Assistant Accountant
(Level 3 Apprenticeship)
Who is this suitable for?
This could be someone progressing from the Level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant Apprenticeship. Alternatively, it could be someone who only needs to complete the bookkeeping units of the Level 2 to gain a solid grasp of double entry bookkeeping before progressing to Level 3 units. They might be A Level school leavers or graduates with some accounting knowledge, or those with experience in an accounts function but no related qualifications.
An apprenticeship must last a minimum of eight months and not everyone will want to spend eight months completing Level 2 before starting Level 3.
To assess a suitable starting place, we recommend taking the AATs Skillcheck – just click on the button below to access it.
The Apprenticeship Structure
The assessment of the Apprenticeship is by an End Point Assessment (EPA) that comprises:
- The Knowledge Assessment / Synoptic Test - a computer-based exam with 40 multiple choice questions
- A Professional Discussion underpinned by Portfolio, performed by an Independent Assessor
Prior to sitting the EPA, apprentices must have successfully completed the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.
Completion of the Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
Many of our apprentices need to achieve a solid grounding in double entry bookkeeping but don’t need to spend a year completing this via an apprenticeship. Instead, they will simply complete the Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping at the beginning of their Level 3 Apprenticeship, before progressing to the Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.
If the prospective apprentice has no prior experience or knowledge in accounting or an accounting environment, they might need to complete the Level 2 Apprenticeship in order to provide the necessary underpinning knowledge to undertake the Level 3 units.
However, many of our apprentices simply need to achieve a better grounding in double entry bookkeeping – in which case they would only add the two units from the Level 2 to their Level 3 Apprenticeship.
Preparation for the Professional Discussion
The Professional Discussion entails a one hour discussion with an Independent Assessor. This will be performed remotely via Zoom or Teams. It is not a test, it is a method of assessing how much practical experience the apprentice has undertaken over their apprenticeship and covers the following Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours set out in the Apprenticeship Standard.
To support this discussion, apprentices will be required to prepare a Portfolio during their apprenticeship. This will consist of a series of pieces of evidence reflecting the development of the new skills and behaviours and application of the related knowledge over the apprenticeship. This portfolio will be supported by short reflections on each KSB that will assist the apprentice in their discussion.
Apprentices will need to maintain, and submit, a weekly log of their new learning to evidence the requirement of off-the-job-
training.
More detailed guidance on off the job training is provided elsewhere on this website
https://apprenticeships.accountancylearning.co.uk/employers/apprenticeships/
Apprenticeship “Enhancements” – the real added value – seeing beyond the numbers
To support the development of the above Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours in the workplace, we have added further elements to our programme. These include providing access to a range of online learning materials designed to support the needs of the apprentice’s role and their workplace which assist in the development of their personal, leadership and management skills, helping them to become rounded accountants and not just technicians.
Footnote: If your prospective apprentice is likely to benefit from completing the full Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, do please liaise with us to see if the Level 2 Accounts Assistant Apprenticeship will be a more appropriate route to start off with.