Carrying out routine financial activities and support for businesses and organisations of all types and sizes.
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. These may include data entry to month end management accounts and year-end financial statements. In addition, the assistant accountant may find themselves involved in regulatory financial requirements. These may include the completion of VAT returns or assisting in the preparation of tax computations.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to deliver accurate and timely accounts services. This will include their line manager and team members, together with the workers and the clients of the organisation they are managing accounts for. They may liaise with software departments, or houses, where the accounts system is hosted externally.
An assistant accountant will be responsible for managing their own caseload and time whilst reporting to a more senior accountant.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 15 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
For the assistant accountant, the qualification required is:
AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting
AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
Multiple choice test
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be open book, meaning you can have access to some books or reference materials.
In the test you can have:
Apprentices may bring with them pens, pencils, erasers, and a scientific or accountancy calculator.
Calculators must not emit audible tones or function as any other digital device.
Apprentices must not have access to the internet for the duration of the assessment. This includes any potential technological, web-enabled sources of information such as, but not limited to, iPods, mobile phones, MP3/4 players, smart watches which have a data storage device.
No other equipment is allowed.
Professional discussion
You will have a professional professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with AAT for Qualified Bookkeeper
Please contact the professional body for more details.
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. These may include data entry to month end management accounts and year-end financial statements. In addition, the assistant accountant may find themselves involved in regulatory financial requirements. These may include the completion of VAT returns or assisting in the preparation of tax computations.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to deliver accurate and timely accounts services. This will include their line manager and team members, together with the workers and the clients of the organisation they are managing accounts for. They may liaise with software departments, or houses, where the accounts system is hosted externally.
An assistant accountant will be responsible for managing their own caseload and time whilst reporting to a more senior accountant.
| Duty | KSBs |
|---|---|
|
Duty 1 Assist with monthly and year end reporting of financial and accounts information. This will include the timely collation of data from a range of sources, such as different functions within one organisation, or a range of external clients if operating in a practice. This includes both foreseeable finance and accounting data requirements and unexpected requirements. |
|
|
Duty 2 Maintain financial and accounting records including the timely collation of data from a range of sources. For example, different functions within one organisation, or a range of external clients if operating in practice. This includes both foreseeable requirements and unexpected requests, often to tight timescales. |
|
|
Duty 3 Safeguard against suspicious activities for example anti-money laundering. |
|
|
Duty 4 Assist with the compilation of accounting and financial records, for example, to inform direct and indirect tax returns under supervision, audit documentation or control account reconciliations. |
|
|
Duty 5 Deliver financial and accounting information and data to stakeholders to ensure that key messages are communicated. |
|
|
Duty 6 Assist in the maintenance and use of digital systems by using software applications and packages to support the delivery of accurate and timely financial and accounting information. |
|
|
Duty 7 Use digital systems safely to ensure that the cyber security of the organisation is not compromised, and data handling legislative requirements are met. |
|
|
Duty 8 Undertake Continuous Professional Development by keeping up to date with relevant statutory obligations and procedural best practice. |
|
|
Duty 9 Collaborate with people both internally and/or externally at appropriate levels with a view to deliver a service that meets customer’s needs with a commitment to professional and ethical standards, for example, professional code of conduct and duty of confidentiality as appropriate. |
K1: Principles of financial accounting, adjustment and reporting including calculation and input of accruals and prepayments, maintenance of the fixed asset register, accounting for asset purchase and disposal, depreciation, and financing.
Back to Duty
K2: Principles of management accounting for example, the principles of provision of costings, awareness of monthly and rolling forecasting and including the principles of financial planning, the calculation of income and expenditure budgets, budget holder sign off, and the investigation and reporting of variances to budgets.
Back to Duty
K3: Principles of creating and maintaining financial records including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management and principles of payroll.
Back to Duty
K4: Fundamentals of potential vulnerabilities within systems of financial control such as internal fraud and money laundering.
