Apprenticeship Standard in Accounts/Finance Assistant (Online and On campus) for Adults
Course Code: P271740
Key Information
Course type:
Apprenticeships
Campus:
Highbury Campus
Start Date:
September 2026
Duration:
12 Months
Attendance:
One day a week
Fees:
Free
An accounts or finance assistant is an integral part of the team responsible for maintaining an efficient and accurate finance function within a business. Get to grips with the role on City of Portsmouth College's Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard in Accounting.
On this apprenticeship, you'll be responsible for assisting the team of accountants with junior accounting duties. These can vary depending on the team structure and size of business. The work could include basic bookkeeping activities, working with sales and purchase ledgers, running calculations to ensure that records and payments are correct, recording of cash and data entry. Potential employers include corporate businesses, sole traders, partnerships, public sector, not-for-profit organisations, and educational institutions. Accounts or finance assistants may work in-house, or with an accountancy firm or bookkeeping practice.
You must have access to real work, which is valid and productive, providing opportunities to develop, practice and evidence knowledge and skills that have been learned.
It is a government requirement that the employer is expected to provide and support the opportunity for off-the-job training for a minimum 6 hours per week. Defined as technical and knowledge development, this type of learning is undertaken outside the normal day-to-day working environment. It can include activities such as attending College, online learning, mentoring, role play, attendance to competitions and events, or revision and assignments set as course work and homework.
This flexible apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education and combines online leanring with regular sessions with a college tutor, referred to as Online and On Campus. Start dates are available throughout the year.
The apprenticeship contains four units which are assessed individually at the end of each unit, and there is a synoptic assessment at the end of the qualification, which draws on and assesses knowledge and understanding from across the whole qualification.
Units include:
- introduction to bookkeeping
- principles of bookkeeping controls
- principles of costing
- the business environment.
The duration of the apprenticeship is 10-12 months, which includes 12 weeks for the end point assessment.
To join this programme, you will need maths and English GCSE 9-4 (A*-C) or Functional Skills Level 2 and provide certificates. If you don't have the required GCSE/Functional Skills grades or can't provide your certificates, you will have to complete a maths and English assessment. You will not be able to achieve your apprenticeship without completing the required maths and English qualification.
On campus sessions are from 9am until 12:15pm. You are also expected to complete online lessons, activities and content for a further three hours per week which both apprentices and employers must commit to to be successful on the level 2 apprenticeship. This blended approach allows more flexibility in when college hours are completed, but these must form part of the apprentices working hours. The development of effective self management skills an digital skills are essential. Apprentices are expected to have compelted all online leanring sessions ahead of on campus sessions.
Study method – Online and On Campus
We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this apprenticeship through our Online and On Campus model. Apprentices study online materials during allotted time at work and also attend regular sessions with a college tutor. Online lessons 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. Lessons are 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. Apprentices will be expected to dedicate 3-6 hours a week working on VLE-related activities. On campus, apprentices benefit from regular classes with an experienced college tutor, either in-person or virtually. A combination of tutor-led work, group exercises and discussion encourages apprentices to apply theory to real-life workplace situations. This modern, flexible approach to apprenticeship training empowers learners, minimises disruption to employers, and delivers tangible results in the workplace. The AAT course is assessed through computer-based assessments for each unit. The end-point assessment for the apprenticeship consists of an interview and a knowledge test.
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to higher levels of the AAT accounting qualifications via apprenticeship training or through part-time courses (Level 3 and then on to Level 4).
We work hard to keep our course information up to date. Occasionally we may make small changes to course content, start dates, locations or fees to keep our courses current and relevant. If anything important changes after you apply, we’ll always let you know.
Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard in Accounts/Finance Assistant (Online and On campus) for Adults
We work hard to keep our course information up to date. Occasionally we may make small changes to course content, start dates, locations or fees to keep our courses current and relevant. If anything important changes after you apply, we’ll always let you know.
You may also be interested in
Related Features
NEWS 03-03-2025
Building brighter futures
It’s Colleges Week, and we’re celebrating the impact colleges have both in our local communities and across the country.
NEWS 21-01-2025
Flying the flag for local scout group
A ceremonial flag found at our Highbury Campus has been donated to Hawk District (Havant and Waterlooville) Scout Group.
NEWS 24-06-2026
Astute People see potential in visiting students
First-year marketing students from City of Portsmouth College got a glimpse into the industry with a day-in-the-life style visit to a local recruitment agency.
NEWS 17-06-2026
City of Portsmouth College Celebrates Creativity
Final year students of creative subjects at City of Portsmouth College had their chance to shine last week with a two-day showcase of their best work.
NEWS 16-06-2026
Self-defence classes launch thanks to tutor group’s passionate presentation
A tutor group project on community impact has resulted in City of Portsmouth College students learning all about self-defence from a local organisation.
NEWS 15-06-2026
City of Portsmouth College students are at the Pinnacle of their craft
In a powerful demonstration of what it means to be a woman, an all-female ensemble of City of Portsmouth College’s performing arts students showcased their own strengths, through the stories of others.
