Accounts or Finance Assistant

Accounts or Finance Assistants may work in the finance department of a company of any size, or within an accountancy practice providing services to a range of clients. The broad purpose of the occupation is to carry out accounting and finance tasks such as collating financial and accounting data, reconciling transactional data, and using financial and accounting software packages. The role will also include working as part of a team as well as working towards individual goals.

This course is appropriate for both school leavers and mature students who have no prior knowledge or skills in the industry. The most important things you need in order to succeed are a commitment to establishing a career in finance or business, and a willingness to develop a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, accountability and ethical behaviour.

Examples of Knowledge Outcomes

• Principles of English law relating to accounting and finance.
• Foundations of professional ethics.
• Use of financial and accounting software.
• Principles of bookkeeping.
• Differences between financial and management accounting.
• Corporate responsibility, ethics and sustainability.
• Cybersecurity and working safely online.

Examples of Skills Outcomes

• Use the organisation's tools and processes to examine data and identify errors or inconsistencies.
• Plan and review accounting tasks.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Handle data and digital technology in line with cyber and data security requirements, including backing up data.

Examples of Behaviour Outcomes

• Work as part of a team to support and collaborate with others to achieve organisational goals.
• Be flexible and respond to changing work environments.
• Be vigilant and pay close attention to detail.
• Take responsibility for your actions.
• Be committed to personal wellbeing.

This apprenticeship includes the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Certificate in Accounting and aligns with both the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers for Associate (AICB) and the Institute of Accounts and Bookkeepers for Associate (AIAB).

A blend of on-the-job and academic learning

Most learning is on-the-job, guided by your employer and Instructor-Mentor. You will attend Buxton Campus one day per week and receive regular workplace visits from your Instructor-Mentor for observations, professional discussions, and progress reviews.

How you are assessed

The Apprenticeship Assessment is the final stage of every apprenticeship. It checks overall competence, not just individual tasks, and gives apprentices the chance to demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) they have developed. Assessment methods for this apprenticeship are an interview and a knowledge test.

• Learn valuable skills – You’ll gain practical experience in tasks like bookkeeping, using financial software, and handling day-to-day finance work that will prepare you for a variety of roles.
• Earn while you learn – You’ll be working and earning a salary while receiving structured training and support from your employer and Instructor-Mentor.
• Boost your career prospects – Completing the apprenticeship opens doors to roles like Accounts Assistant or Administrator and gives you a strong foundation for future progression.
• Get support all the way – You’ll have guidance from your employer and Instructor-Mentor, with regular reviews to help you succeed and develop in your role.

• A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above (or equivalent), including Maths and English.
• You must have the right to work in the UK and have lived in the UK for at least the past three years.
• As this is an apprenticeship, you will also require suitable employment to undertake the programme.

Apprenticeships are funded by either the employer or the government; apprentices do not pay for their training.

Contact us

FE & Skills Apprenticeship Team

• Email: feapprenticeships@derby.ac.uk
• Phone: 0800 074 0099