Carry out routine financial activities and provide essential accounting support to organisations of all sizes.
Assistant accountants play a vital role in supporting financial operations across all sectors — from small businesses and accounting practices to large corporations, charities, and public sector bodies. Their work helps ensure that financial records are accurate, processes are followed, and reporting obligations are met.
As an assistant accountant, you’ll work under the guidance of a more senior accountant, managing your own caseload and handling a wide range of routine tasks — including data entry, producing management reports, preparing VAT returns, and assisting with tax computations and year-end financial statements.
This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals looking to build their technical skills in finance, gain recognised qualifications, and take the next step towards a career in accountancy or financial management.
Who this is for:
This programme is suitable for individuals who:
Have completed a Level 2 finance or bookkeeping qualification (e.g. Accounts/Finance Assistant or AAT Level 2)
Are currently working in a finance role and looking to formalise and deepen their skills
Enjoy working with numbers, systems, and processes
Want to progress towards becoming a qualified accountant or finance professional
Can manage their own workload and thrive under structured supervision
It is also suitable for career changers looking to enter the finance profession at an intermediate level.
Course content includes:
Apprentices will gain in-depth knowledge and experience in areas such as:
Preparing financial statements for limited companies, sole traders and partnerships
Managing VAT returns and understanding indirect tax
Assisting with budgeting and forecasting
Reconciling accounts and handling accruals and prepayments
Supporting month-end and year-end reporting processes
Understanding payroll, tax, and other financial regulations
Using advanced accounting software and digital tools
Communicating effectively with stakeholders and supporting audit processes
The apprenticeship typically aligns with AAT Level 3 qualifications and covers the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to operate confidently in a finance environment.
Typical job titles:
Assistant Accountant
Accounts Clerk
Finance Assistant
Bookkeeper
Purchase Ledger Clerk
Sales Ledger Clerk
Assistant Cashier
Accounting Technician
Progression opportunities:
After successfully completing the Level 3 apprenticeship, learners can progress to:
The Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician apprenticeship (e.g. AAT Level 4)
Further professional qualifications with AAT, ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW
Higher-level roles such as:
This apprenticeship provides a strong platform for a career in accountancy, finance, or tax — and can be the first step towards becoming a fully qualified accountant.