Apprenticeship Standard: Accounts/Finance Assistant L2
Top Course highlights
- Supportive learning environment
- Highly experienced tutors
- Develop skills in line with industry needs
Learn from sector experts
Gain invaluable insights and hands-on experience from industry expert tutors who bring real-world
knowledge and expertise to the classroom. Their guidance will help you develop the skills and confidence
needed to excel in your chosen field.
Develop work-related skills
Enhance your practical abilities and gain hands-on experience that directly translates to the workplace. This
apprenticeship course focuses on real-world applications, ensuring you are well-prepared to meet the
demands of your chosen career.
Supportive Learning Environment
Thrive in a nurturing and collaborative atmosphere where your growth and success are our top priorities. Our
dedicated tutors and staff are always available to provide guidance, encouragement, and resources to help
you achieve your goals.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
An Accounts or Finance Assistant is an integral part of the team responsible for maintaining an efficient and accurate finance function within a business. They will assist a team of accountants with junior accounting duties. These can vary massively depending on the team structure and size of business. An Accounts or Finance Assistant’s work could include basic bookkeeping activities, working with sales and purchase ledgers, running calculations to ensure that records and payments are correct, recording of cash and data entry. An Accounts or Finance Assistant can work in almost any sector. Potential employers include corporate businesses, sole traders, partnerships, public sector, not-for profit organisations and educational institutions. They might work in-house for an organisation or they might work for an accountancy firm, bookkeeping practice, shared service provider, self-employed accountant or on behalf of several different clients.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Apprentices will complete the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting as part of this programme.
Knowledge
The Accounts or Finance Assistant Apprenticeship Standard provides a strong foundation in essential accounting and business principles. Apprentices will develop an understanding of how organisations operate, including basic commercial awareness, organisational structures, and the role of finance within business success. They will gain knowledge of accounting systems and processes, including bookkeeping, financial and management accounting principles, and internal controls. The programme also covers ethical standards, sustainability, and the importance of maintaining up-to-date knowledge of policies, regulations and industry practices.
Skills
This Apprenticeship Standard equips apprentices with practical skills required to support an effective finance function. Apprentices will learn to process financial data accurately, use accounting software and systems, and produce and check routine financial information. They will develop strong attention to detail, problem solving and organisational skills, enabling them to identify and correct errors and manage their workload effectively. In addition, apprentices will build confidence in communicating with stakeholders, ensuring information is clear, professional and delivered in a timely manner.
Behaviours
Apprentices are expected to demonstrate professionalism, integrity and a commitment to continuous development. They should work collaboratively with colleagues, support team objectives and maintain positive working relationships across the organisation. A strong customer focus, attention to detail and a proactive approach to learning are essential.
Typical Duties that an Apprentice will carry out in the workplace:
- Accurately process financial transactions, including data entry, invoices, and payments within accounting
systems. - Support purchase and sales ledgers, ensuring records are up to date and reconciling accounts.
- Assist with basic bookkeeping tasks, including cash recording, processing receipts, and checking
financial data for accuracy. - Communicate with colleagues and stakeholders to provide financial information.
For further information on this Apprenticeship Standard visit the Skills England website – https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0608-v1-4
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
Build a strong foundation in finance through real-world experience and practical accounting skills, and progress onto the Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship at Truro & Penwith College to further develop your expertise and career opportunities.
The End-Point Assessment (EPA) is a crucial component of apprenticeship standards, designed to evaluate an apprentice’s knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) acquired during their training. The EPA typically includes a combination of practical assessments, professional discussions, and portfolio reviews, ensuring apprentices are fully prepared for their chosen career. This assessment is carried out independently by an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), ensuring impartiality and fairness. Employers play a key role in confirming readiness for the EPA, supporting apprentices throughout the process to achieve successful outcomes.
EPA (End Point Assessment) methods
- Structured interview supported by a portfolio of evidence.
- Knowledge test (integrated within the qualification).
Grade 4 GCSE (C) in English and Maths.
We encourage you to practice your skills away from College, where possible and to utilize the online resources provided by the College for guidance.
In addition, we expect you to conduct your own research, during set home study activities to enhance your understanding of understanding of products and the science behind hairdressing. However, we will also offer you opportunities to conduct this research at College.
You will need salon uniform and specific equipment; full advice will be given on these before the start of your course.
Employability skills and professional standards are a strong focus throughout this qualification allowing progression opportunities on to the next stage of learning within the hair and beauty sector.
Learners are required to purchase a full kit, and uniform upon acceptance on the Level 1 course.
Awarding body: VTCT
