AAT Level 2 Apprenticeship: Accounts/Finance Assistant
Your introduction to accounting
Earn while you learn on the job
Build foundational skills in accounting
Unlock career opportunities in junior finance roles
The Accounts/Finance Assistant Apprenticeship is a Level 2 programme, equivalent to GCSEs, and will equip you as an apprentice, with skills and knowledge that can be directly applied into your role.
Ideal for entry-level finance professionals
Learn through a combination of on-the-job training and guided learning
Prepare for junior and entry-level accounting roles
Expert support from AAT-qualified tutors & access to a wide range of learning resources
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Apprenticeship overview
- Duration : 15 months
- RQF Level: 2
We offer the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting as the regulated qualification for this apprenticeship. An apprenticeship at this level is ideal for team members who assist with financial tasks and undertake junior accounting duties.
This apprenticeship offers a great qualification to prepare you for junior and entry-level accounting roles, giving you a solid foundation in areas such as double entry bookkeeping, basic costing principles and more in-depth knowledge about the business environment.
This flexible apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with the award-winning online learning platform from Mindful Education and combines online learning with tutor-led workshops on a fortnightly basis.
On successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the internationally recognised AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting as well as completing your valuable apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship provides a comprehensive introduction to accounting principles, setting a strong base for future development and higher-level qualifications.
Who is it for?
The AAT Level 2 Apprenticeship: Accounts/Finance Assistant is designed for those starting a career in finance or accounting, particularly as an Accounts or Finance Assistant. It’s ideal for:
Building a career in finance, leading to roles like Trainee Assistant Accountant, Ledger Administrator, or Payroll Clerk.
School leavers or early-career professionals seeking a foundational role in accounting.
Individuals looking to gain practical skills in finance while earning a recognized qualification.
Those interested in earning while learning through an apprenticeship route, with a structured learning path combining hands-on experience and formal training.
Employers aiming to upskill junior team members in basic financial processes such as data entry, bookkeeping, and assisting with accounts preparation.
Apprenticeship details
This qualification will advance apprentices in junior and entry-level accounting roles by delivering a solid foundation in finance administration. Here's what to expect:
Foundational training: Build essential knowledge in areas like basic bookkeeping, accounts preparation, and financial administration, providing a strong starting point for a career in accounting and finance.
Practical, on-the-job learning: Combine workplace experience with structured study, applying new skills in real-world scenarios while gaining valuable professional insights.
Exams & qualifications: Work through structured assessments to achieve the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, a recognised qualification that opens doors to more advanced junior finance roles and beyond.
Flexible learning options: Choose from Residential, Classroom, Online Classroom, or Live Online learning to fit your schedule and preferences.
There are four units of study, these modules are:
- Introduction to Bookkeeping
- Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
- Principles of Costing
- The Business Environment (this module will be included as part of your End Point Assessment for new starters from 1st July 2024)
You will also develop business communications and lifelong learning skills, applying what you learn on the course to the wider industry context. As an apprentice, you will also be required to complete the End Point Assessment (EPA).
Upon completion, apprentices will have the skills, experience, and qualification to excel in entry-level finance roles or progress to more advanced apprenticeships and qualifications, such as AAT Level 3.
Accreditation: Fully approved by the Association of Accounting Technicians, this programme lays a solid foundation in essential accounting principles and practices.
Provider status: Delivered by a trusted and recognised provider listed on the government register of apprenticeship training providers, ensuring high-quality and compliant training.
Comprehensive curriculum: Covers fundamental topics, including bookkeeping transactions, bookkeeping controls, principles of costing and the business environment.
Innovative learning approach: Combines expert-led tuition, real-world workplace application, and cutting-edge digital learning tools, providing apprentices with a practical and flexible learning experience.
Dedicated support: Apprentices receive ongoing support, including access to experienced tutors, personalised one-on-one coaching, and a collaborative support network to help them thrive throughout their apprenticeship journey.
Professional qualification: Achieve a recognised AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting.
Career advancement: Gain the knowledge and skills necessary for career progression in the accounting field.
Practical experience: Apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on work experience.
Flexibility: Structured to accommodate working professionals, ensuring a balance between study and work commitments.
