Overview
Assistant Accountant Level 3 Apprenticeship (Online and On Campus)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.
Course information
What will I learn?
This qualification covers a range of complex accounting tasks. Apprentices will learn and master financial processes, including accounting principles and concepts, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts, VAT issues in business, management accounting costing techniques and ethical practices for accountants. They will also gain software skills through spreadsheet training for accounting.
This apprenticeship standard is at Level 3. The structure allows students to achieve the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 3 Diploma in Accounting as their on-programme learning. This internationally recognised AAT qualification enables those working in accounting or those looking to pursue accountancy as a career to gain knowledge, practical experience and the all-important certification often sought by employers.
Units of study
The Level 3 apprenticeship covers a range of key areas, including:
- Financial accounting: preparing financial statements
- Management accounting techniques
- Tax processes for businesses
- Business awareness
You will also develop business communications and lifelong learning skills, applying what you learn on the course to the wider industry context.
Study Method – Online and On Campus
We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this apprenticeship through our Online and On Campus model. Apprentices study online materials during allotted time at work, and also attend regular 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.
Lessons are 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.
Apprentices will be expected to spend 5-6 hours a week working on VLE-related activities.
On campus, apprentices benefit from regular classes with an experienced college tutor, either in-person or virtually. 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.
Entry and Assessment
Entry requirements
Essential:
• Maths Grade 9-4
and
• English Grade 9-4
How will I be assessed?
To complete the Assistant Accountant apprenticeship, apprentices will be expected to complete:
- A synoptic end-test covering the knowledge and skills gained throughout the on-programme stage and detailed in the standard.
- 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 knowledge, skills and behaviours detailed in the standard. The reflective discussion will be a structured interview to examine this evidence and the learner journey in more detail.
Progression
Course progression
You can progress on to the Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship – AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting at Level 4.
Career opportunities
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.
Additional information
Course costs
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%.
Dates and Attendance
- Tresham College Corby Campus: 14/09/2026
- Central Bedfordshire College: 23/09/2026
1 day a week in college.
Tresham College Corby Campus: September
Central Bedfordshire College: September
Tresham College Corby Campus : September start.
Central Bedfordshire College: September start.
As soon as employment starts.
Study is available at the following campuses:
• Tresham College Corby Campus
• Central Bedfordshire College
For more information, please visit here:
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/assistant-accountant-v1-2
Downloadable pdf
How to apply
To start this apprenticeship, you will need to be employed in a relevant job role. You can view our current apprenticeship vacancies to find opportunities with local employers.
If you are new to apprenticeships or would like to understand more about how they work, visit our main apprenticeships page.
Learn more about apprenticeships
Apprentices do not have to pay a fee to study. However, the employer may be required to pay depending on their Levy entitlement and the age of the candidate. For further information or queries you can email us or call 01234 291747.
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Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.
Course Information
Individual employers set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English, although some employers will accept other relevant qualifications and experience, including a relevant Level 2 qualification. Apprentices without English or Maths at Level 2 must achieve this prior to taking the end point assessment.
During this apprenticeship you will study a range of topics, including:
- Business Awareness
- IT Systems and Processes
- Ethical Standards
- Financial Accounting and Reporting
- Management Accounting
- Analysis
- Communication
- Produces Quality and Accurate Information
- Uses Systems and Processes
- Problem Solving
- Embracing Change
- Productivity
- Team working and Collaboration
- Personal Accountability
- Ethics and Integrity
(Exams), Synoptic interview and discussion for end point assessment on portfolio of evidence.
Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship
You will need to purchase set books and join the AAT.
How to apply
To start this apprenticeship, you will need to be employed in a relevant job role. You can view our current apprenticeship vacancies to find opportunities with local employers.
If you are new to apprenticeships or would like to understand more about how they work, visit our main apprenticeships page.
Learn more about apprenticeships
Apprentices do not have to pay a fee to study. However, the employer may be required to pay depending on their Levy entitlement and the age of the candidate. For further information or queries you can email us or call 01234 291747.
Additional Learning Support
If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.
Financial Support
For information regarding financial support, please visit the Financial Support section to see the support you may be entitled to apply for.
Accessibility
We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.
Any questions?
If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.