Would you like to be part of an efficient and integral finance function within a business? Would you like to gain a wealth of knowledge and key skills to work in the finance or accounts sector? If your answer is yes, read on to lean more about the Level 2 Accounts or Finance Assistant Apprenticeship. Also, find out if it is the right role for you.
What does the Accounts or Finance Assistant role involve?
Firstly, the accounts or finance assistant is an important member of the finance team. Therefore this apprenticeship will provide all the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful member of the team.
In addition, they are partly responsible for ensuring that the finance department functions effectively and accurately. Therefore the accounts or finance assistant helps support the accountant team with a range of junior accounting duties. This may involve tasks such as bookkeeping activities, working with sales and purchase ledgers, carrying out calculations and recording cash and data entries.
Lastly, there are accounts or finance assistant roles in almost every sector. This means that there is a variety of potential employers. For example, employers from corporate businesses to the public sector, or not-for-profit organisations and educational institutions.
The requirements for the Accounts or Finance Assistant Apprenticeship
Entry requirements for an accounts or finance assistant role varies from employer to employer but all accounts or finance assistants should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and behaviours.
Knowledge:
- Aware of commercial law elements that may be relevant to accountancy
- Can explain the why the codes of conduct are important
- Understands their own role within their organisations
- Has basic accountancy and bookkeeping skills
- Stays up to date on relevant policies, procedures, regulatory or system changes
- Understand their organisations cost recording system
Skills:
- Able to examine data for potential errors/mistakes
- Effectively communicates with different stakeholders by using appropriate communication methods and in the correct manner
- Able to ensure that accounting information is protected by using passwords and other relevant security measures
- Stays organised while multitasking and while prioritising workload to meet deadlines
- Able to support colleagues where needed by evaluating team priorities and workloads
- Ability to plan effectively and review work to constantly improve processes and efficiency
Behaviour:
- Builds successful working relationships within the team and also in other relevant teams
- Successfully implements required personal changes
- Committed to learning and developing themselves
- Demonstrates integrity and personal pride in their job
- Committed to delivering the best customer service by exceeding customer expectations
- Actively and regularly seeks feedback to improve their performance
It is important to note that all apprentices should possess a Level 1 English and Maths qualifications before taking their end point assessment.
Duration and Qualifications
The duration of the programme is usually 12 to 14 months.
Apprentices will have to take one of the below qualifications. This will be dependent on the employer and their decision on which would be most relevant to the role:
- AAT Foundation certificate in accounting (Level 2)
- ACCA Certificate in financial and management accounting (Level 2)
- IAB Level 2 certificate in bookkeeping
- ICB Level 2 certificate in bookkeeping
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Level 2 Accounts or Finance Assistant Apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity for individuals to gain beneficial experience in the industry. As a result of starting this apprenticeship, you will be able to learn and develop knowledge, skills and behaviour that are key for a role in the finance industry. For example, bookkeeping skills, an understanding of the cost recording system and also the corporate social responsibility (CSR) within organisations.
Furthermore, there will be range of opportunities to progress into once you have completed the Level 2 Accounts or Finance Assistant Apprenticeship. This apprenticeship will equip you with all the requirements needed to be successful in this career field.
Furthermore, it will provide you with a wealth of knowledge and networking opportunities to ensure that you have the best head start to your career.
If you want more essential information to help you in your apprenticeship journey, browse our website for a variety of beneficial resources.
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