Back to Duty
K5: Fundamentals of indirect taxation including approaches to completing indirect tax returns and supporting documentation and records.
Back to Duty
K6: Fundamentals of digital financial and accounting packages and applications including the maintenance of key databases, spreadsheets, data analytics and the appropriate use of data to provide information.
Back to Duty
K7: Principles of cyber-security and working safely online within a finance and accounting context.
Back to Duty
K8: Principles of data security and legislative requirements regarding data handling in a financial and accounting context.
Back to Duty
K9: Approaches to diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness and their impact on finance and accountancy.
Back to Duty
K10: The role of accountancy or finance within the organisational business strategy.
Back to Duty
K11: The wider financial and accounting professional landscape including the requirement to stay abreast of changes in technology and practice and awareness of the role of regulators and professional bodies.
Back to Duty
K12: The principles of professional ethics and codes of conduct in a finance and accounting environment.
Back to Duty
S1: Assist with the investigation and response to financial information queries.
Back to Duty
S2: Record and analyse financial data using the organisation’s standard tools and processes.
Back to Duty
S3: Apply double entry bookkeeping and accounting standards to process financial documents, generate financial statements and report financial information to users of accounts.
Back to Duty
S4: Assist with production of accurate financial information for the preparation of accounts.
Back to Duty
S5: Reconcile financial data, such as, preparation of reconciliations or review of reconciliations.
Back to Duty
S6: Investigate, resolve or escalate transactional queries and errors within their remit as appropriate.
Back to Duty
S7: Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
Back to Duty
S8: Communicate financial information in a way that non-finance stakeholders can interpret and understand.
Back to Duty
S9: Utilise digital skills to present key financial information using finance and accounting software and applications.
Back to Duty
S10: Use software packages to assist with basic accounting tasks in line with cyber and data security requirements, using data securely and safely, including backing up data.
Back to Duty
S11: Communicate using varying approaches and different media methods with an appreciation of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications.
Back to Duty
B1: Collaborative and inclusive - builds strong collaborative working relationships recognising the importance of diversity and inclusion.
Back to Duty
B2: Ethical and Professional - applies a transparent, objective and sustainable manner to meet the ethical requirements of the profession.
Back to Duty
B3: Organised with an attention to detail – organises work efficiently and effectively to meet required targets, escalating queries or problems as appropriate. Demonstrates a professional approach to working to deadlines.
Back to Duty
B4: Embracing change - accepts changing priorities and working requirements readily and has the flexibility to maintain high standards in a changing environment.
Back to Duty
B5: Engaging with wider stakeholders and keeping up to date with changes in the finance industry which impact their organisation or role.
Back to Duty
B6: Wellbeing and resilience – demonstrates a commitment to personal wellbeing and an awareness of support and resources available. Contributing to cultivating an open, honest, and empathetic work environment.
Back to Duty
B7: Professional judgement – applying a critical eye to transactions and trends for reasonableness, demonstrating a ‘right first time approach’.
Back to Duty
B8: Carry out the duties of their role by reference to sustainability good practice whether specific to their occupation or externally recognised. For example, by prioritising practices in their work that contribute to minimising or reversing climate change by reducing the use of non-renewable resources.
Back to Duty
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.
Level: 3
Ofqual regulated
Superceded from 31 Aug 2022
Level: 3
Ofqual regulated
Overtaking qualification to the AAT Advanced diploma in Accounting - Level 3 from 1st Sept 2022
This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:
V1.2
This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the assistant accountant apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.
Assistant accountant apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.
An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s Register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO).
A full-time apprentice typically spends 15 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as an assistant accountant. All apprentices must spend at least 12 months on-programme. All apprentices must complete the required amount of off-the-job training specified by the apprenticeship funding rules.
This EPA has 2 assessment methods.
