L3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship Standard
From entering the numbers to being trusted with them
An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.
The short answer
What an apprentice needs
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.
The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.
What they’ll learn
The step up from an accounts assistant, in practice or in an organisation's own finance function.
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They will carry the month end, not just the day to day
Everything from data entry through to month-end management accounts, and year-end financial statements.
Covers management accounts, year-end financial statements, day-to-day financial activity
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They will handle the regulatory work
VAT returns and assistance with tax computations: the parts with a deadline and a consequence attached.
Covers VAT returns, tax computations, regulatory financial requirements
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They will work with customers inside and outside the business
Supporting internal colleagues and external clients, which is most of what separates an assistant accountant from a data entry role.
Covers internal and external customers, practice and in-house working
Nobody springs anything on anyone
All apprentices must undertake an independent end-point assessment which is an assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure the apprentice meets the standard set by employers and are fully competent in the occupation.
Coursework and portfolio
Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.
A review with you
The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.
A full mock
Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.
What it takes, on both sides
If you're the employer
- A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
- Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
- Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
- Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.
If you want to be the apprentice
- A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
- Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
- An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
- No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
This is a step, not a destination
Most of our apprentices carry on, usually with the same employer and usually into a wider role. Which route is right depends on the job being done, so it is worth a conversation rather than a guess.
Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.
Where this course can take you
- Before you start
- This course Level 3
- Further study
Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.
Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 5 FdA in Management At University Campus DoncasterAlso at University Campus North Lincolnshire
See all 2 courses
At University Campus Doncaster
At University Campus North Lincolnshire
Careers it can lead to
- Book-keepers, Payroll Managers and Wages Clerks £25,700 a year
- Financial and Accounting Technicians £63,100 a year
- Finance Officers £27,400 a year
- Credit Controllers £22,500 a year
See all 12 careers
- Financial Administrative Occupations £24,600 a year
- Financial Accounts Managers £41,300 a year
With further study or experience
- Chartered and Certified Accountants £39,100 a year
- Finance and Investment Analysts and Advisers £42,300 a year
- Business and Financial Project Management Professionals £52,000 a year
- Management Consultants and Business Analysts £43,100 a year
- Financial Managers and Directors £50,900 a year
- Functional Managers and Directors £49,100 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
How to start this apprenticeship
It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.
Put someone on this programme
Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.
Speak to us today 0800 358 7979
Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.
You'll need an employer first
An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.