Accounts or Finance Assistant
Start your finance career with the Accounts or Finance Assistant Level 2 (ST0608). Gain a solid foundation in double-entry bookkeeping, financial administration, and ethical standards. Ideal for aspiring Finance Assistants and Junior Bookkeepers.
Delivery
Blended
Accounts or Finance Assistant Apprenticeships in Hitchin
As the location of our head office, Hitchin sits at the heart of how we deliver the {{programmeName}} apprenticeship across Hertfordshire and the Southeast, supporting both employers and learners in this thriving business community.
Hitchin is home to a growing network of professional services firms, accountancy practices, technology businesses and data driven organisations, creating strong and ongoing demand for Accountancy & Finance professionals. From companies based in Hitchin town centre and local office hubs, to employers operating across Letchworth, Stevenage and Baldock, many organisations rely on Accountancy & Finance apprentices to keep their financial systems, digital platforms and operational reporting running smoothly.
The Accounts or Finance Assistant apprenticeship is ideally suited to Hitchin based employers who want to build long term capability within their Accountancy & Finance teams. Apprentices develop practical, workplace focused skills that align directly with the way modern businesses in Hertfordshire operate.
Because our head office is in Hitchin, employers and apprentices in the area benefit from direct access to our delivery, learner support and employer engagement teams, ensuring a high-quality, responsive apprenticeship experience from enrolment through to completion.
We also work with apprentices living in Stevenage, Letchworth Garden City, Baldock, Royston and Welwyn Garden City, making Hitchin a central and highly connected location for Accounts or Finance Assistant apprenticeships across the region.
All Accounts or Finance Assistant apprenticeships in Hitchin are delivered through a blend of remote learning, online workshops and structured workplace training, meeting the 20% off-the-job training requirement while allowing apprentices to remain fully embedded in their roles.
If you are based in Hitchin or the surrounding area and are considering a Accounts or Finance Assistant apprenticeship, our local team can guide you through how delivery works, funding options, and the next steps to get started.
Why train in East of England?
Solveway partners with leading Accountancy & Finance employers across the East of England area, offering local mentorship and networking events near you to ensure you build a professional network right where you live.
Overview
The Level 2 Accounts or Finance Assistant apprenticeship is a practical entry route into a career in accounting and finance. It’s designed for school leavers, career changers, or employees who need the skills to support a finance team with confidence.
Over 9 months, apprentices learn how to process transactions, manage financial records, and use accounting software while working in a real job. The programme includes the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting and structured off-the-job training alongside day-to-day responsibilities.
For employers, apprentices quickly become productive team members who improve accuracy, strengthen financial controls, and support routine finance operations. By the end of the programme, they can handle core tasks independently and are ready to progress into higher-level accounting roles.
What You'll Learn
- Double-entry bookkeeping: Record sales, purchases, receipts and payments accurately using core accounting principles.
- Sales and purchase ledger management: Maintain customer and supplier accounts and keep records up to date.
- Bank reconciliation and error correction: Identify discrepancies, resolve issues, and improve data accuracy.
- Accounting software and spreadsheets: Use digital tools to process transactions and produce financial information.
- Basic costing and financial awareness: Understand business costs, budgets, and how finance supports decision-making.
- Professional communication: Work with colleagues, suppliers, and customers in a clear and professional way.
- Compliance, confidentiality and data security: Follow financial controls, GDPR requirements, and ethical working practices.
Key skills you’ll develop
Assessment & EPA
Apprentices build their knowledge and skills through workplace tasks, regular reviews, and completion of the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting. Training is applied directly to real job responsibilities, ensuring immediate business value.
When the apprentice is consistently performing at the required level, they pass through Gateway. This confirms they have completed their training, met the required standards, and are ready for End-Point Assessment (EPA).
The EPA takes place at the end of the apprenticeship and includes a structured professional discussion with an independent assessor, supported by a portfolio of workplace evidence, along with a synoptic knowledge test. This confirms the apprentice can apply their skills in real finance scenarios and operate as a competent Accounts or Finance Assistant.
Career Progression
The Level 2 Accounts or Finance Assistant apprenticeship is the first step in a structured accounting career pathway. Typical roles after completion include Accounts Assistant, Finance Administrator, Purchase Ledger Clerk, Sales Ledger Clerk, or Payroll Assistant.
Most apprentices progress to the Level 3 Assistant Accountant apprenticeship, where they take on more responsibility for preparing financial information and supporting business decisions. From there, the Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician programme allows specialisation in areas such as management accounting, tax, or audit.
With experience and further study through professional bodies such as AAT, ACCA, or CIMA, this pathway can lead to senior roles including Management Accountant, Finance Manager, Financial Controller, or Finance Director. It’s a clear, debt-free route into one of the UK’s most stable and in-demand professions.
Ready to apply?
Applications are open for the next intake. Takes less than 2 minutes to register your interest.
Check Eligibility
Do you have the Right to Work in the UK & been resident for 3+ years?
Are you currently studying another funded qualification?
You cannot be funded for two apprenticeships/courses simultaneously.
Do you have grades A*-C (9-4) in GCSE Maths & English?
If no, Functional Skills will be included in your programme.
Full Entry Requirements
Level 2 apprenticeships are ideal for those starting out or new to the industry.
Applicants will typically:
- Have GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths, or be willing to work towards them
- Be employed in a suitable role or have an employer willing to support the apprenticeship
- Meet the standard apprenticeship eligibility requirements
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Have lived in the UK or EEA for the last three years (for funding eligibility)
- Not be studying another funded qualification at the same time
Entry requirements may vary by programme and employer. All applicants will complete an initial assessment to confirm suitability and ensure the apprenticeship is the right level and fit.
For Employers
- Increase efficiency and accuracy in routine finance tasks
- Develop staff trained in your systems, processes and software
- Reduce recruitment and onboarding costs
- Strengthen financial controls and data reliability
- Improve retention through clear development pathways
- Access government funding and potential National Insurance savings
Ready to launch your career?
Don't wait to start your future. Our apprenticeship programmes are in high demand. Apply today to check your eligibility and take the first step towards a successful career.
Career Progression
These are common progression routes taken by learners after completing the Accounts or Finance Assistant apprenticeship.
Hybrid Learning: Available Nationwide
Our hybrid apprenticeship model allows us to deliver high-quality training to employers and learners across England.