Standards to be met
The Apprenticeship standard details the essential Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours that somebody would need to demonstrate to be successful in this job role, this includes, Business Awareness, Ethics, Communication, Leadership, Planning and Prioritisation and Problem Solving. Apprentices will need to show they are competent in all the areas detailed in the standard when they take End Point Assessment (see below).
The Knowledge areas of the standard will typically be covered through completion of the qualification. Skills and Behaviours are developed through workshops, e-learning, workplace training and practical experience provided ‘on-the-job’.
Knowledge
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Option 1 - Accounting
The apprentice has knowledge and understanding of the core elements of double entry bookkeeping.
They know accounting standards enable accountants to create and report financial information to the users of accounts.
They understand and/or validate the accounting standards for basic accounts preparation and/or the drafting of financial statements.
They have specialist knowledge in other aspects of accounting, for example management accounting and tax accounting.
Option 2 - Tax
The apprentice has knowledge and understanding of the core elements of personal and business taxation and accounting principles.
They know how to prepare tax calculations, prepare government forms, understand and comply with filing deadlines, and document client paperwork.
They have specialist knowledge in other areas of taxation, for example Business Compliance, VAT, Inheritance Tax, Trusts and Estates and Corporate Tax.
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The apprentice understands the industries and environments in which their organisation operates, including customer and supplier needs, in order to create and/or validate and/or report financial information.
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The apprentice understands and applies the relevant Ethical Standards to their behaviour, and appropriately challenges the actions of others where they do not meet these standards.
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The apprentice understands and applies professional standards and legal regulations to an organisation’s financial information.
They comply with the fundamental principles of integrity, objectivity, professional competence, and due care and confidentiality.
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The apprentice understands and is able to evaluate their organisation’s systems and processes and make recommendations for improvement.
They have a basic understanding of external and internal audit’s function in giving assurance over these systems and processes.
Skills
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The apprentice can create and interpret information, and show how that information can be used most effectively to add value to the organisation.
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The apprentice can effectively communicate relevant information across the organisation, and to appropriate stakeholders, in both written and verbal formats.
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The apprentice proactively manages their own development.
They are committed to the job and their profession.
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The apprentice can work to tight deadlines and respond to changing priorities.
They can effectively plan and prioritise time and co-ordinate the input of others in order to meet both deadlines and changing priorities.
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The apprentice applies accounting/tax knowledge to consistently deliver high quality, accurate data and information in a timely fashion.
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The apprentice works effectively in a team and with others, maintaining effective, professional working relationships both internally and externally across organisations.
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The apprentice understands the systems and processes of the organisation sufficiently, as applicable to their role.
They are proficient in the IT systems applicable to their role.
Behaviours
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The apprentice is willing to both listen and learn and to accept changing priorities and working requirements.
They have the flexibility to maintain high standards in a changing environment.
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The apprentice actively engages in the wider business, as appropriate, and look to provide information that positively contributes to influencing business decisions.
They continually strive to improve own working processes and those of the organisation.
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The apprentice is honest and principled in all of their actions and interactions.
They respect others and meet the ethical requirements of their profession.
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The apprentice takes responsibility.
They demonstrate the drive and energy to get things done under pressure.
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The apprentice demonstrates an attitude that includes a questioning mind, being alert to conditions which may indicate possible misstatement of financial information due to error or fraud.
Length of Apprenticeship
The length of this apprenticeship is typically 18 - 24 months. End Point Assessment cannot be taken until the Apprentice has been on programme for 12 months.
Qualification
Although there are no mandatory qualifications that need to be studied as part of this Apprenticeship, many will choose to study either:
- AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting
- CFAB - Certificate of Finance and Business
- ACCA Level 4 - Applied Knowledge
- CIMA Level 4 - Certificate Level
- ATT - Association of Taxation Technicians
Study of these qualifications are all included as part of the Apprenticeship cost, although exam fees and registration fees must be funded separately.
Entry requirements
Employers are entitled to set their own entry requirements. Most apprentices will have Level 2 Maths and English (equivalent to GCSE grade C or above), ideally as part of 5 GCSE A-C grades or other comparable qualifications. Apprentices without English or Maths at Level 2 must achieve this prior to the completion of the Apprenticeship.
Study options
Whilst the apprentice is working, they are also learning, and will need to attend lessons. They can attend face-to-face classroom based lessons, Live Online sessions or OnDemand.
With classroom learning the apprentice will get face to face lessons with a subject matter specialist. They will follow a set timetable and attend weekday sessions.
LiveOnline is a structured course with timetabled classes at set time of day. Students have option of attending half day, full day or evening sessions. They are delivered online with a subject matter specialist but with the flexibility to study anywhere.
OnDemand is a tutor led online course featuring a range of specifically designed online resources, structured to keep the apprentice motivated and work through at their own pace.
End point assessment
Every Apprenticeship includes an End Point Assessment (EPA), assessed by an independent End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). The apprentice will take their EPA at the end of their programme where they will demonstrate they are competent in the role that they have developed in.
This Apprenticeship Standard End Point Assessment will include:
Portfolio and reflective statement
The portfolio requires students to bring together their best evidence to showcase the key skills and behaviours that they have developed and demonstrated over the Apprenticeship.
The reflective statement is a chance for the Apprentice to look back over their portfolio and reflect on how they have performed. This can take the form of a written statement, presentation or discussion. Both will be assessed by a panel of two Independent Assessors.
Role-based simulation
This has been developed and tested by the chosen Professional Body and is designed to synoptically assess the whole standard. It is effectively a ‘mini’ case-study where pre-seen information will be available before the exam. In the exam itself, the apprentice will sit up to 6 tasks which contain a range of different knowledge areas and can be taken in any order.
Progression
Completion of the Professional Accounting/Tax Technician Apprenticeship may lead to the candidate receiving credits towards the completion of the Accounting/Tax Professional Apprenticeship or Chartered Accountancy/Taxation qualifications provided by the relevant Professional Bodies. Completion of the Professional Accounting/Tax Technician Apprenticeship may also result in credits being awarded towards relevant undergraduate degree programmes.
Funding
This Level 4 Apprenticeship has been placed in the £8,000 funding cap.
Please note that exam fees and registration fees are not included in the above and must be funded separately.
If you are a Levy payer this means that the maximum that can be withdrawn from your Levy fund for somebody on this Apprenticeship is £8,000. For non or marginal Levy payers (where you have overspent your Levy fund) 95% of the cost of the Apprenticeship will be funded by the government meaning you will only have to pay 5% of the agreed price.
Please note that exam fees and registration fees are not included in the above and must be funded separately.