The grades available for each assessment method are:
Assessment method 1 - knowledge assessment:
Assessment method 2 - professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio:
The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:
|
On-programme - typically 15 months
|
The apprentice must complete training to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) of the occupational standard. The apprentice must complete training towards English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules. The apprentice must complete training towards any other qualifications listed in the occupational standard. The qualification(s) required are one of: AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence. |
|---|---|
|
End-point assessment gateway
|
The employer must be content that the apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard. The apprentice’s employer must confirm that they think the apprentice:
The apprentice must have passed any other qualifications listed in the assistant accountant occupational standard ST0002. The qualification(s) required are: AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting The qualification(s) required are: AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting The apprentice must have achieved English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules. For the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio the apprentice must submit a portfolio of evidence. The apprentice must submit any policies and procedures as requested by the EPAO. |
|
End-point assessment - typically 3 months
|
Grades available for each assessment method: Knowledge Assessment
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio
Overall EPA and apprenticeship can be graded:
|
|
Professional recognition
|
This apprenticeship aligns with AAT for Qualified Bookkeeper . The experience gained and responsibility held by the apprentice on completion of the apprenticeship will either wholly or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level. |
The EPA is taken in the EPA period. The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements have been met and is typically 3 months.
The expectation is that the EPAO will confirm the gateway requirements have been met and the EPA starts as quickly as possible.
The apprentice’s employer must confirm that they think their apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard. The apprentice will then enter the gateway. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider(s), but the employer must make the decision.
The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.
These are:
Portfolio of evidence requirements:
The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by this assessment method. It will typically contain 10 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.
Evidence sources may include:
This is not a definitive list, other evidence sources can be included.
In cases where the apprentice is working in a confidential environment, or handling sensitive data that falls under the requirements of GDPR the employer may either:
Or
In such circumstances the EPAO and independent assessor should use their discretion to make suitable arrangements to verify to their satisfaction that the portfolio was completed and available for review at the gateway. Detailed arrangements for satisfactory portfolio review by the independent assessor must be agreed with the employer as part of their arrangement with the EPAO.
The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance (for example, witness statements) rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.
The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the discussion. The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the discussion. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.
The apprentice must submit any policies and procedures as requested by the EPAO.
The assessment methods can be delivered in any order.
The result of one assessment method does not need to be known before starting the next.
In the knowledge assessment, the apprentice answers questions in a controlled and invigilated environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method.
This assessment method is being used because assistant accountants work in an occupation in which competence can be readily tested through questions that require the application of knowledge to specific scenarios. These scenarios enable the assessor to establish the extent of the apprentice's competence beyond straightforward recall by assessing the reasoning for the approach taken to resolving a particular problem or question.
The test should typically be 90 minutes to complete with an additional 60 minutes available for preparation, research and reflection time as needed to deliver a total timescale of 150 minutes for the knowledge assessment to be completed within. Each apprentice will decide how much of the 150 minutes available they need to use to complete the questions in the knowledge assessment.
The test should comprise 40 questions over 4 themes.
The knowledge assessment must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
The knowledge assessment must be computer based.
The knowledge assessment must consist of 40 multiple-choice questions.
Multiple-choice questions must have four options, including one correct answer.
The knowledge assessment should comprise 40 questions over 4 themes.
1. Professional standards and ethics
2. Digital and data security
3. Financial investigation and queries
4. Financial statements and Bookkeeping
The assessment of the following KSBs must include the requirement to perform a calculation:
K1, K2, K3, K5, S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5.
The knowledge assessment must consist of a combination of multiple-choice question styles including: a maximum of 25% multiple-choice questions where there is one correct answer and 3 plausible distractors and a combination of calculation-based questions; a maximum of 75% being multiple mark short questions, for example, drag and drop, pick list etc for a scenario based on the 4 listed themes. This is to ensure apprentices can demonstrate their competence across the breadth of the KSBs.
The test should be presented as an online series of questions.
The apprentice must be given at least 14 days notice of the date and time of the knowledge assessment.