Completing the AAT Level 2 Apprenticeship: Accounts/Finance Assistant opens doors to:
Progression to higher-level apprenticeships, including the AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting.
Jobs you can aspire to once qualified: Assistant Accountant, Payroll Manager, Bookkeeper, Finance Officer, or Credit Controller.
Practical experience in essential finance tasks such as bookkeeping, financial reporting, and payroll.
A solid foundation for a long-term career in accounting and finance across diverse sectors.
The duration of the Accounts / Finance Assistant Apprenticeship is split into two distinct areas.
You will be on programme studying for your AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting qualification for 12 months, followed by a 3 month “window” to complete your EPA. In total, you will be on your apprenticeship for around 15 months.
To be an apprentice, you will need to be employed in a relevant finance, bookkeeping or accounting role.
Students can start with any qualification depending on existing skills and experience. There are no formal entry requirements, but we recommend that students begin their studies with a good standard of English and maths.
Before choosing your level of study, we will require you to visit the AAT website to complete the skills checker test to gauge your current knowledge.
You can access the AAT's skills checker here.
At Reed Business School, we have a long history of delivering industry-leading results, based on over 50 years in the business. We provide the very highest standard of professional accountancy training for anyone looking to advance in their accounting career. When you learn with us, you’ll get access to:
Support from an AAT-qualified tutor - Our AAT tutors will be there to support you throughout your studies with us. You’ll be able to ask them questions in class or on Microsoft Teams during business hours
A variety of delivery options to suit your needs - We offer a variety of delivery options including 100% online, classroom learning at our conveniently located training centres, and residential study programs at our iconic 11th-century manor
Study materials to help you pass first time - All our AAT courses include access to additional online study materials including Green Light Tests, webinars, and practice assessments for each unit
Recognised accreditation - We take a specialised approach to teaching based on over 50 years' delivering accounting qualifications. It’s helped thousands of students pass their exams and succeed in their careers
Exams:
Modular units each have their own computer-based exam. Computer-marked assessments results will be received within 48 hours of your assessment. Any assessment that contains human-marked elements can take up to 6 weeks to be returned. Your exams can take place at any AAT Exam Venue, including Reed Business School.
Off-the-job-training:
As a requirement of your apprenticeship being funded, you are required to complete 20% of your working week in off-the-job training. Your hours can be recorded and tracked allowing you to complete this element of your studies. You will also have quarterly progress reviews with a learning coach/assessor to evaluate your progress towards your Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSB’s). These reviews are a 3-way discussion between the apprentice, employer, and provider.
What is the End Point Assessment?
The EPA for this apprenticeship standard will consist of two parts.
Completion of structured discussion with an AAT end-point assessment to reflect upon your time as an apprentice.
Completion of the Business Environment Synoptic assessment.
The End Point Assessment takes place once you have completed all the on-programme requirements of the apprenticeship and have your completed portfolio to enter “Gateway” at 12 months.
AAT Level 2 apprenticeship Accounts/Finance Assistant - £7,000
- For levy-paying employers, the programme can be fully funded through the Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account.
- For non‑levy payers, 95% of the apprenticeship cost is funded by the government.
- Eligible organisations may also be able to receive a levy transfer from Reed
You can explore your funding options here. Alternatively, get in touch if you’d like to speak with one of our apprenticeship advisors.
Why choose Reed Business School?
As an experienced, RoATP‑approved provider, we make it easy for employers to run effective apprenticeship programmes.
Employers choose Reed Business School because we:
tailor apprenticeship solutions to your organisation’s needs
have a proven track record, reflected in our Good Ofsted rating
are trusted and fully approved on the RoATP
work alongside your teams to support workforce development
provide access to specialists across our specialism (HR, L&D, Leadership & Management, and Accounting)
As your apprenticeship partner, we help you address the main challenges employers face, including:
designing programmes that meet regulatory and quality requirements
recruiting suitable apprentices
balancing training needs with day‑to‑day operations
managing compliance and funding documentation
preparing learners for end‑point assessment and selecting providers
achieving a strong return on investment
Testimonials
John Lewis and Partners - Apprenticeship
Centrica - Graduate Scheme
Baroness Cox, Founder of Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART)
Trusted by leading accountancy practices
Top organisations trust Reed Business School for their accountancy training and development.
Looking for an all-in-one learning & development solution?
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