What will the apprentice be doing?
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.
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
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
Complete VAT returns
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, lessons and work-based training/support sessions.
- Complete all required assignments
- Build up your portfolio of evidence on-going
- Access support from your tutor, assessor and your manager
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?
Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship Standard Level 3:
An Assistant Accountant provides support to internal and external customers and will work predominately either as an assistant accountant within practice or alternatively within the finance function of an organisation. Part of their role will involve assisting in the day-to-day financial activities such as data entry to month end management accounts and/or year-end financial statements. In addition, the Assistant Accountant may find themselves involved in regulatory financial requirements such as the completion of VAT returns or assisting in the preparation of tax computations.
You will gather work-based evidence to demonstrate the required Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours during your apprenticeship.
The apprentice will evidence that they are collating and recording data on financial information and performance accurately by applying accounting standards and concepts and will evidence analysis of reconciliation, payroll, VAT return information. They will need to prepare accurate, management information and use IT packages for this.
The following Functional Skills are part of the apprenticeship framework:
Maths and English Level 2
Candidates are required to have achieved AAT Level 2 or have at least 1 years’ experience of accounting duties and complete the AAT Skills Scan to be accepted on the Level 3 Accountancy programme.
Candidates are also required to already have achieved Maths and English GCSE Grade 4/C or above or a Key/Functional Skills Level 2 qualification – Original certificates are required as evidence.
The recommended time to complete is 15-18 months to allow for confirmation of successful examination results/re-sits.
The AAT L3 course starts in September. The day release is TBC.
END POINT ASSESSMENT
Assessment will be through examinations in Bookkeeping, Computerised Accounting and AAT Level 3 Accounting. Apprentices will also be assessed through a synoptic end-test covering the knowledge & skills gained, a portfolio comprising a range of evidence produced in the workplace and a reflective discussion which will be a structured interview. All components will need to be passed in order to be awarded the apprenticeship.
An End-Point Assessment will be conducted by an external provider (interview, portfolio and synoptic test)
The end-point assessment is designed to enable apprentices to demonstrate that they are fully conversant in the skills knowledge and behaviours expected of individuals at this level.
It is designed to provide assessors with a holistic view of the apprentice, and to allow them to assess to what extent the apprentice meets or exceeds the apprenticeship standard.
You will be required to attend Kirklees College one day as part of your apprenticeship.
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 Apprenticeship and/or other training available following successful employment and achievement of the apprenticeship.
Future potential to take CIOT or ICAEW exams subject to performance
Things to consider
Starting rate can be negotiated and will depend upon experience.
