Apprenticeship Summary
Build the finance talent your business needs
The Accounts or Finance Assistant - Level 2 Apprenticeship is a smart way to recruit new talent or develop existing employees with the practical skills needed to support an efficient and accurate finance function.
Apprentices gain valuable workplace experience while developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to contribute to financial operations from day one. Through Dudley College of Technology, apprentices also work towards the highly regarded AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, helping employers build capable, confident finance professionals for the future.
Is this apprenticeship right for your business?
If your organisation needs to strengthen its finance capability, improve accuracy, increase efficiency or create a pipeline of future accounting talent, this apprenticeship could be the perfect solution. Accounts or Finance Assistants play a vital role in organisations of every size and sector. They support routine finance and accounting activities, maintain financial records, process transactions and help ensure the smooth running of business operations.
What will Apprentices Learn?
Apprentices develop the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to support modern finance and accounting functions.
As part of the apprenticeship, apprentices complete planned off-the-job training through a combination of college-based delivery, online learning, workplace coaching, guided study and practical projects.
Apprentices typically attend college on a day-release basis.
Programme content includes:
- Bookkeeping transactions and controls
- Accounts payable and accounts receivable
- Financial data entry and reconciliation
- Costing and financial processes
- Using accounting software and digital finance systems
- Payroll and cash management principles
- Financial and management accounting fundamentals
- Data security, compliance and professional ethics
- Effective communication with internal and external stakeholders
- Working effectively within a finance team
Learning combines expert teaching with practical workplace application, enabling apprentices to make an immediate contribution to your organisation while developing the foundations for a successful career in finance.
We'll work closely with you to create a training plan that supports both the apprentice's development and your business objectives.
Professional qualification included:
A key benefit of the programme is that apprentices study towards the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting alongside the apprenticeship standard. This provides a strong grounding in accounting principles while giving employers confidence that apprentices are developing industry-recognised technical skills.
Entry Requirements
Apprentices should be employed in a suitable finance or accounts-related role that allows them to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the Apprenticeship Standard.
Apprentices should also hold a grade 4 or equivalent in both GCSE English and maths.
Apprentices may be required to work towards English and maths qualifications as part of their apprenticeship where appropriate. We will provide advice on the requirements that apply to your apprentice and support them throughout their learning journey.
How is the Apprentice Assessed?
Progress is reviewed throughout the programme through regular assessment, workplace reviews and skills development activities.
At the end of the apprenticeship, apprentices complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) which may include:
• A professional interview
• An integrated knowledge assessment linked to the qualification
This confirms the apprentice has achieved the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the occupational standard.
We will prepare both employers and apprentices for every stage of the assessment process.
Need Help Finding the Right Apprentice?
Our Apprenticeship Onboarding Team can support you through every stage of the recruitment process, including promoting your vacancy to prospective candidates, including talent within our existing student cohort here at the College.
Whether you're recruiting your first apprentice or expanding your workforce, we'll help you find the right candidate for your business.
Ready to get started?
If you're looking to recruit an apprentice or upskill an existing employee, our Employer Engagement Team is here to help.
Get in touch today to discuss your workforce needs, funding options and upcoming start dates.
Funding and Employer Incentives
Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to recruit new talent or develop your existing workforce, with significant government funding available for eligible employers.
Our Employer Engagement Team will explain the funding and incentives available to your organisation. View our latest Apprenticeship Funding and Employer Incentives for the most up-to-date information.
Career Progression
The Accounts or Finance Assistant apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for future development and can lead to progression opportunities such as:
• Assistant Accountant – Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Finance Officer
• Payroll Officer
• Accounts Administrator
• Bookkeeper