The apprentice must have 150 minutes to complete the Knowledge Assessment. This comprises 90 minutes for the test and a futher 60 minutes being available to the apprentice for reflection and planning as needed.
The knowledge assessment is open book which means that the apprentice can refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the Knowledge Assessment.
In the Knowledge Assessment, the apprentice will be permitted to have access to text books used during their course of study for the apprenticeship.
The following equipment is allowed to be used during the knowledge assessment:
Apprentices may bring with them pens, pencils, erasers, and a scientific or accountancy calculator.
Calculators must not emit audible tones or function as any other digital device.
Apprentices must not have access to the internet for the duration of the assessment. This includes any potential technological, web-enabled sources of information such as, but not limited to, iPods, mobile phones, MP3/4 players, smart watches which have a data storage device.
No other equipment is allowed.
The knowledge assessment must be taken in the presence of an invigilator under the responsibility of the EPAO.
The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the knowledge assessment must be conducted. It must state the ratio of apprentices to invigilators for the setting and allow the Knowledge Assessment to take place in a secure way.
The EPAO is responsible for the security of the knowledge assessment including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the knowledge assessment.
The knowledge assessment must be marked by an independent assessor or marker employed by the EPAO. They must follow a marking scheme produced by the EPAO. Marking by computer is allowed where question type supports this.
A correct entry gets 1 mark.
Any incorrect or missing answers get zero marks.
The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the knowledge assessment. The EPAO must ensure standardisation and moderation of knowledge assessment.
The apprentice must take the knowledge assessment in a suitably controlled and invigilated environment that is a quiet room, free from distractions and influence. The EPAO must check the venue is suitable.
The knowledge assessment may take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice. The EPAO must ensure invigilation of the apprentice for example with, and not limited to, 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.
The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.
The EPAO must ensure that apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the knowledge assessment:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation, training, and moderation.
In the professional discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence.
This assessment method is being used because: a professional discussion enables an apprentice to demonstrate competence to the highest level against the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. It is a key element of the occupation to be able to explain key concepts clearly and accurately and this makes a professional discussion a valid assessment method for this occupation.
The professional discussion must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
An independent assessor must conduct and assess the professional discussion.
The purpose of the independent assessor's questions will be to explore competence within the KSBs mapped to the method and provide and opportunity for the apprentice to demonstrate distinction level criteria.
The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days' notice of the professional discussion.
The independent assessor must have at least 4 weeks to review the supporting documentation.
The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the professional discussion.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence however, the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.
The professional discussion must last for 60 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the professional discussion by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.
The independent assessor must ask at least 10 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
The professional discussion must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises.
The professional discussion can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.
The professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.
The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
|
Theme
KSBs
|
Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors
|
Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
|
|---|---|---|
|
Digital and data security
K7 S9 S10 |
|
|
|
Wider professional landscape
K10 K11 K12 B2 B6 B7 B8 |
|
N/A
|
|
Stakeholder engagement and communication
K9 S7 S8 S11 B1 B3 B4 B5 |
|
|
| Grade | Minimum marks required | Maximum marks required |
|---|---|---|
| Fail | 0 | 27 |
| Pass | 28 | 34 |
| Distinction | 35 | 40 |
Performance in the EPA determines the apprenticeship grade of:
An independent assessor must individually grade the: knowledge assessment in line with this EPA plan.
The EPAO must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.
If the apprentice fails one or more assessment methods, they will be awarded an overall fail.
To achieve an overall pass, the apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods. To achieve an overall EPA ‘merit,’ the apprentice must achieve a pass in one method and a distinction in the remaining method.To achieve an overall EPA ‘distinction,’ the apprentice must achieve a distinction in the test and a distinction in the professional discussion.
