Manage and implement accounting, finance systems and processes.
This occupation is found in organisations of all sizes (small, medium, large, and global), in public, private, and third sectors. They generally work in the accounts/finance department of an organisation or a professional accountancy firm. The broad purpose of the occupation is to manage and implement accounting, finance systems and processes that support decision-making in-line with strategy by applying technical and technological knowledge and skills to all aspects of accounting and finance within an organisation. This may include: managing operations of the accounting/finance function; supporting senior management/other departments by providing timely financial information and reports; ensuring compliance with: internal controls, HMRC, legislation, regulations, ethical and professional codes; monitoring the efficient, effective, and economical, working of all systems using the most appropriate technology; problem-solving, making recommendations, and giving advice to internal or/and external clients. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including directors and senior managers, clients and customers, suppliers, lenders, government agencies, auditors, and other professionals. A typical day could include being in an office environment overseeing data entry, control account reconciliations, budgeting and forecasting, trend analysis, monthly, quarterly, yearly reporting, researching and recommending solutions for decision makers. An Accounting and Finance manager will work both independently as well as working in or leading teams. They play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between strategic and operational levels of an organisation by employing a broad range of knowledge and skills: technical, technological, and interpersonal. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for contributing to and implementing business plans and strategy, as decided upon by senior management, as well as managing the systems and operations used to realise them. This involves: overseeing operations, monitoring, analysing, and controlling systems and procedures, ensuring the efficient, economic, and effective use of resources; managing the budgetary process, analysing variances, researching and explaining change, and making recommendations; the monitoring and controlling of cash flows, spotting trends, and forecasting requirements; and will be involved in training and recruiting staff in line with strategy. They will conduct regular and detailed analysis of data and provide regular financial and management information as required by internal and external stakeholders.
In a larger organisation the Accounting and finance manager may report to a finance director (a professional accountant), whereas in a smaller organisation they could be the most senior technical specialist, reporting to a (non-technical) senior manager such as a chief executive. In a professional practice environment, they may report to a senior manager, director or partner.
Typically they will be responsible for the accounting and finance function and oversee the operations thereof. This may mean they lead a team of accounts, finance and tax technicians managing day to day operations as required.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 36 months. The EPA period is typically 4 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
For the accounting finance manager, the qualification required is:
Accounting Finance Manager Degree
Project with report
You will complete a project and write a report. You will be asked to complete a project. The title and scope must be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway. The report should be a maximum of 4000 words (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 6 weeks to complete the project and submit the business case to the EPAO.
You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the project output. The presentation with questions will last at least 30 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 5 questions about the project and presentation. The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.
Professional discussion
You will have a professional professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 45 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with Institute of Financial Accountants for Intermediate Level
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This occupation is found in organisations of all sizes (small, medium, large, and global), in public, private, and third sectors. They generally work in the accounts/finance department of an organisation or a professional accountancy firm. The broad purpose of the occupation is to manage and implement accounting, finance systems and processes that support decision-making in-line with strategy by applying technical and technological knowledge and skills to all aspects of accounting and finance within an organisation. This may include: managing operations of the accounting/finance function; supporting senior management/other departments by providing timely financial information and reports; ensuring compliance with: internal controls, HMRC, legislation, regulations, ethical and professional codes; monitoring the efficient, effective, and economical, working of all systems using the most appropriate technology; problem-solving, making recommendations, and giving advice to internal or/and external clients. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including directors and senior managers, clients and customers, suppliers, lenders, government agencies, auditors, and other professionals. A typical day could include being in an office environment overseeing data entry, control account reconciliations, budgeting and forecasting, trend analysis, monthly, quarterly, yearly reporting, researching and recommending solutions for decision makers. An Accounting and Finance manager will work both independently as well as working in or leading teams. They play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between strategic and operational levels of an organisation by employing a broad range of knowledge and skills: technical, technological, and interpersonal. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for contributing to and implementing business plans and strategy, as decided upon by senior management, as well as managing the systems and operations used to realise them. This involves: overseeing operations, monitoring, analysing, and controlling systems and procedures, ensuring the efficient, economic, and effective use of resources; managing the budgetary process, analysing variances, researching and explaining change, and making recommendations; the monitoring and controlling of cash flows, spotting trends, and forecasting requirements; and will be involved in training and recruiting staff in line with strategy. They will conduct regular and detailed analysis of data and provide regular financial and management information as required by internal and external stakeholders.
