Assistant Accountant (Level 3 Standard)

Within this accountancy Apprenticeship there are various job roles which would be applicable such as:

• Assistant Accountant
• Trainee Accounting
• Technician
• Accounts Clerk
• Cashier Finance Assistant
• Purchase Ledger Clerk
• Sales Ledger Clerk

An Assistant Accountant provides support to internal and external customers and will work predominantly either as an assistant accountant within practice or alternatively within the finance function of an organisation. Part of the role must involve assisting in the day to day financial activities such as data entry to month end management accounts and/or year-end financial statements. In addition, the Assistant Accountant may find themselves involved in regulatory financial requirements such as the completion of VAT returns or assisting in the preparation of tax computations.

For Level 3 apprenticeships, learners are generally required to have GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above prior to enrolment. However, for applicants aged 19 or older, this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the employer and training provider, depending on the role and individual circumstances.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work on-site in finance departments or accountancy practices while attending college one day per week. They assist with tasks like preparing financial statements, VAT returns, and month-end reports, gaining practical experience alongside structured learning in accounting principles.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers topics such as double-entry bookkeeping, financial reporting, tax processes, and ethical standards. Apprentices also develop skills in using accounting software, managing ledgers, and interpreting financial data for internal and external stakeholders.

• Specialist Pathways: Learners may focus on areas such as tax preparation, audit support, or regulatory compliance, depending on their interests and employer needs. Many complete the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting, which can be tailored to include modules in business awareness or financial management.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 15 months), apprentices earn a Level 3 qualification and are ready for roles like assistant accountant, finance officer, or accounts technician, with progression routes into higher apprenticeships or chartered accountancy.

For a comprehensive understanding of this programme and what it entails, please click here.

This accountancy Apprenticeship is taught at our London Road Campus on a day release basis once a week with exams throughout the year. In addition, you will be expected to produce a portfolio of work-based evidence which is reviewed in the workplace every 12 weeks with the College and your employer. You will be required to sit an End Point Assessment, towards the final stages of your programme, to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to carry out your role effectively.

Previous convictions: Please note - when registering with AAT, you will need to declare whether you have any criminal convictions or had civil convictions against you. All declarations will be followed up by AAT. Serious convictions may result in you being barred from becoming an AAT registered student.

To be an apprentice, you will need an employer who can offer you a specific role relevant to this apprenticeship and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653444 or email apprenticeships@shrewsbury.ac.uk