Grades from individual assessment methods must be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.
| Knowledge Assessment | Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio | Overall Grading |
|---|---|---|
| Fail | Any grade | Fail |
| Any grade | Fail | Fail |
| Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Pass | Distinction | Merit |
| Distinction | Pass | Merit |
| Distinction | Distinction | Distinction |
An apprentice who fails one or more assessment method(s) can take a re-sit or a re-take at their employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does.
An apprentice should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.
The employer and EPAO agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 1 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 3 months of the EPA outcome notification.
Failed assessment methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.
Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.
An apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of distinction for a re-sit or re-take, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.
| Roles | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Apprentice |
As a minimum, the apprentice should:
|
|
Employer |
As a minimum, the apprentice's employer must:
Post-gateway, the employer must:
|
|
EPAO |
As a minimum, the EPAO must:
|
|
Independent assessor |
As a minimum, an independent assessor must:
|
|
Training provider |
As a minimum, the training provider must:
|
|
Marker |
As a minimum, the marker must:
|
|
Invigilator |
As a minimum, the invigilator must:
|
The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.
This should include:
Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.
Internal quality assurance refers to how the EPAO ensures valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions. The EPAO must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities section and:
Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:
This apprenticeship aligns with:
AAT for Qualified Bookkeeper
| Knowledge | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
K1
Principles of financial accounting, adjustment and reporting including calculation and input of accruals and prepayments, maintenance of the fixed asset register, accounting for asset purchase and disposal, depreciation, and financing. Back to Grading |
Knowledge Assessment |
|
K2
Principles of management accounting for example, the principles of provision of costings, awareness of monthly and rolling forecasting and including the principles of financial planning, the calculation of income and expenditure budgets, budget holder sign off, and the investigation and reporting of variances to budgets. Back to Grading |
Knowledge Assessment |
|
K3
Principles of creating and maintaining financial records including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management and principles of payroll. Back to Grading |
Knowledge Assessment |
|
K4
Fundamentals of potential vulnerabilities within systems of financial control such as internal fraud and money laundering. Back to Grading |
Knowledge Assessment |
|
K5
Fundamentals of indirect taxation including approaches to completing indirect tax returns and supporting documentation and records. Back to Grading |
Knowledge Assessment |
|
K6
Fundamentals of digital financial and accounting packages and applications including the maintenance of key databases, spreadsheets, data analytics and the appropriate use of data to provide information. Back to Grading |
Knowledge Assessment |
|
K7
Principles of cyber-security and working safely online within a finance and accounting context. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K8
Principles of data security and legislative requirements regarding data handling in a financial and accounting context. Back to Grading |
Knowledge Assessment |
|
K9
Approaches to diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness and their impact on finance and accountancy. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K10
The role of accountancy or finance within the organisational business strategy. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K11
The wider financial and accounting professional landscape including the requirement to stay abreast of changes in technology and practice and awareness of the role of regulators and professional bodies. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K12
The principles of professional ethics and codes of conduct in a finance and accounting environment. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
| Skill | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
S1
Assist with the investigation and response to financial information queries. Back to Grading |
Knowledge Assessment |
|
S2
Record and analyse financial data using the organisation’s standard tools and processes. Back to Grading |
Knowledge Assessment |
|
S3
Apply double entry bookkeeping and accounting standards to process financial documents, generate financial statements and report financial information to users of accounts. Back to Grading |
Knowledge Assessment |
|
S4
Assist with production of accurate financial information for the preparation of accounts. Back to Grading |
Knowledge Assessment |
|
S5
Reconcile financial data, such as, preparation of reconciliations or review of reconciliations. Back to Grading |
Knowledge Assessment |
|
S6
Investigate, resolve or escalate transactional queries and errors within their remit as appropriate. Back to Grading |
Knowledge Assessment |
|
S7
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S8
Communicate financial information in a way that non-finance stakeholders can interpret and understand. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S9
Utilise digital skills to present key financial information using finance and accounting software and applications. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S10
