Course overview
This occupation is found in all sectors and industries, including the private and the public sector. This ranges from small organisations through to large global corporations and government bodies.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to support internal and external customers in the administration of their financial and accounting activities. They may work as an assistant accountant in a practice or alternatively within the finance function of an organisation. An assistant accountant helps in the operation of day-to-day financial activities.
The apprenticeship standard for Financial Accounting and Management covers essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours crucial for competence in finance and accounting roles. In terms of knowledge, apprentices learn about financial accounting principles such as accruals, prepayments, fixed asset management, and financial reporting. They also gain insights into management accounting principles, including costings, budgeting, and variance analysis. Additionally, they acquire knowledge of financial record-keeping, indirect taxation, digital financial tools, cybersecurity, and professional ethics within the finance sector.
Skills developed during the apprenticeship include assisting with financial queries, recording and analysing financial data, applying double-entry bookkeeping, producing accurate financial information, reconciling financial data, and resolving transactional errors. Apprentices also learn to communicate financial information effectively to non-finance stakeholders, utilize digital skills for financial presentations, and adhere to cybersecurity and data security requirements while using accounting software.
The apprenticeship emphasizes behavioural aspects such as collaboration, ethics, organization, adaptability to change, engagement with stakeholders, and maintaining personal wellbeing. Apprentices are encouraged to build inclusive working relationships, demonstrate ethical and professional conduct, organize work effectively, embrace change, stay updated with industry changes, prioritize wellbeing and resilience, exercise professional judgment, and contribute to sustainability practices in their role.
Course information
You’ll be assessed throughout the duration of your course, with an end-point assessment in the final stages of your apprenticeship which is carried out by an Independent Assessment Examiner.
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.
For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3.
A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.
Apply online at www.stockton.ac.uk/apply