In a larger organisation the Accounting and finance manager may report to a finance director (a professional accountant), whereas in a smaller organisation they could be the most senior technical specialist, reporting to a (non-technical) senior manager such as a chief executive. In a professional practice environment, they may report to a senior manager, director or partner.
Typically they will be responsible for the accounting and finance function and oversee the operations thereof. This may mean they lead a team of accounts, finance and tax technicians managing day to day operations as required.
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Duty 1 Manage financial accounting, monitoring, and reporting systems, procedures, and internal controls in line with changes in technology including automation, artificial intelligence, cloud-based applications and making tax digital. |
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Duty 2 Analyse financial and non-financial data on competitors, stakeholders, and market trends, and make recommendations for future action. |
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Duty 3 Manage accounting and financial systems for cyber security and data integrity. |
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Duty 4 Ensure that all operations and systems are compliant with all relevant legislation, regulations, and codes of governance and professional ethics. Ensuring understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the Accounting and Finance Manager. |
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Duty 5 Conduct periodic accounting and finance reconciliations, reviews and evaluations to ensure records are accurate and resources are used efficiently, effectively and economically. |
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Duty 6 Manage the budgetary process, analyse variances, research and explain change, and make recommendations accordingly. |
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Duty 7 Proactively monitor, interpret, and control cash flows, spot trends and forecast requirements. |
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Duty 8 Collate and produce accurate financial and accounting management reports to specific deadlines and support internal managers or external clients to understand financial information to facilitate decision making. |
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Duty 9 Oversee and manage the production of tax computations and returns for HMRC in line with making tax digital (MTD) and advise internal managers and external clients of their obligations. |
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Duty 10 Liaise with internal and external auditors to ensure annual monitoring and reporting requirements are satisfied. |
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Duty 11 Contribute to the implementation of organisation strategy, business plans, and business planning, by using accounting and finance and system-wide applications to provide robust evidence for effective decision making. |
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Duty 12 Analyse and interpret a wide range of financial information for internal and external stakeholders. |
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Duty 13 Research, analyse, and report on factors influencing business performance, and make recommendations. For example: ways to reduce costs, improve profitability, improve quality, customer satisfaction, efficiency, productivity, and sustainabilty. |
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Duty 14 Research and identify sources of finance, demonstrate an awareness of risk, be able to assist in arranging new sources of finance, and maintaining existing lines of credit and credit relationships. |
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Duty 15 Manage the credit control function, which involves understanding the legal framework, maintaining receivables (Sales Ledger), cash flow, and customer relationships. |
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Duty 16 Develop and maintain internal controls that monitor and manage financial risk to safeguard the organisations assets and mitigate liabilities. |
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Duty 17 Understand the importance of external relationships to the organisation and be able to maintain them. These relationships could include: clients, customers, suppliers, auditors, solicitors, bankers and statutory organisations such as the HMRC, Companies House and the Financial Conduct Authority. |
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Duty 18 Recruit, train, appraise, mentor and be responsible for the day-to-day management of their accounting and finance team. |
K1: The regulatory framework of financial accounting that apply to sole traders, partnerships, companies, charities, and public sector organisations.
Back to Duty
K2: Accounting concepts and standards in UK GAAP and IFRS as applicable to sole traders, partnerships, companies, charities, and public sector organisations.
Back to Duty
K3: The technology available for financial accounting, reporting, and internal controls. For example, iXBRL.
Back to Duty
K4: Approaches to analysing issues relating to competitors, stakeholders and market trends. For example ratio analysis, trend analysis, stakeholder analysis, competitor analysis.
Back to Duty
K5: Approaches to data analytics using technology to visualise findings from the analysis of financial and non-financial data from internal and external sources.
Back to Duty
K6: The requirements of the data commissioner under GDPR, and other stakeholders.
Back to Duty
K7: Digital technology and protocols to protect data from cyber attacks and data corruption.
Back to Duty
K8: The principles of legal, professional, and ethical frameworks including regulations regarding money laundering, criminal finance, data protection, health and safety, computer misuse and cybercrime.
Back to Duty
K9: The principles of digital systems management to ensure they are compliant with all relevant legal, professional and ethical frameworks.
Back to Duty
K10: The principles and significance of reconciling internal system records with external information sources such as banks and suppliers.
Back to Duty
K11: The purpose and techniques of budgeting and forecasting required to manage revenue, expenditure and cash flow.
Back to Duty
K12: The use of digital technology to compile, manage and report on budgets.
Back to Duty
K13: Approaches to creating cash flow forecasts.
Back to Duty
K14: The use of digital technology to forecast, monitor and report on movements in an organisations' cash flows.
Back to Duty
K15: Approaches used to analyse the financial and non-financial impact of management decisions.
Back to Duty
K16: The use of digital technology to provide management reports to assist decision making.
Back to Duty
K17: The importance of taxation in society and its impact on government policy.
Back to Duty
K18: The relationship of UK taxation to the accounting and finance function within organisations.
Back to Duty
K19: Implications for taxation reporting and obligations of organisational or client decision making.
Back to Duty
K20: Principles of digital technology used to process data and fulfil organisational and HMRC digital taxation reporting requirements.
Back to Duty
K21: The importance of the internal and external audit function and the significance of providing information requested from the audit teams to fulfil their duties.
Back to Duty
K22: Strategic planning techniques that are used by organisations to analyse, develop, and implement strategy.
Back to Duty
K23: Approaches to digital technology used to analyse, communicate, monitor and report on implementing strategy and meeting strategic objectives.
Back to Duty
K24: Approaches to identify and evaluate quantitative and qualitative factors that influence business performance.
Back to Duty
K25: The use of technology to collect, analyse and communicate quantitative and qualitative data.
Back to Duty
K26: The sources of finance that are available to organisations.
Back to Duty
K27: Approaches to using technology to identify and apply for finance and maintain credit relationships.
Back to Duty
K28: The legal and organisational framework for managing receivables, credit control, and internal and external relationships.
Back to Duty
K29: Approaches to using technology that manages credit control for internal and external stakeholders.
Back to Duty
K30: The principles and practice of designing, implementing and maintaining internal controls that mitigate risk and prevent issues, such as with quality, accuracy, fraud, cyber-attacks, or other irregularity.
Back to Duty
K31: Approaches to internal controls for both manual and digital systems and processes, with consideration for the control environment.
Back to Duty
K32: Approaches to managing external relationships that affect the organisation.
Back to Duty
K33: Approaches to digital technology to produce relevant information for stakeholder reports such as Integrated Reporting or Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) reports.
Back to Duty
K34: Principles of effective staff recruitment, training, appraisal, mentoring and management.
Back to Duty
K35: Approaches to use of digital technologies to appraise, monitor and manage staff.
Back to Duty
S1: Prepare financial statements, or extracts thereof, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP).
Back to Duty
S2: Identify and use appropriate digital technology to achieve desired outputs in the context of producing statutory of financial reports.
Back to Duty
S3: Analyse financial and non-financial internal data and compare with benchmark data such as from competitors, stakeholders, and market trends.
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S4: Use data analytics tools, visualise findings, make evidenced-based recommendations for future action and communicate them.
Back to Duty
S5: Interpret and implement the latest guidance on secure data management to satisfy the requirements of the Data Commissioner and GDPR.
Back to Duty
S6: Implement protocols and technology that minimise risks to data integrity and cyber security.
Back to Duty
S7: Evaluate internal and external factors relevant to the operational compliance of the organisation with all necessary legal, professional and ethical frameworks.
Back to Duty
S8: Apply the principles of digital systems management to ensure continued compliance with all relevant frameworks applicable to the organisation.
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S9: Analyse and interpret the reasons for differences between internal and external source documentation and produce reconciliations that clearly identify those differences and required actions.
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S10: Create budgets and forecasts using the most appropriate tools and techniques.
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S11: Interpret budget reports to evaluate the reliability of forecasts and to identify variances which require further action.
Back to Duty
S12: Calculate and interpret cash flow forecasts.
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S13: Interpret cash flow reports and identify future action required to manage cash balances.
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S14: Apply management accounting techniques to assist decision making within the organisation.
Back to Duty
S15: Interpret management reports, and utilise a variety of media, including verbal communication, to deliver advice that impacts management decisions.
Back to Duty
S16: Interpret and apply HMRC rules and guidance to produce tax calculations and statutory returns.
Back to Duty
S17: Implement and manage systems and processes that gather the information required by HMRC.
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S18: Analyse and summarise organisational or client decision making and the impact on taxation reporting and obligations.
Back to Duty
S19: Implement and manage the technology to satisfy HMRC reporting requirements for digital taxation.
Back to Duty
S20: Produce the information required by internal and external auditors in a clear format.
Back to Duty
S21: Evaluate strategic options, taking into consideration the impact of internal and external factors.
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S22: Develop, communicate, and deliver operational plans that meet strategic objectives; being able to set targets and KPIs, manage resources, and monitor and measure outcomes to establish operations effectively, efficiently and economically.
Back to Duty
S23: Ability to interpret quantitative and qualitative data in order to assess business performance, and utilise a variety of media, including verbal communication that demonstrates emotional intelligence, to make recommendations.
Back to Duty
S24: Analyse and interpret the process of how data is collected, extracted, analysed and reported.
Back to Duty
S25: Evaluate the impact of different sources of finance on an organisation, including risk and recommend appropriate finance options.
Back to Duty
S26: Advise organisations and implement technology to raise finance and maintain credit relationships.
Back to Duty
S27: Design and manage a compliant credit control system that meets strategic objectives regarding customers, insurers, and cash flow.
Back to Duty
S28: Implement technology that enables delivery of a credit control system that meets strategic objectives.
Back to Duty
S29: Analyse, design, implement, communicate, monitor and review internal control systems and processes that mitigate risk, including error, fraud, and cyber risks.
Back to Duty
S30: Document organisational manual and digital internal controls, identify weaknesses, and make practical recommendations for improvement.
Back to Duty
S31: Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Back to Duty
S32: Identify relevant information to be included in reports used by stakeholders.
Back to Duty
S33: Identify potential improvements to HR policies and activities such as recruitment, training, appraisal, mentoring or management.
Back to Duty
S34: Evaluate the effectiveness of digital technology used to appraise, monitor and manage staff.
Back to Duty
B1: Conscientious and diligent attention to detail that strives for completeness and accuracy.
Back to Duty
B2: Rigorous and empirical approach to the analysis of data and research the facts and gathering expert opinion before recommending action.
Back to Duty
B3: Committed to continuing professional development (CPD) by keeping up to date with the latest legislation, releases from standard setters, the latest advances in, and applications of, digital technology as applicable to accounting and finance and guidance from HMRC.
Back to Duty
B4: Objective and capable of independent and team working, committed to a reflective approach and therefore continuous improvement of internal and external relationships, including reviewing their own performance and performance of their team.
Back to Duty
B5: Act with professional scepticism including a questioning mind, being alert to conditions which may indicate a possible misstatement due to error or fraud and a critical assessment of evidence.
Back to Duty
B6: Act with professional judgment and values. Apply ethical standards in making informed decisions about the courses of action that are appropriate to their business or their client including acting in the public interest.
Back to Duty
B7: Creative, innovative and enterprising when seeking solutions to business needs. Positive and adaptable, responding well to feedback and need for change. Open to new ways of working and new management theories.
Back to Duty
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.
Level: 6 (integrated degree)
This is an integrated degree apprenticeship where a new integrated degree will be created once the apprenticeship standard and EPA have been approved
This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:
V1.0
This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the accounting finance manager degree-apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.
Accounting finance manager apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.
A degree-apprenticeship enables the awarding of a degree within the achievement of an apprenticeship. This means the degree learning outcomes must be aligned with the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) in the apprenticeship. Therefore, the apprenticeship and the degree must be completed, passed and awarded together to achieve the accounting finance manager degree-apprenticeship.
The apprentice must complete their training and meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA. The EPA will assess occupational competence.
A degree-apprenticeship must be delivered by a Higher Education Provider (HEP) that is on both the register of apprenticeship training providers (RoATP) and the register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO). The apprentice's employer must select an HEP who is on both registers.
If the HEP is using a credit framework, the EPA must contribute to the total credit value, and must be delivered in accordance with this assessment plan. However, the number of credits devoted to EPA may vary across HEP’s. The recommended EPA contribution is one twelfth of the total credit value.
A full-time accounting finance manager apprentice typically spends 36 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway). The apprentice must spend at least 12 months on-programme and complete the required amount of off-the-job training in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.
This EPA should then be completed within an EPA period lasting typically 36 months.
Occupational competence is outlined by the EPA grade descriptors and determined, when assessed in accordance with this EPA plan, by an independent assessor who is an occupational expert and confirms the overall EPA grade.
Assessment method 1 - project report with presentation, questions and answers:
Assessment method 2 - professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio:
The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:
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On-programme (typically 36 months)
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The apprentice must:
The qualification required is: Accounting Finance Manager Degree
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End-point assessment gateway
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The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice has attained sufficient KSBs to complete the apprenticeship.
The apprentice must:
For the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio, the apprentice must submit a portfolio of evidence.
The apprentice must submit the gateway evidence to their EPAO, including any organisation specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO. |
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End-point assessment (typically 4 months)
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The grades available for each assessment method are below
Project report with presentation, questions and answers:
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio:
Overall EPA and apprenticeship can be graded:
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Professional recognition
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This degree-apprenticeship aligns with: Institute of Financial Accountants for Intermediate Level. The apprentice, on completion of this degree-apprenticeship, will fully or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level.
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Re-sits and re-takes
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The EPA is taken in the EPA period. The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements have been met and is typically 4 months.
The EPAO should confirm the gateway requirements have been met and the EPA should start as quickly as possible.
The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice has attained sufficient KSBs to complete the apprenticeship. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider, but the employer must make the decision. The apprentice will then enter the gateway.
The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.
They must:
Portfolio of evidence requirements:
The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by this assessment method. It will typically contain 18 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.
Evidence sources may include:
This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included.
The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance (for example, witness statements) rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.
The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the professional discussion. The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the professional discussion. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.
The apprentice must submit the gateway evidence to their EPAO, including any organisation specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO.
The assessment methods can be delivered in any order.
The result of one assessment method does not need to be known before starting the next.
A project involves the apprentice completing a significant and defined piece of work that has a real business application and benefit. The project must meet the needs of the employer’s business and be relevant to the apprentice’s occupation and apprenticeship.
This assessment method has 2 components:
project with a project output
presentation with questions and answers
Together, these components give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. They are assessed by an independent assessor.
Accounts and finance managers need to present accounts and financial data and recommedations communicating clearly in writing, and to plan, deliver and evaluate discrete projects putting organisational requirements into practice. They must be able to devise, apply and explain the rationale behind methods for solving problems, testing ideas and setting out options for stakeholders. They need to demonstrate a practical understanding of the impacts of digital technologies in their organisation.
• they are required to be concise and precise in their use of language in written and verbal communication and demonstrate clarity of thought to engage others • the work-based written project report offers a realistic opportunity to combine project management, data visualisation, formal writing and reflection on approaches taken and attendant risks and mitigations.
As such, this assessment method allows apprentices to demonstrate mastery of KSBs that arise naturally in professional roles within organisations of any size or scope.
• it is a holistic assessment method, allowing the apprentice to demonstrate KSBs in an integrated way by writing the report on the project and being questioned to understand rationale for choices made, risks and problems identified and resolved and areas where further action could be required
• it provides a cost-effective assessment, as it minimises independent assessor time and makes use of the apprentice’s employer’s workplace, equipment and resources, and should contribute to workplace productivity.
The apprentice must complete a project based on any of the following:
To ensure the project allows the apprentice to meet the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade, the EPAO should sign-off the project’s title and scope at the gateway to confirm it is suitable. The EPAO must refer to the grading descriptors to ensure that projects are pitched appropriately.
The project output must be in the form of a report and presentation.
The apprentice must start the project after the gateway. The employer should ensure the apprentice has the time and resources, within the project period, to plan and complete their project.
The apprentice may work as part of a team to complete the project, which could include internal colleagues or technical experts. The apprentice must however, complete their project report and presentation unaided and they must be reflective of their own role and contribution. The apprentice and their employer must confirm this when the report and any presentation materials are submitted.
