Assistant Accountant Level 3

Assistant accountants work in the business finance department or in an accounting practice, providing services to clients. They assist with the day-to-day financial activities, which could include data entry, month-end management, year-end financial statements, regulatory financial requirements, completion of VAT returns or assisting in the preparation of tax computations. Assistant accountants may also work with and oversee the work of junior staff.

Examples of Knowledge Outcomes

• Principles of financial accounting, adjustment and reporting, including calculation and input of accruals and prepayments
• Principles of management accounting such as costing, rolling forecasting and budgeting
• Creating and maintaining financial records, including accounts payable, cash management and payroll
• Fundamentals of indirect taxation
• Fundamentals of digital financial and accounting packages and applications
• Principles of cyber security and legislative requirements

Examples of Skills Outcomes

• Record and analyse financial data using the organisation's standard tools and processes
• Apply double-entry bookkeeping and accounting standards
• Assist with the production of accurate financial information for the preparation of accounts
• Reconcile financial data
• Investigate, resolve or escalate transactional queries
• Communicate financial information in a way that non-finance stakeholders can interpret and understand

Examples of Behaviour Outcomes

• Collaborative and inclusive
• Ethical and professional
• Organised with attention to detail
• Embrace change
• Professional judgement

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 a professional discussion with an independent assessor and a knowledge test. 

• Recognised qualification & credentials
  You’ll earn a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification in accountancy, boosting your CV and credibility with employers.

• Real on-the-job experience
  You’ll work in a finance department or practice, doing real accounting tasks like month-end reports, VAT returns and assisting with tax. This hands-on experience helps you build useful skills. 

• Career progression opportunities
  After completing, you’ll be in a strong place to move into higher roles in accounting or finance (e.g. junior accountant, accounts supervisor, accounts clerk, finance assistant) or even pursue a Level 4 qualification. 

• Earn while you learn
  You’re employed during the apprenticeship, so you’ll receive a salary while you train — no tuition fees, and you’re gaining both practical work skills and academic learning together.

• 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