Accountancy Level 3

Level 3 Apprenticeship Accountancy

Our AAT accredited Accountancy apprenticeship enables you to learn on the job whilst developing your knowledge and skills within the accounting environment. With a focus on practical accounting skills, this apprenticeship explores a range of subjects that will enhance the skills already learnt at Level 2 and will provide the base for progression to the Diploma in Accounting. Progression from Level 2 to Level 3 will be subject to sustained performance within agreed timescales and attendance at classes.

Contents

Apprenticeship Framework

Level 3 Diploma in Accounting

Essential Skills Qualifications

Welsh Language Development

Apprenticeship Framework

The aim of the AAT Diploma in Accounting is to provide students with the specialist knowledge and skills required to maximise opportunities in their current or new employment role.

The programme prepares learners for roles such as:

• Finance Assistant

• Accounts Payable Clerk

• Audit Trainee

• Credit Controller

• Payroll Supervisor

• Bookkeeper

Who is this apprenticeship for?

This programme is aimed at financial and accounting team members who want to develop their skills in financial accounting. This qualification is a progression route for students who have achieved the Level 2 Certificate in Accounting. It’s also suitable for those who have already started their journey studying a related subject and are looking to develop their skills in accounting. Progression from Level 2 to Level 3 will be subject to sustained performance within agreed timescales and attendance at classes.

Overview

The AAT Diploma in Accounting covers a range of complex accounting tasks, including maintaining cost accounting records and the preparation of reports and returns. Students will study a range of financial skills and applications including topics such as Advanced Bookkeeping, Final Accounts Preparation, Costings and Indirect Tax.

On completion of this apprenticeship you will achieve the following:

• Level 3 Apprenticeship in Accounting

• AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting

• Level 2 Essential Skills

• Prentis-iaith Welsh Language Development

On the following pages, you will find information relating to the main qualification as well as other aspects that will make up this apprenticeship programme, including Essential Skills and Welsh Language Development.

Entry requirements

AAT does not set any entry requirements for this qualification. However, for the best chance of success, we recommend that students begin their studies with a good standard of English and Maths, preferably a GCSE in both subjects at Grade C and above. ACT can provide support in these subjects with access to the Wales Essential Skills Toolkit (WEST) and as part of the Apprenticeship Framework, Essential skills may need to be achieved in order to fulfil the English and Maths requirements. Accountants work at the very heart of a business and are expected to be able to communicate information clearly and appropriately to a given audience. AAT recommends that students use the AAT Skill Check to ensure that they are ready to start on a particular qualification http://www.aatskillcheck.org/home.aspx

ACT will require the results of the Skill Check and may request a further ACT skills scanner if appropriate to ensure registration to the correct level.

Level 3 Diploma in Accounting

Delivery Overview

This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) is at level 3 - equivalent to A-levels - and will equip apprentices with skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in their roles.

This flexible apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education, and combines online learning with faceto-face lessons in the classroom.

What will I learn?

This apprenticeship standard is at Level 3. The structure allows students to achieve the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Diploma in Accounting as their onprogramme 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.

The Level 3 Diploma in Accounting covers a range of essential and complex accounting tasks, including maintaining cost accounting records and the preparation of reports and returns. Key themes have also been introduced throughout the suite of accounting qualifications including technology, ethics, sustainability and communication

The purpose of this qualification is to ensure that students are well prepared to progress into a career in business, finance or professional accountancy, or into further education. Students will learn and develop skills needed for financial processes, including accounting principles and concepts, advanced bookkeeping and preparing financial statements. They will also understand the business environment, technology used in finance and accounting, business issues regarding payroll and value added tax (VAT) (which may be known by another name in other countries), issues in business, management accounting techniques, ethical principles and sustainability considerations for accountants.

Course Delivery - Online and In Class element

Study Method – Online and On Campus remote lessons

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this course through our Online and In Class model. You will attend class lessons every week and will study online materials during allotted time at work. These will be a mixture of remote lessons and face to face lessons at our Ocean Park House offices

Online, can be accessed at any time, using a mobile, tablet or desktop – meaning you can fit your study around work commitments, minimising disruption in the workplace. Each lesson lasts around 45 minutes and is accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Practice questions, downloadable lesson materials and interactive case studies help to enhance the learning experience further and learners should expect to spend around 5-6 hours studying independently online each week.

‘On Campus’, remote lessons and In Class, you benefit from face-to-face classes with an experienced tutor. A combination of classroom-based lessons, group exercises and discussion encourage apprentices to apply theory to real-life workplace situations. Your tutor will review what you have learnt during your online lessons and will be on hand to provide guidance on progress and assessment. Regular discussion with classmates will help to reinforce key points while also providing the additional support and motivation that comes from being part of a group. Workshop sessions will either be delivered during the day, or the evening, and this will be discussed in greater detail during sign-up stages. Attendance at these workshops is compulsory in order to complete the qualification. There is a mixture of face to face and remote sessions delivered remotely via ‘Microsoft Teams’ and your workshop tutor will request attendance by invitation.

