Level 3 Apprenticeship Assistant Accountant

Location

Applicant Type

Apprenticeships

Level

Level 3

Subject

Business, Management & Accounting

Course Overview

Are you interested in starting a career in accounting and want to earn while you learn?

The Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship, offered in partnership with Mindful Education, is a Level 3 programme, equivalent to A levels, designed to give you practical, job ready skills that you can apply immediately in the workplace.

It is ideal for those aiming for junior or entry level roles in finance and accounting and provides a strong professional foundation for a long term career in the sector.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you will build confidence in core financial and accounting skills, starting with finance administration, double entry bookkeeping, and basic costing principles before progressing to more advanced areas. You will develop knowledge of financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, preparing final accounts, VAT in business, management accounting costing techniques, and ethical practices for accountants. You will also gain valuable spreadsheet and accounting software skills that are widely used by employers.

The apprenticeship is delivered through a flexible Online and Virtual Classroom model in partnership with Mindful Education, allowing you to balance learning with your job. You will study engaging online content at your own pace alongside regular virtual classroom sessions with an experienced college tutor who will support your progress and help you apply what you learn to real workplace situations.

As part of your on programme learning, you will also work towards the AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting, an internationally recognised qualification valued by employers. Units of study include financial accounting and preparing financial statements, management accounting techniques, tax processes for businesses, and developing strong business awareness.

By the end of the programme, you will be well prepared to progress within the accounting profession with a recognised qualification, practical experience, and the confidence to succeed.

Entry Requirements

To apply for the Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship, you must be employed in a trade or industry related to the apprenticeship. You will need to secure suitable employment before applying for the apprenticeship programme you wish to complete.

Applicants are required to have 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English at grade 5 or C, or equivalent qualifications such as Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English.

You must also have good keyboarding skills and a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. In addition, learners must have completed either the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping or the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, or be able to demonstrate relevant work experience in double entry bookkeeping.

Assessment and Feedback

Study method: Online and Virtual Classroom

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this apprenticeship through an Online and Virtual Classroom model. Apprentices study online learning materials during allocated 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 device, allowing apprentices to fit their study around work commitments while minimising disruption in the workplace.

Each online lesson lasts approximately 45 minutes and includes animations and motion graphics to bring key concepts to life. Interactive exercises, case studies, and analytical tools further enhance the learning experience. As part of the Virtual Classroom model, apprentices benefit from regular virtual classes led by an experienced college tutor.

Sessions include tutor led activities, group exercises, and discussion, encouraging apprentices to apply theory to real workplace situations. This flexible and modern approach to apprenticeship training supports learner success, minimises disruption for employers, and delivers tangible results in the workplace.

How will I be assessed? To complete the Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship at AAT Level 3, apprentices will be required to complete a Knowledge Assessment. This covers the knowledge and skills gained throughout the on programme stage and aligns with the requirements set out in the apprenticeship standard.

Apprentices will also complete a portfolio of evidence and take part in a professional discussion. The portfolio will contain a range of evidence produced in the workplace to demonstrate achievement of the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours. The professional discussion is a structured interview that allows the apprentice to explain their evidence and reflect on their learning 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

You can progress on to the Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship, leading to the AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting at Level 4. Upon successful completion of the Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship, you can apply for AAT Associate Bookkeeping membership and become a professional AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB).

The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this apprenticeship will qualify you for roles including Finance Officer, Assistant Accountant, and Bookkeeper. You will also be eligible for AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB) status, giving you the option to work as a freelance bookkeeper.

Study Commitment

18 Months

Additional Information

Part Time