AAT Accounts Accounts Assistant Apprenticeship - Expenditure

We are looking for a someone who wants to undertake our apprenticeship programme to become AAT qualified. It is principally an Accounts Assistant role, providing support to our accounts payable function for our UK Pathways business. The role will have key responsibilities in the day to day running of the business, working closely with the rest of the Accounts Payables Team to ensure smooth running of the expenditure process. There is regular day to day and weekly tasks but also ad-hoc work to ensure no two days are the same.

The role will have broad exposure across the expenditure process, and there will be plenty of opportunities for ad hoc project work to improve our processes and to gain exposure to other teams within Finance and across the broader business. As an employee of an American-owned company, we have exposure to Sarbanes-Oxley requirements, which require adhering to a rigorous control environment.

The apprenticeship will involve a high degree of autonomy so if you are someone who likes control over your work and enjoys organising your day, this apprenticeship will suit you. You will also benefit from working in a supportive team with colleagues who will be eager to help and train you. We are keen for you to contribute ideas on ways of working and will give you opportunities to influence decisions about how we do things.

Job duties include:-

Processing invoices for all departments on a timely basis Regular contact with suppliers on statements, invoices and remittance queries Assisting with queries from the wider business on expenditure and building relationships throughout the business Process payment run batches for suppliers on a weekly basis Assisting with month end accounting for key expenditure areas including: Accounts payable and accruals Credit Card expenditure Staff expenditure Assisting with monthly Carbon Reporting work Assisting with month end reconciliations for bank accounts, creditors and suspense accounts Upholding and maintaining relevant finance controls (including SOX) Processing ad-hoc payment requests Supporting settlement of our intercompany payable balances including inputting intercompany invoices into our system Supporting the team during audits, providing information to internal and external auditors Continual review and improvement within day to day processes

Other ad hoc tasks can be focussed on developmental areas and could include:

Support to the Head of Audit and Compliance in the production of statutory accounts Involvement in ad hoc projects designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our financial accounting close e.g. automating tasks), as well as visibility of the balance sheet to non-finance users (analytical reporting) These responsibilities may vary over time and are not exhaustive

Training:

Advanced Diploma - AAT Level 3

Advanced builds on the knowledge gained in the Foundation level. If you work in accounts or have studied accountancy before, you may be able to start at this level. You’ll learn complex accounting techniques, and master a number of accounting disciplines including financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts and ethical practices for accountants.

This level will encourage you to master more complex accounting principles in both Bookkeeping and Management Accounting. You’ll develop the technical skills to start, or progress, your career in accountancy and this will allow you to continue with your studies onto Level 4.

To pass this level you’ll need to study five units (also known as subjects), which are all mandatory. Four of the units are examined individually and there is also a synoptic assessment that you’ll take towards the end of the level, which incorporates the final two units as well as drawing on all of the other units you’ve studied at this level.

The area you will cover include:

Advanced Bookkeeping Final Accounts Preparation Management Accounting: Costing Indirect Tax Advanced Synoptic Assessment

The Apprenticeship standard details the essential Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours that somebody would need to demonstrate to be a successful Assistant Accountant, this includes, Business Awareness, Ethics, Communication, Embracing Change and Problem Solving. Apprentices will need to show they are competent in all the areas detailed in the standard when they take End Point Assessment.

The Knowledge areas of the standard will typically be covered through completion of the AAT qualification. Skills and Behaviours are developed through workshops, e-learning, workplace training and practical experience provided ‘on-the-job’.

Training Outcome:

Progression and further development within the business for the right candidate.

Employer Description:
Kaplan International Pathways, a division of Kaplan Inc., offers life-changing study opportunities for international students from more than 100 countries around the world. Our university preparation programmes provide a blend of English language training, academic modules and study skills to ensure that students have the skills they need to progress to and excel on undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes at leading universities. We call these programmes ‘Pathways’.

Working Hours :
37.5 hours per week - Monday to Friday. Shifts to be confirmed.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Administrative skills,Number skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Creative