Accounting

Course summary

Apprenticeships are a popular choice for someone looking for on-the-job training and the opportunity to gain nationally recognized qualifications whilst earning a wage. Most of your training will be directly linked to the career you have chosen, gaining practical experience in the workplace, backed up by attendance at college just one day a week. An Accounts/Finance Assistant is an integral part of the team responsible for maintaining an efficient and accurate finance function within a business. The Accounts/Finance Assistant is responsible for assisting the team of accountants with junior accounting duties. These can vary massively depending on the team structure and size of the business. An Accounts/Finance Assistant’s work could include basic bookkeeping activities, working with sales and purchase ledgers, running calculations to ensure that records and payments are correct, recording cash, and data entry. Accounts/Finance Assistants can work in almost any sector. Potential employers include corporate businesses, sole traders, partnerships, the Public Sector, not-for-profit organizations, and educational institutions. Accounts/Finance Assistants may work in-house for an organization or they might work for an accountancy firm, bookkeeping practice, Shared Service provider, self-employed, or on behalf of several different clients. The Apprenticeship covers include the following units: • Basic Accounting • Teamwork • Professionalism • Customer focus • Ethical standards • General business • Communication • Personal development Which covers key skills including: • Accounting systems and processes: understanding how accounting systems and processes allow businesses to keep track of all types of financial transactions and the differences between Financial and Management Accounting. • Bookkeeping: understanding basic accountancy concepts and double entry bookkeeping, controls, and cost recording systems. • Business knowledge: learning elements of commercial law that may have an impact when working in accountancy, such as contracts, data protection, and Anti Money Laundering. • Communication: learning to deal effectively with stakeholders using appropriate communication methods to deliver accurate and timely results.