Use software packages to assist with basic accounting tasks in line with cyber and data security requirements, using data securely and safely, including backing up data. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S11
Communicate using varying approaches and different media methods with an appreciation of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
| Behaviour | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
B1
Collaborative and inclusive - builds strong collaborative working relationships recognising the importance of diversity and inclusion. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
B2
Ethical and Professional - applies a transparent, objective and sustainable manner to meet the ethical requirements of the profession. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
B3
Organised with an attention to detail – organises work efficiently and effectively to meet required targets, escalating queries or problems as appropriate. Demonstrates a professional approach to working to deadlines. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
B4
Embracing change - accepts changing priorities and working requirements readily and has the flexibility to maintain high standards in a changing environment. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
B5
Engaging with wider stakeholders and keeping up to date with changes in the finance industry which impact their organisation or role. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
B6
Wellbeing and resilience – demonstrates a commitment to personal wellbeing and an awareness of support and resources available. Contributing to cultivating an open, honest, and empathetic work environment. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
B7
Professional judgement – applying a critical eye to transactions and trends for reasonableness, demonstrating a ‘right first time approach’. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
B8
Carry out the duties of their role by reference to sustainability good practice whether specific to their occupation or externally recognised. For example, by prioritising practices in their work that contribute to minimising or reversing climate change by reducing the use of non-renewable resources. Back to Grading |
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
| KSBS GROUPED BY THEME | Knowledge | Skills | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Digital and data security
K7 S9 S10 |
Principles of cyber-security and working safely online within a finance and accounting context. (K7) |
Utilise digital skills to present key financial information using finance and accounting software and applications. (S9) Use software packages to assist with basic accounting tasks in line with cyber and data security requirements, using data securely and safely, including backing up data. (S10) |
None |
|
Wider professional landscape
K10 K11 K12 B2 B6 B7 B8 |
The role of accountancy or finance within the organisational business strategy. (K10) The wider financial and accounting professional landscape including the requirement to stay abreast of changes in technology and practice and awareness of the role of regulators and professional bodies. (K11) The principles of professional ethics and codes of conduct in a finance and accounting environment. (K12) |
None |
Ethical and Professional - applies a transparent, objective and sustainable manner to meet the ethical requirements of the profession. (B2) Wellbeing and resilience – demonstrates a commitment to personal wellbeing and an awareness of support and resources available. Contributing to cultivating an open, honest, and empathetic work environment. (B6) Professional judgement – applying a critical eye to transactions and trends for reasonableness, demonstrating a ‘right first time approach’. (B7) Carry out the duties of their role by reference to sustainability good practice whether specific to their occupation or externally recognised. For example, by prioritising practices in their work that contribute to minimising or reversing climate change by reducing the use of non-renewable resources. (B8) |
|
Stakeholder engagement and communication
K9 S7 S8 S11 B1 B3 B4 B5 |
Approaches to diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness and their impact on finance and accountancy. (K9) |
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders. (S7) Communicate financial information in a way that non-finance stakeholders can interpret and understand. (S8) Communicate using varying approaches and different media methods with an appreciation of the risks and benefits to the business of social media and other digital applications. (S11) |
Collaborative and inclusive - builds strong collaborative working relationships recognising the importance of diversity and inclusion. (B1) Organised with an attention to detail – organises work efficiently and effectively to meet required targets, escalating queries or problems as appropriate. Demonstrates a professional approach to working to deadlines. (B3) Embracing change - accepts changing priorities and working requirements readily and has the flexibility to maintain high standards in a changing environment. (B4) Engaging with wider stakeholders and keeping up to date with changes in the finance industry which impact their organisation or role. (B5) |
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date | Latest end date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | End-point assessment plan, standard and funding revised. | 01/08/2023 | Not set | Not set |
| 1.1 | The funding band for this standard has been reviewed as part of the apprenticeship funding band review. The new funding band is £8000 | 03/10/2018 | 31/07/2023 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Retired | 07/09/2016 | 02/10/2018 | Not set |
Crown copyright © 2024. You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. Visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence