The Level 2 Accounts or finance assistant, and the 105 providers delivering it.
Maintaining an efficient and accurate finance function within a business.
About this apprenticeship
What this apprenticeship covers
Working at the foundation level of a finance team, apprentices learn to process financial transactions accurately and support the day-to-day running of an accounts function. Core areas include bookkeeping, processing invoices and payments, reconciling accounts, and maintaining financial records in line with internal controls. Apprentices also develop an understanding of basic accounting principles, VAT, and payroll processes, alongside the professional behaviours expected in a finance environment.
Day-to-day responsibilities
A typical week involves processing purchase and sales invoices, chasing outstanding payments, reconciling bank statements, and updating ledgers. Apprentices use accounting software such as Xero, Sage, or QuickBooks, and communicate with suppliers and internal teams to resolve discrepancies. They may also assist with month-end tasks, prepare basic reports, and handle petty cash or expense claims. Work is carried out under supervision, with accuracy and attention to detail central to the role.
Career outlook
Completing this apprenticeship leads naturally into roles such as accounts administrator, purchase ledger clerk, sales ledger clerk, or finance assistant. Many completers progress to the Level 3 Assistant Accountant apprenticeship or study towards AAT qualifications. Finance assistant roles exist across virtually every sector, from manufacturing and retail to public services and professional services firms, meaning there is broad scope to specialise or move between industries as experience builds.
105 approved providers
Sorted by achievement rate.
North Yorkshire Council is a large unitary local authority that offers a broad range of apprenticesh...
Far Training is an AAT-approved provider specialising in accountancy training and apprenticeships, b...
Genius Software Solutions Ltd is a Glasgow-based software company specialising in cloud-based custom...
The Apprentice Academy is a multi‑award‑winning apprenticeship training provider delivering programm...
Sunderland College is a further education provider in the North East of England offering a broad ran...
First Intuition is an award‑winning professional education provider specialising in accountancy trai...
<p>Peak offer apprenticeships in Accountancy at Levels 2, 3 and 4 and Level 3 Payroll. </p><p></p>
Learning Skills Partnership (LSP) is an apprenticeship training provider with a strong foundation in...
Abingdon & Witney College is a further and higher education college in Oxfordshire offering a wide r...
Yuzu Training is an education and training provider made up of experienced and qualified delivery pr...
Middlesbrough College Group provides a broad range of education and training routes for school leave...
The University of Derby is a UK higher and further education institution that works closely with emp...
Runshaw College is a further and higher education college offering a dedicated apprenticeship provis...
Solveway Apprenticeships (trading as SOLVEWAY LIMITED) is a UK apprenticeship training provider that...
Access Training is an established, award‑winning training provider based on Team Valley in Gateshead...
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Group Training Association (HWGTA) is an employer‑led, not‑for‑profit...
York College & University Centre is a large general further education college offering a broad appre...
First Intuition is an award‑winning UK accountancy training provider offering professional education...
The Focus Training Group is an independent training and apprenticeship provider offering work-based ...
Career outcomes
Roles after completion
Completing this apprenticeship typically leads to roles such as Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant, Purchase Ledger Clerk, Sales Ledger Clerk, or Payroll Administrator. Some completers move into Accounts Receivable or Accounts Payable roles, depending on which area they specialised in during training. These are entry-level positions with genuine day-to-day responsibility for processing transactions, reconciling accounts, and supporting the wider finance team.
Progression paths
With a few years of experience, Accounts Assistants commonly progress to roles such as Finance Officer, Payroll Supervisor, or Management Accounts Assistant. From there, the path often splits: those drawn to technical depth may pursue AAT qualifications and move towards Assistant Accountant or Financial Analyst positions, while others move into team leadership as Finance Team Leader or Accounts Manager. Level 3 and Level 4 accounting apprenticeships are natural next steps for those wanting structured progression.
Where these roles sit
Finance assistants are needed across almost every sector of the UK economy. Small and medium-sized businesses frequently rely on one or two people to manage the entire finance function, making this a broad-based role. Larger employers, including NHS trusts, local authorities, housing associations, manufacturers, retailers, and professional services firms, hire at this level to support larger finance departments. Both public and private sector organisations recruit regularly for these positions.
How it's assessed
How the apprenticeship is assessed
Learning takes place on the job, with the apprentice applying finance and accounting tasks in a real workplace from the start. Throughout the programme, they build the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to maintain an accurate finance function. Before final assessment can begin, the employer and training provider must confirm the apprentice is ready, a point often called the gateway. Final assessment then determines whether the apprentice can genuinely perform the role to the required standard. Assessment models across many standards are currently being updated, so check the standard's gov.uk page for the current specification.
