Apprenticeship Standard Level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant
An Accounts/Finance Assistant is an integral part of the team responsible for maintaining an efficient and accurate finance function within many businesses.
Apprentices studying under this route are usually responsible for assisting the team of accountants with junior accounting duties.
You could be working on a variety of financial activities such as processing invoices, expenses and assisting with payroll, taxation and the production of financial statements.
This level is most suited to those new to an accountancy role.
When completing this apprenticeship, typical roles in which you may be employed include accounts assistant role, accounts receivable or accounts payable roles.
This level 2 apprenticeship is equivalent to 5 GCSEs graded at levels 9 to 4 (A to C) and takes around 12-15 months to complete.
Course content
All apprenticeships are made up of three components:
- Knowledge
- Skills
- Behaviours
Knowledge:
This element of the programme is delivered by Peak with various start points throughout the year, the assessments within the qualification are:
- Introduction To Bookkeeping
- Principles Of Bookkeeping Controls
- Principles Of Costing
- The Business Environment Synoptic Assessment
Skills and Behaviours:
This element of the programme is delivered within apprentices’ workplace, and is a collaborative approach from employers and Peak. This will enable all apprentices to demonstrate their occupational competency and develop all required skills and professional behaviours.
The portfolio is compiled with support from their work-based advisor, using a variety of methods such as professional discussions, anda report which are based on their workplace. This is compiled during 1-2-1 sessions with the apprentice and their Peak work based advisor at mutually convenient times and dates for the apprentice, employer and Peak’s work based advisor.
Functional skills
Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve level 2 prior to taking their end point assessment. Apprentices who hold a GCSE or equivalent in English and Maths Grade 9-4 or A to C will not need to complete functional skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What have apprentices who have completed this programme progressed to?
Progression opportunities for apprentices on this route include:
- A clearly defined and progressive career path onto future accountancy studies
- Professional accreditation on completion of the AAT qualification
- Further apprenticeship studies at Level 3
How will I study?
AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting (Knowledge component)
The programme is structured on a modular basis and each module is delivered through our weekly classes in our Chester or Liverpool centres, or using our weekly live online classes.
How will I be assessed?
Your knowledge will be assessed through on line exams for the AAT units and any functional skills you need to take.
The skills and behaviours will be assessed through a portfolio of work based evidence supported by your work based advisor
End Point Assessments (EPA)
All apprenticeship standards require apprentices to complete an end point assessment to successfully achieve the apprenticeship qualification. For this apprenticeship standard the end point assessment consists of:
- An in tray test of knowledge components
- Structured interview that assesses skills and behaviours documented within the competency portfolio
Peak will also carry out mock EPA assessments in collaboration with employers and apprentices to ensure all apprentices are competent before progressing onto end point assessment.
Equipment and other costs
AAT Level 2 Registration fees and the first attempt at each assessment are included within the Level 2 apprenticeship
- Levy paying employers – £6000 from levy funds
- Non-Levy employers – £300 + VAT employers contribution. A non-levy employer has a wage cost of less than £3 million per year.
What qualification do I get on completing this apprenticeship?
- Level 2 – Apprenticeship Accounts/Finance Assistant
- AAT – Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
For further information or to apply please dont hesitate to contact us.
Is there additional work required by the student?
All apprentices are required to allocate 20% of their weekly working hours towards the completion of the apprenticeship programme.
Entry Requirements
What qualifications or skills do I need to have before I can enrol?
We will undertake an initial assessment and skills scan to make sure that this qualification is suitable for you. It is preferable to have English and Maths GCSE Grade 4/C or above. Though we can support apprentices to achieve functional skills if they do not hold GCSEs in English and Maths.
Expected Prior Knowledge
You do not need prior knowledge but must be working in an Accounts/Finance Assistant role and have a contract of employment for at least 30 hours per week.
Get in touch with us about apprenticeships
Other apprenticeships
Apprenticeship Standard Level 3 Assistant Accountant
An Assistant Accountant provides support to internal and external customers and will work predominately either as an assistant accountant within practice or alternatively within the finance function of an organisation.
This level 3 apprenticeship is equivalent to 2 x A Level passes, and the Level 3 apprenticeships takes around 15-18 months to complete
Apprenticeship Standard Level 4 Professional Accounting/Taxation Technician
An apprentice in the role of a Professional Accounting/Tax Technician will have responsibility for creating, and / or verifying and reviewing, accurate and timely financial information within the organisation in which they are employed or on behalf of another organisation.
This level 4 apprenticeship is equivalent to a certificate of higher education, and this apprenticeship will take around 18 months to complete.
Information for employers
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Funds for apprenticeship training, are available to support apprenticeships which contain Levels 2, 3, and 4 of the AAT qualifications. These funds are available for all employers, regardless of size. All employers are now expected to contribute towards their apprenticeships training, however there are incentive payments made which can help to recoup some of these employer contributions.
Larger employers who are subject to the apprenticeship levy can use these funds to support their apprenticeship students who wish to study with Peak Accountancy Training
Please contact us to discuss how we can support your employees apprenticeships in accounting.
SAFEGUARDING
Peak are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff to share this commitment.
To find out more about our safeguarding policies please visit our safeguarding page.