This modern, flexible approach to apprenticeship training empowers learners, minimises disruption to employers, and delivers tangible results in the workplace.

Apprenticeship Programme Delivery

You will also be assigned a ‘Learner Journey Officer’ as part of your Apprenticeship who will meet you remotely via Microsoft Teams on a 1-2-1 basis every month, in order to give you the opportunity to discuss progress outside of the classroom. At these monthly meetings, a review will be completed via an e-portfolio called

OneFile and this will be a digital audit of your ongoing progress. The Learner Journey Officer will liaise directly with your tutor to report any concerns although you will also have access to your AAT tutor should you need to contact them directly.

Employer involvement is also key to the success of the Apprenticeship programme and therefore they will also have access to the OneFile progress reviews, and will be contacted on a regular basis in order to discuss any concerns raised.

Learners will be provided with a class timetable which will detail the dates of classes and the dates of exams. All exams are hosted at our Ocean Park House Office based at East Tyndall Street, Cardiff, CF24 5EA and run during the day only. An ACT invigilator will be present to support the exam process and ensure compliance with AAT’s policies and procedures. All exams require a pass mark of 70% in order to complete the qualification.

AAT at ACT is funded however it is the responsibility of the learner or employer to pay for the AAT student registration in order to undertake this programme. The registration process should be completed by the learner prior to attending your AAT programme with ACT. Please ask us for details of the registration process before attending your first class.

The first attempt of each exam will be covered by ACT however if any resits are required, the learner will be responsible for this fee. AAT fees are as follows;

• AAT Student registration - £225 for the full course. This is payable direct to AAT.

• Exam fee if resits required - £60

Units of Study

The Level 3 course covers a range of key areas, including:

• Business Awareness

• Financial Accounting – Preparing Financial Accounts

• Management Accounting techniques

• Tas Processes for Business

These are the learning outcomes for each unit;

Business Awareness

1. Understand business types, structures and governance, and the legal framework in which they operate

2. Understand the impact of the external and internal environment on businesses, their performance and decisions

3. Understand how businesses and accountants comply with principles of professional ethics

4. Understand the impact of new technologies in accounting and the risks associated with data security

5. Communicate information to stakeholders

Assessed through computer-based test – 2 hours and 30 minutes – 70% pass rate, and 6-week turnaround for results

Financial Accounting: Preparing Financial Accounts

1. Understand the accounting principles underlying final accounts preparation

2. Understand the principles of advanced double-entry bookkeeping 3. Implement procedures for the acquisition and disposal of non-current assets

3. Prepare and record depreciation calculations 5. Record period end adjustments

4. Produce and extend the trial balance

5. Produce financial statements for sole traders and partnerships

6. Interpret financial statements using profitability ratios

7. Prepare accounting records from incomplete information

Assessed through computer-based test – 2 hours and 30 minutes – 70% pass rate and same day result

Management Accounting Techniques

1. Understand the purpose and use of management accounting within organisations

2. Use techniques required for dealing with costs

3. Attribute costs according to organisational requirements

4. Investigate deviations from budgets

5. Use management accounting techniques to support short-term decision making

6. Understand principles of cash management

Assessed through computer-based test – 2 hours 30 minutes – 70% pass rate, and 6-week turnaround for results

Tax Processes for Business

1. Understand legislation requirements relating to VAT

2. Calculate VAT

3. Review and verify VAT returns

4. Understand the principles of payroll

5. Report information within the organisation

Assessed through computer-based test – 1 hour 30minutes – 70% pass mark, and same day result

Length of time to complete

Your AAT syllabus will be delivered over a 12 month period however to include any essential skills qualifications, the recommended time to complete this programme is 14 months.

Progression

You can progress on to the AAT level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting subject to successful completion of level 3. You may also be required to attend a short interview with the Level 4 course tutor to ensure suitability.

Career opportunities

The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this qualification will qualify you for roles including Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant, Credit Controller or Senior Bookkeeper.

Have any questions about our Level 3 Diploma in Accounting?

We are here to help. If you have any further questions or enquiries about the main qualification element of the programme, please contact our Route Manager:

Ann Rees

Route Manager for Accounting and Education and Development

annrees@acttraining.org.uk

Essential Skills Qualifications

When you agree to undertake an Apprenticeship you may be required to complete Essential Skills as part of your Apprenticeship framework.

What are Essential Skills?

Essential Skills qualifications develop learners’ knowledge and understanding of Application of Number (Numeracy), Communication (Literacy) and Digital Literacy These qualifications enable learners to demonstrate that they can apply these vital skills to a range of situations whilst at work, in learning and throughout life.

