Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship Level 3

To gain the full Apprenticeship you will work towards the following:

The end-point assessment (EPA) for this apprenticeship will consist of two parts:

• A synoptic end-test giving the apprentice the opportunity to tackle a series of business-related tasks through a simulation. This will be assessed through the existing Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) synoptic assessment that maps to the current AQ2016 Advanced Accounting Qualification (Level 3).

• A portfolio of evidence that demonstrates competence in the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the standard, gathered from the apprentice’s practical experience in the workplace, combined with a reflective discussion: a structured interview to examine the portfolio evidence and the learner journey in more detail. The reflective discussion will be conducted by an Independent Assessor (IA) appointed by AAT.

During the programme, you will initially learn the concept of double-entry bookkeeping. This will be followed by level 3 AAT unit exams to complement your apprenticeship qualification.

Someone looking to begin their career in Accountancy.

Individual employers set the selection criteria, but you will require a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9 - 5 (formerly A*- B)  including English and Maths, and a Level 2 Accountancy qualification, although some employers will accept other relevant qualifications and experience. Apprentices without English or Maths at Level 2 must achieve this prior to taking the end point assessment.

All applicants for Apprenticeship training will be required to attend an interview and may require an Accountancy test to ensure they are able to cope with the course.

You will be continually assessed throughout your training. You will take some AAT set computer-based assessments and projects as part of the course together with key skills (if required). Your progress will be reviewed regularly and achievable targets set to ensure you complete your Apprenticeship on time.

On successful completion of this Apprenticeship, you could then progress on to AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting to complete the full professional qualification. You could also progress in your chosen career at supervisory/management level.

As a College Apprentice, you will have access to all college resources to help with your training. You will also have a personal training coordinator who will work with you and your employer to help you throughout your training period.

 To achieve the qualification students will study the following units:

• Advanced Bookkeeping
• Indirect Tax
• Final Accounts Preparation
• Management Accounting: Costing
• Ethics for Accountants and Spreadsheets for Accounting (Synoptic Assessment)

Where possible staff from Bournemouth and Poole College will help to find you an employer and a place of work (although students who are already employed are welcome to apply if sponsored by their employer). Your offer of Apprenticeship training will be dependent upon work placements being available.

Whilst your technical skills and knowledge will develop over the course of your Apprenticeship you will also need to demonstrate to potential employers that you possess relevant skills and personal qualities and are willing to work and to learn.

Employers will look for:

• Good communication skills
• Good organisational skills
• Good numeracy skills
• Good Computer skills
• Ability to carry out calculations
• Reliability and flexibility
• Ability to work in a team as well as on your own initiative

Awarding Body:
AAT

Curriculum Area:
Business, Service Industries and ESOL - Business and Finance