Accounts or Finance Assistant Apprenticeship

Level 2

15 Months
Flexible Start Dates

The Accounts or Finance Assistant Apprenticeship

Accounts / Finance Assistant Level 2 is suitable for entry-level roles within in-house finance teams, or accountancy practices. Learners will be in a role responsible for basic bookkeeping and financial support tasks such as: maintaining ledgers, handling payments and supporting reconciliations, helping to ensure accurate, compliant and timely financial records in line with business and regulatory requirements.

The Benefits of an Accounts or Finance Assistant Apprenticeship:

  • Keep routine financial records accurate and current

  • Process transactions consistently and spot basic errors

  • Give the wider finance team dependable day-to-day support

  • Build accounting capability from a practical starting point

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What’s Covered By The Apprenticeship:

Key areas of learning include:

  • Basic accounting and bookkeeping principles

  • Sales and purchase ledgers, including invoices and payments

  • Financial transactions, payments and receipts

  • Reconciliations, checking financial data and resolving discrepancies

  • Internal controls, security and record keeping

  • Business, ethical and regulatory responsibilities

A final EPA includes:

  • Submit a portfolio of evidence of their best work for a professional discussion

  • Achievement of the AAT Foundation certificate in accounting (Level 2)

  • An "In-tray Test" which consists of a fictitious scenario presented to the apprentice to test how they would apply their skills to complete the required tasks

These are assessed and graded by an independent assessor.

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Apprenticeship Outcomes:

On completion, apprentices will be able to:

  • Process routine financial transactions accurately

  • Maintain ledgers and supporting accounting records

  • Carry out calculations and basic reconciliations

  • Identify discrepancies and correct straightforward errors

  • Use accounting software to enter and manage financial data

  • Handle financial information securely and appropriately

  • Organise their work around finance deadlines

  • Support colleagues with reliable financial information

Funding & Employer Commitment:

Employers must make provision for apprentices to spend 20% of their working time undertaking off-the-job learning. This protected development time allows them to strengthen the financial knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours needed to succeed in their role. You can find further guidance on off-the-job training here.

The employer also plays an important part in the apprentice’s development. Providing appropriate supervision, encouragement and mentoring will help those on an Accounts or Finance Assistant Apprenticeship apply their learning to real financial tasks and work towards completing their portfolio to the required standard.

For businesses that pay the apprenticeship levy, available levy funds can be used towards eligible apprenticeship training costs. Non-levy-paying employers may also be able to access government funding and incentives, including the 2026 measures providing full funding for eligible apprentices under 25 and payments of up to £2,000 for employers recruiting apprentices aged 16–24.

For the latest information on apprenticeship funding, eligibility and employer requirements, visit the Government website.

Talk To Our Team

OR CALL:

0800 0868199

Getting Started

Arrange a complimentary training discussion. We’ll explore your business requirements, help you identify the most suitable apprenticeship route and look at the funding support you may qualify for.

Pick a start date that works for you. Our programmes offer flexible entry points, allowing you to begin training around your organisation’s schedule rather than waiting for a fixed term.

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Why Employers Choose Swarm Training

Swarm Training partners with employers to provide practical apprenticeship training that can adapt to the demands of the workplace. Our tutors bring relevant professional experience, helping learners connect their training with real-world expectations.

Through online delivery and a learner-centred approach, apprentices receive consistent guidance without having to step away from their employment. We keep learner numbers manageable so our team can provide focused support, while training develops both role-specific expertise and broader professional capabilities. Apprentices also have access to additional CPD at no extra cost.

As a Community Interest Company, we are committed to making a difference beyond the training itself. We reinvest in the communities we serve, helping businesses develop their people while contributing to meaningful social value.

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • You don’t need a large finance department to support an apprentice. In a smaller organisation, the apprentice may have the opportunity to gain experience across a broader range of finance activities. You can also work with the training provider to make sure the role provides suitable learning and workplace support.

  • It can. As the apprentice develops their skills and confidence, they can take responsibility for appropriate finance tasks and provide additional support to your existing team. This can free up experienced staff to focus on more complex work while the apprentice develops their own capability.

  • That doesn’t necessarily rule them out. An accounts or finance assistant apprenticeship can provide a structured route into finance, so you can recruit based on potential as well as existing experience. Look for qualities such as accuracy, organisation, numerical confidence and a willingness to learn.

  • Yes, where appropriate to their role and level of responsibility. Finance apprentices may need to handle sensitive information as part of their workplace experience, so confidentiality, professionalism and following your organisation’s procedures should be built into their day-to-day development.

  • Rather than focusing only on previous finance experience, ask questions that reveal how they think. For example: “Tell us about a time you had to spot a mistake,” “How do you make sure you meet a deadline?” or “How would you approach learning a system you had never used before?” These can help you identify attention to detail, problem-solving and willingness to learn.

  • The apprenticeship can provide a strong foundation for a career in finance and accounting. With experience and further development, an apprentice could progress into roles with greater responsibility across areas such as accounting, payroll, bookkeeping, financial reporting or wider finance operations.