Apprentice Accountant

Responsibilities

Prepare and maintain accurate financial statements and reports in accordance with relevant regulations. Collaborating with colleagues to ensure client compliance with statutory deadlines. Utilise accounting software and prepare and submitting various tax returns. Conduct regular reconciliations of bank statements and general ledger accounts. Assist in the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and financial analyses to support strategic decision-making. Mentor junior staff members, providing guidance on best practices in financial accounting. Collaborate with other departments to ensure accurate reporting of financial data. Stay updated on changes in financial regulations and accounting standards to ensure compliance.

Training:

Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship Standard Level 3:

An Assistant Accountant provides support to internal and external customers and will work predominantly 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.

You will gather work-based evidence to demonstrate the required Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours during your apprenticeship. The apprentice will evidence that they are collating and recording data on financial information and performance accurately by applying accounting standards and concepts and will evidence analysis of reconciliation, payroll, and VAT return information. They will need to prepare accurate management information and use IT packages for this.
Depending on experience, you may be able to start at the Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician.

Candidates are required to have achieved AAT Level 2 or have at least 1 year’s experience of accounting duties and complete the AAT Skills Scan to be accepted on the Level 3 Accountancy programme. 

Candidates are also required to already have achieved Maths and English GCSE Grade 4/C or above or a Key/Functional Skills Level 2 qualification - Original certificates are required as evidence.

The recommended time to complete is 15-18 months to allow for confirmation of successful examination results/re-sits.

The AAT L3 course starts in January and September.  The day of release is TBC

END POINT ASSESSMENT:

Assessment will be through examinations in Bookkeeping, Computerised Accounting and AAT Level 3 Accounting.  Apprentices will also be assessed through a synoptic end-test covering the knowledge & skills gained, a portfolio comprising a range of evidence produced in the workplace and a reflective discussion which will be a structured interview.  All components will need to be passed in order to be awarded the apprenticeship.

An End-Point Assessment will be conducted by an external provider (interview, portfolio and synoptic test).

The end-point assessment is designed to enable apprentices to demonstrate that they are fully conversant in the skills, knowledge and behaviours expected of individuals at this level.

It is designed to provide assessors with a holistic view of the apprentice and to allow them to assess to what extent the apprentice meets or exceeds the apprenticeship standard.

You will be required to attend Kirklees College in Huddersfield, one day, as part of your apprenticeship.

Training Outcome:

There is a strong possibility that you will gain a permanent position following successful employment as well as achievement of the full apprenticeship qualification. 

On-the-job training to further develop tax knowledge and experience

Progression to Level 4 Apprenticeship and/or other training is available following successful employment and achievement of the apprenticeship. 

Employer Description:
Chartered Accountants

Working Hours :
Monday to Friday.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Administrative skills,Number skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Initiative