route into chartered accountancy. If you choose to further your studies with one of the leading chartered professional bodies, such as ACCA, CIPFA or CIMA, your AAT qualification will give you generous exemptions. Your AAT qualification could also give you the opportunity to run your own accounting or bookkeeping practice
The AAT qualification is equal to a Level 4. This is similar to an access course in the first year of university.
The salary ranges from £21,000 for a Level 2 apprentice up to 50,000 when you are fully qualified. Some accounting technicians open up their own accounting practices and work for themselves. The earning potential is then unlimited, the more clients you engage the more you make.
You will have a dedicated Skills Coach, our Functional Skills tutors and Learner Support Officers. You will also be supported by your Manager/ mentor at your workplace.
We offer classes at our Blackburn site or at Preston (University of Lancashire).
Yes, approximately every 12 weeks you will have an AAT exam.