Assistant accountant
Level 3 · AdvancedLegal, finance and accounting 1.3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An assistant accountant supports the finance function of an organisation by processing transactions, preparing financial data, and assisting with the production of accounts and reports. Apprentices typically study towards the AAT Level 3 qualification while gaining practical experience in areas such as bookkeeping, VAT, and management reporting. This role provides a strong foundation for progression to assistant accountant level 4, management accountant, or further professional study.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Double-entry bookkeeping and ledger management
Preparing trial balances and assisting with final accounts
VAT calculations, returns, and awareness of HMRC requirements
Cost accounting and basic management reporting techniques
Bank reconciliation and control account reconciliations
Spreadsheet skills and use of accounting software
Professional ethics and confidentiality in accountancy
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Process purchase and sales ledger transactions accurately
Prepare and submit VAT returns on behalf of the organisation
Reconcile bank accounts and resolve reconciling differences
Assist with month-end journal postings and account reconciliations
Produce management reports and financial summaries for review
Maintain accurate financial records and support audit preparation
Deal with supplier and customer finance queries professionally
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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