AAT Finance Apprentice

Job duties:

1. Purchase ledger

Ensure that purchase requisitions are received from academies within the region and processed on the accounting system in a timely manner. Ensure that all purchase requisitions have been approved by the appropriate budget holder and in line with the academies scheme of delegation. Receive and process all invoices for academies within the region, ensuring that the goods/ services have been received, and the expenditure has been approved (i.e. via purchase requisition or approval of invoice on receipt). Ensure that all expenditure is recorded against the relevant nominal code and cost centre, and that the correct VAT code is used. Prepare the weekly/ fortnightly BACs payment run and ensure that suppliers are paid within payment terms. Receive and check all statements from suppliers. Investigate and action any issues that arise with regard to creditors. Regular review and maintenance of the outstanding purchase order and goods received notes report.

2. Sales ledger:

Ensure that sales orders/ requests are received from academies within the region and processed on the accounting system in a timely manner. Ensure that all income is recorded against the relevant nominal code and cost centre, and that the correct VAT code is used. Ensure that all requests for sales invoices are processed and sent to debtors promptly. Ensure that all invoices are monitored and chased so that prompt payment is received.

3. Bank account:

Ensure that payments in slips/ remittances are received from academies within the region and processed on the accounting system in a timely manner. Ensure that all income from dinner money, trips etc. is recorded against the relevant nominal code and cost centre, and that the correct VAT code is used. Ensure that payment request forms are received from academies within the region and processed on the accounting system in a timely manner. Ensure that all payments are recorded against the relevant nominal code and cost centre, and that the correct VAT code is used.

4. Other balance sheet accounts:

Ensure that petty cash returns are received from academies within the region and processed on the accounting system in a timely manner. Ensure that credit card returns are received from academies within the region and processed on the accounting system in a timely manner. Prepayments – ensure that all invoices covering more than one period and meeting the materiality limits are recorded on a spreadsheet for monthly posting by the relevant member of the team.

5. Other duties:

Posting journals to the accounting system to correct coding errors where necessary. Recoding of payroll expenses on a monthly basis, ensuring that all VAT is reclaimed where necessary. 

Training:

Advanced Diploma - AAT Level 3.

Advanced builds on the knowledge gained at the Foundation level. If you work in accounts or have studied accountancy before, you may be able to start at this level. You’ll learn complex accounting techniques, and master a number of accounting disciplines, including financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts and ethical practices for accountants.

This level will encourage you to master more complex accounting principles in both Bookkeeping and Management Accounting. You’ll develop the technical skills to start, or progress, your career in accountancy and this will allow you to continue with your studies onto Level 4.

To pass this level you’ll need to study five units (also known as subjects), which are all mandatory. Four of the units are examined individually and there is also a synoptic assessment that you’ll take towards the end of the level, which incorporates the final two units as well as drawing on all the other units you’ve studied at this level.

The areas you will cover include:

Advanced Bookkeeping. Final Accounts Preparation. Management Accounting: Costing. Indirect Tax. Advanced Synoptic Assessment.

The Apprenticeship standard details the essential Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours that somebody would need to demonstrate to be a successful Assistant Accountant. These include Business Awareness, Ethics, Communication, Embracing Change and Problem-Solving. Apprentices will need to show they are competent in all the areas detailed in the standard when they take the End Point Assessment.

The Knowledge areas of the standard will typically be covered through completion of the AAT qualification. Skills and Behaviours are developed through workshops, e-learning, workplace training and practical experience provided ‘on-the-job’.

Training Outcome:

Possibility of a permanent Finance Assistant role at the end of the apprenticeship for the right candidate. Opportunities for further development/training/qualifications.

Employer Description:
Multi-Academy Trust, made up of 52 primary, secondary and all-through academies in five regions across England.

Working Hours :
Monday to Friday, times to be confirmed.

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