AAT Level 2 Certificate Accounting

Location

Applicant Type

School Leavers

Level

Level 2

Subject

Business, Management & Accounting

Course Overview

The Accounts and Finance Assistant Apprenticeship is a Level 2 programme, designed to equip apprentices with skills and knowledge that can be applied directly within the workplace.

This apprenticeship is ideal for team members who support financial tasks and undertake junior accounting duties, providing a strong foundation for progression within accounting and finance roles.

Apprentices will develop core bookkeeping skills alongside practical experience using accounting software. This flexible course is delivered by South Essex Colleges Group in partnership with Mindful Education and combines online learning with regular term‑time Virtual Classroom sessions led by a college tutor. Virtual Classroom sessions take place throughout term time, with start dates available throughout the year.

The typical duration of the apprenticeship is between 12 and 14 months. To apply for an apprenticeship, you must first secure employment in a relevant trade or industry before completing an application. This apprenticeship prepares learners for junior and entry‑level accounting roles and provides a solid grounding in finance administration.

Areas of study include double entry bookkeeping, basic costing principles and the effective use of accounting software. The apprenticeship standard is set at Level 2 and enables learners to achieve the AAT Association of Accounting Technicians Foundation Certificate in Accounting as part of their on‑programme learning.

This internationally recognised qualification is highly valued by employers and supports progression within the accounting profession. The programme covers a range of key areas including introduction to bookkeeping, principles of bookkeeping, principles of costing and the business environment. You will also develop business communication and lifelong learning skills, applying your learning within a wider industry context.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this apprenticeship.

Previous knowledge of accounting or a Level 1 Bookkeeping qualification would be advantageous but not essential.

Apprentices will need to be employed in a relevant finance bookkeeping or accounting role.

Assessment and Feedback

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this apprenticeship through our Online and Virtual Classroom model. Apprentices study online materials during allotted time at work and also attend regular virtual sessions with a college tutor.

Online lessons can be accessed at any time using a mobile tablet or desktop - meaning apprentices can fit their study around work commitments minimising disruption in the workplace. Each lesson lasts around 45 minutes and is accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Exercises interactive case studies and analytical tools help to enhance the learning experience further. Virtual Classroom apprentices benefit from regular virtual classes with an experienced college tutor.

A combination of tutor-led work group exercises and discussion encourages apprentices to apply theory to real-life workplace situations. This modern flexible approach to apprenticeship training empowers learners minimises disruption to employers and delivers tangible results in the workplace.

To complete the Accounts/Finance Assistant Apprenticeship apprentices will be expected to complete the following: examination covering the knowledge and skills gained throughout the on-programme stage and detailed in the apprenticeship standard, and a portfolio and reflective discussion which will comprise a range of evidence produced in the work-place to show that the apprentice has met the required knowledge skills and behaviours.

The reflective discussion will be a structured interview to examine this evidence and the learner journey in more detail.

Fees and Funding

This course is free to apprentices, as the cost is paid by your employer Large companies can fund the course using their apprenticeship levy.

SMEs can access government funding to subsidise the cost by 95%.

Future study/career options

On successful completion of this course you can progress to higher levels of the AAT Accounting Qualifications via apprenticeship training or through part-time courses (Level 3 and then on to Level 4).

The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this qualification will qualify you for roles including the following: Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant, Credit Control Assistant or Purchase Ledger Clerk.

Study Commitment

12-14 months

Additional Information

Part Time