Apprentice Accountant Level 4 – Harris & Co Ltd

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive, and the post holder is also required to undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required.

To support our busy and growing tax department with tax compliance work to include:

• Preparation of personal tax returns for a range of partnerships, directors of OMBs, Sole Traders, BTL landlords and HNW individuals
• Maintaining good client relationships by taking calls from clients and assisting with their adhoc queries.
• Checking tax computations, statements of accounts and tax repayments and dealing with HM Revenue and Customs enquiries
• Providing adhoc support to the partners and senior managers in the team as required
• Update and maintain records both computerised and paper based to a high level of accuracy
• To work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the organisation provides an efficient and effective service to clients
• Follow company’s policies and procedures

As part of your contract of employment completion of the Apprenticeship Training Programme forms part of your duties as well as helping your personal and professional development; the requirements to complete the programme are as follows:

• Attend and be punctual for all induction sessions
• Attend and be punctual for all lessons
• Complete all required assignments by the required timeline
• Build up your portfolio of evidence on-going during your apprenticeship programme
• Access support from your tutor/assessor as and when required
• Access support from your manager with regards to any evidence requirements or support as and when required
• Attend all work-based training/support sessions
• Skills and Personal qualities required for the job
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written
• PC literate and strong computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and other commonly used software.
• Excellent organisational skills and record keeping with the ability to manage/monitor deadlines.Excellent numeracy skills
• Ability to follow direction and also to work independently as required.
• Ability to establish priorities and manage workload.
• Diligent, accurate with excellent attention to detail.
• Awareness of client confidentiality.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Be enthusiastic, highly motivated and an outgoing individual.
• Must work well as part of a team

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

Professional Accounting Level 4 Apprenticeship Standard

Individuals in the role of a Professional Accounting Technician will have responsibility for creating, and / or verifying and reviewing, accurate and timely financial information within the organisation in which they are employed or on behalf of another organisation.

This will be performed in order to meet relevant ethical, professional and legal standards, and will utilise the individual’s knowledge of the business systems and processes, as well as standard accounting and tax practices. This role may exist in an accounting practice, a professional services company, HMRC or the accounting function of a business or other organisation.

Examples of roles as a Professional Accounting Technician include, but are not limited to, Assistant Auditor, Assistant Management Accountant, Assistant Financial Accountant, Accounts Payable and Expenses Supervisor, Commercial Analyst, Payroll Manager, Senior Bookkeeper, Senior Financial Officer, Tax Investigations Officer, Personal Tax Assistant and Business Tax Assistant.

Requirements:

This occupation covers two areas of specialism, accounting and tax.

The following Functional Skills are part of the apprenticeship framework:

Maths and English Level 2 – Candidates are required to already have achieved Maths and English GCSE Grade C or above or a Key/Functional Skills Level 2 qualification – Original certificates are required as evidence.

Candidates are required to have achieved AAT Level 3 or have experience working in an accounting position in which they have undertaken, bookkeeping transactions and controls, using Excel and Sage as well as advanc ed bookkeeping processes and preparing end of year accounts

You will undertake an End-point Assessment as part of the apprenticeship – you will demonstrate professional Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours in the workplace is as important as demonstrating competency in an Examination.

The End-point Assessment will comprise two components and will be assessed by an Approved End Point Assessment Organisation (‘Assessment Organisation’). Both components must be individually
passed for the Apprentice to be deemed competent:

1) A Portfolio of evidence that demonstrates competence in the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours defined in the Standard, which have been gathered from practical experience in the workplace. This can include outputs from work, independent feedback, observations and professional discussions. The Apprentice must then produce a Reflective Statement that reflects on this Portfolio, either through a written statement, presentation or structured discussion with Independent Assessors appointed by an Assessment Organisation.

2) A Role Simulation giving the Apprentice the opportunity to tackle a series of business-related tasks through a simulation that reflects activities undertaken in a typical role at this level of competence. An Assessment Organisation will set the simulation, ensure robust invigilation and mark the assessment.

You will be required to attend Kirklees College one day as part of your apprenticeship – day TBC.

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

There is a strong possibility that you will gain a permanent position following successful employment as well as achievement of the full apprenticeship qualification.

On the job training to further develop tax knowledge and experience

Progression to Level 4 Apprenticship and/or other training available following successful employment and achievement of the apprenticeship.

Future potential to take CIOT or ICAEW exams subject to performance