Accounts/Finance Assistant
(Level 2 Apprenticeship)
Who is this suitable for?
The Level 2 Apprenticeship in Accounting is suitable for anyone with little or no prior experience in an accounts function. It is therefore a natural entry point for school leavers or for those currently working in a non-finance role or working in an accounts role with limited or no knowledge of double entry bookkeeping. An Apprenticeship is only eligible for funding if the apprentice will be acquiring significantly new skills during their apprenticeship.
The Apprenticeship Structure
Unlike the Levels 3 and 4 Apprenticeships, the Level 2 Apprenticeship has a mandatory qualification element, which in our programme, is our AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting.
The assessment of the Apprenticeship is by an End Point Assessment (EPA) that comprises:
- In-tray Test
- Structured Interview (supported by a portfolio of evidence)
Preparation for the In-tray Test
In order to successfully complete the In-tray Test (exam), apprentices need to have a thorough understanding of the underpinning knowledge and this will be acquired by completion of the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting. This includes the following units which relate to the new Q2022 syallabus:
The In-tray test is computer based (online) and will last for 105 minutes.
An apprenticeship must last at least 372 days and this fits in well with our normal timescales for the completion of the Foundation Certificate in Accounting.
If the apprentice works less than 30 hours a week, the duration of the apprenticeship will need to be increased pro-rata.
Preparation for the Structured Interview
The Structured Interview will consist of 10 questions and these will be asked by an AAT Independent Assessor. The interview must last for 60 minutes and will normally be performed remotely via the AAT’s on-line video portal. It is not a test; it is a method of assessing how much knowledge and practical experience the apprentice has gained over their apprenticeship. The interview covers the following Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours:
In order to support this interview, apprentices will be required to prepare a Portfolio during their apprenticeship. The portfolio must contain a minimum of four pieces of evidence, which could include:
- Job related certificates
- Observation reports undertaken by a work mentor
- Observation checklist and related action plans
- Worksheets, assignment projects and reports
- Records of formal discussion
- Record of oral and written reports
- Apprentice and peer reports
Off The Job Training requirement (OTJT)
Apprentices must be provided a minimum of 6 hours per week from their paid hours for off-the-job-training. This used to be called “The 20% rule”
Apprentices will need to maintain, and submit, a weekly log of OTJT so we can help you meet this requirement.
OTJT can be achieved in a variety of ways – for detailed guidance on how you can achieve this requirement with the minimum of disruption, please contact us.
