Finance Assistant Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship is ideal for people wishing to work and progress in the field of accountancy.
Running a successful business involves a lot of financial activity from managing expenses and bills to taxes and pay role. Accountants keep track of all these things, and more, to make sure that businesses of all sizes manage their money properly and are as profitable as possible. In addition to business there are many other cases where financial assistance is required - student loans, entrepreneurs starting up new ventures, pension advice, etc. Banks, accountants and insurance companies all offer these services. The variety makes accountancy an attractive career to pursue, from managing one person's finances to those of a global corporation, and in a vast number of industries. Public sector organisations, football clubs, charities and blue chip organisations, all require accountants.
Accounting is a highly skilled profession with staff working at many different levels. Apprentices will take the accounting qualification relevant to their apprenticeship level.
You will develop a wide range of transferable skills such as how to balance accounts, process invoices and payments, complete VAT returns, help prepare financial statements and reports. Depending on the company you work for, you may specialise in one area, such as sales, or covering all these tasks as well as handling banking and petty cash.
Each apprentice has a nominated Business Development Officer who will provide co-ordination between the employer, the College and the apprentice, giving continuity and support throughout the apprenticeship.
What qualifications will I gain?
Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2)
- Level 2 Certificate in Accounting - This is the Knowledge and competency part of the qualification and essential for you to achieve the full apprenticeship. This part shows that you are competent in performing the skill, trade or occupation your apprenticeship requires. This can be completed within 12 months.
- Functional Skills - Providing you with a good level of literacy and numeracy. Level 1 English, and Level 1 maths and Level 1 ICT.
How will I be trained?
Apprenticeships are designed with the help of the employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well. There are targets and checks to make sure that your employer is supporting you and you are making progress.
As an employee you will be in employment for the vast majority of your time as most of the training takes place on the job. The rest takes place at HLC. You can complete this off-the-job training on a day release basis or evening classes - each level takes a year to complete. All the things you study at college during this time will be useful in your job and help you to succeed in your future career. Your employment will usually be for at least 30 hours per week.
How will I be assessed?
There are on-going assessments, which the apprentice must pass in order to obtain the qualification and progress to the next stage. Assessment will take place through practical training at college and at the work place as well as via theory which is demonstrated through a portfolio of evidence. Skills tests are taken internally, together with external exams.
What are the entry requirements?
Intermediate Apprenticeship
- You would normally be expected to have 4 GCSEs at grade E or above (including maths and English), or a relevant vocational qualification at Level 1 or above.
- Those applicants without formal qualifications but who can evidence substantial and relevant sector work experience will also be considered.
- All applicants are offered a place subject to satisfactory interview and an initial assessment in maths and English.
Key Facts
Campus: Hereford
Minimum Age: 16
Duration: 1 year
Typical Employment:
From the Intermediate Apprenticeship, opportunities include accounts assistant, accounts clerk, cashier, finance assistant, purchase ledger clerk and sales ledger clerk.
Contact
Telephone: 0800 032 1986
Email: apprenticeships@hlnsc.ac.uk