What learners need to prepare
Keeping records of real work throughout the apprenticeship makes the final stages considerably easier. Apprentices should document tasks such as processing invoices, reconciling accounts, and handling financial data as they complete them, rather than trying to reconstruct evidence later. Regular check-ins with both the employer and training provider help ensure progress is on track and that any gaps in knowledge or practice are picked up early. Arriving at the gateway with a well-organised body of workplace evidence puts the apprentice in the strongest position for final assessment.
Choosing a provider
What good looks like
Look for providers with an achievement rate above 65% on their FATP profile; for a 12-month programme, a high drop-out rate often signals poor initial screening or weak learner support. Employer satisfaction scores above 80% matter here because the day-to-day quality of off-the-job delivery directly affects how quickly apprentices become useful in the accounts function. Ask whether the provider integrates real bookkeeping software (Xero, Sage, QuickBooks) into training rather than treating it as an optional extra. Check learner reviews for comments about timely feedback on assessments, since the end-point assessment for this standard includes a portfolio.
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious of providers running very large cohorts with achievement rates that have declined year on year, which often points to over-expansion without matching support capacity. Vague answers about how off-the-job hours are structured, or an inability to explain what a typical week of learning looks like alongside real accounts work, are a concern. If a provider cannot point to apprentices who have progressed into accounts payable, payable clerking, or junior bookkeeping roles, treat that as a gap.
Questions to ask before you commit
- What accounting software do apprentices actually use during training, and how often?
- How do you support apprentices who fall behind on their portfolio evidence?
- What is your achievement rate for this standard over the last two years?
- How do you coordinate with the employer to make sure off-the-job hours are met without disrupting the finance team's workload?
- What does end-point assessment preparation look like, and who delivers it?
- How large is a typical cohort for this standard, and what is the learner-to-tutor ratio?
- Can you share examples of roles apprentices have moved into after completing this programme?
Common questions
What qualifications or experience does someone need to start this apprenticeship?
There are no formal entry requirements set in the standard itself, so employers can set their own criteria. Most employers look for basic numeracy and literacy, often evidenced by GCSEs in maths and English (or equivalent). Apprentices who do not already hold Level 2 English and maths must achieve Functional Skills at that level before completing the programme. The role suits school leavers and career changers alike, provided they are in paid employment throughout.
How long does the apprenticeship take and how does learning fit around the job?
The typical duration is 12 months, though the actual length depends on the apprentice's prior learning and pace of progress. The apprentice is employed throughout and applies their learning directly to their day-to-day finance work. Time is set aside each week for off-the-job training, which covers the knowledge, skills, and behaviours in the standard. For the current minimum off-the-job requirement, check the latest version of the standard on the gov.uk Institute for Apprenticeships page, as this is subject to revision.
How is the apprentice assessed at the end of the programme?
Before moving to end-point assessment, the apprentice must pass through a gateway. At gateway, the employer and training provider confirm the apprentice has met the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours and is ready to be assessed. End-point assessment typically includes a test of knowledge and a professional discussion or portfolio review, but assessment models for some standards are being updated. Check the current assessment plan on gov.uk for the definitive approach that applies to new starts.
How does an employer pay for this apprenticeship, and what does it cost?
The funding band for this standard is £7,000, which is the maximum government contribution toward training and assessment costs. Larger employers who pay the apprenticeship levy use their levy account to fund it. Smaller employers who do not pay the levy contribute 5% of the training cost, with the government covering the remaining 95%. If the apprentice is aged 16 to 18, eligible small employers pay nothing. Contact your training provider to confirm exact costs and any additional eligibility conditions.
What does an accounts or finance assistant actually do day to day?
The role centres on keeping a business's finance function running accurately. Day-to-day tasks typically include processing invoices, reconciling accounts, managing purchase and sales ledgers, handling petty cash, and supporting payroll or credit control processes. The apprentice works within established procedures, checks figures for accuracy, and flags discrepancies to more senior colleagues. Most of the work is carried out using accounting software, so familiarity with spreadsheets and finance systems builds quickly on the job.
What can an apprentice do after completing this apprenticeship?
Completing this apprenticeship provides a solid foundation for a career in finance or accounting. A natural next step is the Level 3 Assistant Accountant apprenticeship, which covers more complex accounting tasks and can lead toward AAT qualifications. From there, progression routes include higher and degree apprenticeships in professional accounting or taxation. Some completers move directly into accounts administrator, purchase ledger clerk, or junior bookkeeper roles, building experience before pursuing further study or professional membership with bodies such as the AAT or ACCA.
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Curated by Alex Lockey, FATP founder and editor. Last reviewed: .
Sources include the apprenticeship's official specification on apprenticeships.gov.uk, Skills England guidance, IfATE archive records, DWP funding bands, and provider data sourced directly from the public Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR). Standard reference: 488.
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