Accountancy Level 4

APPRENTICESHIP

Accountancy Level 4

Level 4 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 3 and will provide the base for progression to Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting qualification.

Progression from Level 3 to Level 4 is not automatic and will be subject to sustained performance within agreed timescales and attendance at classes. The AAT Level 4 Tutor will determine suitability and make contact if an interview is required.

Contents Apprenticeship Framework Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting Essential Skills Qualifications Welsh Language Development

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Apprenticeship Framework The aim of the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting is to enhance the skills developed from the AAT Advanced Diploma and enable students to maximise opportunities in their current or new employment.

The programme prepares learners for roles such as: • Assistant Auditor • Payroll Manager • Senior Bookkeeper • Cost Accountant • Assistant Financial Accountant

Who is this apprenticeship for?

This programme is aimed at financial team leaders and managers who want to develop their skills in financial accounting and management accounting either within a Corporate financial team, Accountancy Practice or Public Sector organisation.

Overview The AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting covers high-level accounting and finance topics.

On completion of this apprenticeship, you will achieve the following: • Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Accounting • AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional 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.

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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. Professional 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. Ideally, students should also have completed AAT Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications to a Merit grade.

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Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting Delivery Overview The AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting – equivalent to a foundation degree – will equip apprentices with skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in their roles.

This apprenticeship is ideal for team leaders and managers who want to develop their skills in financial accounting and management accounting either within a Corporate financial team, Accountancy Practice or Public Sector organisation.

This flexible apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education, and combines online learning with remote face-to-face lessons and remote teaching.

What will I learn?

This apprenticeship standard is at Level 4. The structure allows students to achieve the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Diploma in Professional Accounting as their on-programme 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 allimportant certification often sought by employers.

Students will look at and become comfortable with a wide range of financial management skills and applications, and will gain competencies in drafting financial statements for limited companies, recommending accounting systems strategies and constructing and presenting complex management accounting reports. Students will also learn about specialist areas such as tax, auditing, credit and debit management and cash and financial management. Key themes have also been introduced throughout the suite of accounting qualifications, including technology, ethics, sustainability and communication.

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Course Delivery – Online and In Class element We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this apprenticeship through our Online and In Class model. Apprentices will attend in class lessons every week and will study online materials during allotted time at work.

Online, can be accessed at any time, using a mobile, tablet or desktop - meaning apprentices can fit their 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. Exercises, interactive case studies and analytical tools help to enhance the learning experience further.

Practice questions, downloadable lesson materials and interactive case studies help to enhance the learning experience further and learners should expect to spend around 6-8 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. These lessons may be delivered via Microsoft teams as a remote teaching session if appropriate for that session. 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. Evening workshops will be remote only. 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.

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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 - £251 for the full course or £63 per unit (increasing to £257 as of 1st September) This is payable direct to AAT. • Exam fee if resits required - £63

Length of time to complete Your AAT syllabus will be delivered over a 13-month period however to include any essential skills qualifications, the recommended time to complete this programme is 15 months.

Progression Once qualified, and having met AAT’s criteria, students can apply for full AAT membership, which will allow them to use the designatory letters MAAT after their name. Please discuss with your tutor what options are available to you should you wish to progress into higher qualifications.

Career opportunities The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this qualification will qualify you for roles including Assistant Management Accountant, Cost Accountant, Assistant Financial Accountant, Senior Bookkeeper or Senior Finance Officer.

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Units of study This programme is made up of a mixture of mandatory units (these have to be completed by all learners as part of the qualification) and optional units which are detailed below; Mandatory Units •

Drafting & Interpreting Financial

•

Statements •

Internal Accounting Systems and Controls

Applied Management Accounting – 3 hours

(all three units above are individually assessed through computer-based exams)

Optional units currently being delivered; • Personal Tax • Credit and Debt Management

These are the learning outcomes for each unit;

Applied Management Accounting 1. Understand and implement the organisational planning process 2. Use internal processes to enhance operational control 3. Use techniques to aid short-term and long-term decision making 4. Analyse and report on business performance Assessed through computer-based test – 3 hours– 70% pass rate Drafting & Interpreting Financial Statements 1. Understand the reporting frameworks that underpin financial

reporting 2. Draft statutory financial statements for limited companies 3. Draft consolidated financial statements

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4. Interpret financial statements using ratio analysis Assessed through computer-based test – 2 hours 30 minutes – 70% pass rate Internal Accounting Systems and Controls 1. Understand the role and responsibilities of the accounting function

within an organisation 2. Evaluate internal control systems 3. Evaluate an organisation’s accounting system and underpinning

procedures 4. Understand the impact of technology on accounting systems 5. Recommend improvements to an organisation’s accounting system Assessed through computer-based test – 2 hours and 30 minutes – 70% pass mark Cash and Financial Management 1. Prepare forecasts for cash receipts and payments 2. Prepare cash budgets and monitor cash flows 3. Understand the importance of managing finance and liquidity 4. Understand ways of raising finance and investing funds 5. Understand regulations and organisational policies that influence decisions in managing cash and finance Assessed through computer-based test – 2 hours– 70% pass mark Credit and Debt Management 1. Understand relevant legislation and contract law that impacts the

credit control environment 2. Understand how information is used to assess credit risk and grant

credit in compliance with organisational policies and procedures 3. Understand the organisation’s credit control processes for managing

and collecting debts 4. Understand different techniques available to collect debts Assessed through computer-based test – 2 hours– 70% pass mark

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Have any questions about our Level 4 Diploma in Professional 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 Qualifications annrees@acttraining.org.uk

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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), and Communication (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

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Carry out calculations

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Interpret and present results findings

Essential Communication Skills

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•

Speaking and listening

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Reading

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Writing

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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.

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Examples of how we will support you with this include: •

Support with a member of our Essential Skills team

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Attendance at group workshops

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Digital workshop sessions

If you have already achieved qualifications in literacy and numeracy, 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

Approximately 7-8 weeks*

Communications

Approximately 8 weeks*

*Includes Task and Test

Please note: • 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.

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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

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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.

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