The Essential Skills qualifications you are required to complete depend upon your previous qualifications, the apprenticeship level you are completing and your own particular needs.

The Essential Skills qualifications are all available at four levels, depending on your individual needs (Entry 3, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3) and includes:

Essential Application of Number Skills

• Understand numerical data

• Carry out calculations

• Interpret and present results findings

Essential Communication Skills

• Speaking and listening

• Reading

• Writing

Essential Digital Literacy Skills

• Digital responsibility

• Digital productivity

• Digital information literacy

• Digital collaboration

• Digital creativity

• Digital learning

Wales Essential Skills Toolkit (WEST)

All learners will undertake WEST when signing up for an apprenticeship. These are a set of online skills assessments that calculate the level of ability and understanding in Literacy (Communication), Numeracy (Application of Number) and Digital Literacy.

The WEST assessments are not exams and have no pass or fail criteria. WEST assessments can be completed in Welsh or English, and the Application of Number assessment is bilingual (any learners who would like to explore this, just ask!). There are no set time limits for any of the assessments, but they must be taken under supervised conditions.

WEST is a vital part of your learner journey. The results help your Essential Skills Tutor plan your learning programme to meet your specific needs. As well as assessments, you will also be encouraged to use WEST to develop your skills throughout your Apprenticeship programme. Your Essential Skills Tutor will provide guidance on how to use WEST fully.

Course Delivery

If you are required to complete your Essential Skills as part of the Apprenticeship framework, they will be discussed at your first visit with your Assessor and employer.

Through analysis of your WEST results and a detailed conversation, a learning plan will be put in place to support the achievement of any Essential Skills you are required to complete.

Together you will agree the best times and locations for the support for both you and your employer, balancing your personal needs and your work life commitments.

Examples of how we will support you with this include:

• Support with a member of our Essential Skills team

• Attendance at group workshops

• Digital workshop sessions

If you have already achieved qualifications in literacy, numeracy or digital literacy, but would like to further develop these skills with the support of our Tutors, just let your Assessor know and this can be arranged for you.

Length of time to complete

We tailor your learning programme to your needs; so every learner’s learning programme is unique. Whilst we cannot say for certain how long it will take to complete your Essential Skills qualification(s), we are able to give you a little guidance on time frames. These guidelines depend on the Apprenticeship level you are completing and your own particular needs. For example:

Application of Number

Communications

Digital Literacy

*Includes Task and Test

Please note:

Approximately 7-8 weeks*

Approximately 8 weeks*

Approximately 4 weeks*

• Each skills session is between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending upon method of support. Your Essential Skills Tutor will discuss the time required for your Essential Skills assessments with you, which will also depend upon the level you are taking.

• We often find that where we need to work with you to upskill by more than one level, we may ask you to attend some extra sessions with us. Don’t worry – we have a range of ways that we can help you to do this (for example through skills sessions).

• We can support you on a one to one basis, but as you may appreciate these spaces are limited. Please discuss with your Assessor.

Proxy

If you already hold qualifications, these may be used as ‘proxy’ towards your Apprenticeship framework. As a result, you will be exempt from achieving that particular Essential Skill, if you wish.

Below are some examples, although this list is not exhaustive. All applications for proxy will be checked and confirmed at the start of your Apprenticeship. Please be aware that original certificates will need to be produced within the first 8 weeks in order to be exempt from Essential Skills.

Essential Skill

Proxy

Communication Level 1 GCSE G or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

Communication Level 2 GCSE C or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

Communication Level 3 AS/A Level E or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

Application of Number Level 1 GCSE G or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

Application of Number Level 2 GCSE C or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

Application of Number Level 3

AS/A Level E or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

This will be discussed with you before you sign up with us, and will also be followed up by your assessor before and during your first visit from us.

Have any questions about Essential Skills?

We are here to help. If you have any further questions or enquiries about Essential Skills element of the programme, please contact our Essential Skills Manager:

Julie Maughan Essential Skills Manager juliemaughan@acttraining.org.uk

Welsh Language Development

As part of your Welsh Government funded framework, you will be supported to develop and maintain your Welsh language skills for the workplace.

What is Welsh Language Development?

ACT are committed to playing their part in the Welsh Government Million Speakers strategy. All learners will complete the Prentis-iaith Welsh Language Development course as part of your framework with us.

Don’t panic – this is as a means of development and is aimed to support you with the development of your Welsh Language skills. This course is specially designed to give apprentices a basic knowledge of Welsh for the workplace and consists of 6 interactive modules to complete online. The course will be completed throughout your framework, with support from your assessor.

Already bilingual?

If you are Welsh speaking you will undertake your learning bilingually. In practice this means that you can choose the elements of your learning that you would like to complete through the medium of Welsh. You will be able to discuss your particular preferences with your assessor.