The report must include at least:
1. Introduction – including background, value proposition and objectives including KPIs. (250 words)
2. Background Research (Literature Review) – credible sources underpinning the project (1000 words)
3. Analysis and findings – visualise data, identify the key issues in line with project objectives. Undertake a balanced review recognising the limitations and opportunities for expanding the study (2000 words)
4. Conclusions, outcomes and recommendations (750 words)
5. Reference list and bibliography.
The project report must have a word count of 4000 words. A tolerance of 10% above or below is allowed at the apprentice’s discretion. Appendices, references and diagrams are not included in this total. The apprentice must produce and include a mapping in an appendix, showing how the report evidences the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The apprentice must complete and submit the report and any presentation materials to the EPAO by the end of week 6 of the EPA period.
The presentation with questions must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
The apprentice must prepare and deliver a presentation to an independent assessor. After the presentation, the independent assessor must ask the apprentice questions about their project, report and presentation.
The presentation should cover:
The presentation with questions must last 30 minutes. This will typically include a presentation of 20 minutes and questioning lasting 10 minutes. The independent assessor must use the full time available for questioning. The independent assessor can increase the time of the presentation and questioning by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete their last point or respond to a question if necessary.
The independent assessor must ask at least 5 questions. They must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training. Follow up questions are allowed where clarification is required.
The purpose of the independent assessor's questions is:
The apprentice must submit any presentation materials to the EPAO at the same time as the report - by the end of week 6 of the EPA period. The apprentice must notify the EPAO, at that point, of any technical requirements for the presentation.
During the presentation, the apprentice must have access to:
The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the project report and any presentation materials, to allow them to prepare questions.
The apprentice must be given at least 7 days’ notice of the presentation with questions.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision. They must assess the project components holistically when deciding the grade.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
The presentation with questions must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises. It should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
The presentation with questions can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.
The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.
The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
EPAO must produce the following materials to support the project:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
In the professional discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence.
This assessment method is being used because:This assessment method is being used because it is a holistic assessment method, allowing the apprentice to demonstrate KSBs in an integrated way.
Accounts and Finance Managers work with a wide range of stakeholders delivering outcomes that vary widely in theme depending on the size and sector of the employer.
Accounts and Finance Managers are required to be comfortable in face-to-face discussions about their role and the objectives of it in relation to their organisation and the wider sector. They are required to present, explain and justify their rationale in relation to complex data and financial analysis using visualisation techniques to explain complex ideas.
This method allows the demonstration of the ability to perform the role in a different context or large/small organisations to demonstrate transferable skills.
The professional discussion must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
An independent assessor must conduct and assess the professional discussion.
The purpose of the independent assessor's questions will be to explore competence in the KSBs mapped to this assessment method
The EPAO must give an apprentice 7 days' notice of the professional discussion.
The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the supporting documentation.
The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the professional discussion.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence however, the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.
The professional discussion must last for 45 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the professional discussion by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.
The independent assessor must ask at least 10 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
The professional discussion must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises.
The professional discussion can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.
The professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.
The EPAO must ensure that apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
Fail - does not meet pass criteria
|
Theme
KSBs
|
Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors
|
Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
|
|---|---|---|
|
Financial Accounting
K3 K4 K5 S3 S4 B1 |
Evaluates the technology available for financial accounting, reporting, and internal controls. For example iXBRL. K3. Evaluates and uses approaches to analysing issues relating to competitors, stakeholders and market trends. Analyses financial and non-financial internal data and compares with benchmark data such as from competitors, stakeholders, and market trends. K4, S3. Evaluates, uses and communicates approaches to data analytics using technology to visualise findings and make recommendations from the analysis of financial and non-financial data from internal and external sources that strives for completeness and accuracy. K5,S4, B1.
|
Justifies alternative approaches to data analytics using technology to visualise findings and make recommendations from the analysis of financial and non-financial data from internal and external sources that strives for completeness and accuracy. K5, S4, B1. |
|
Management Accounting
K15 K16 K22 K23 K24 K25 S14 S15 S21 S22 S23 S24 |
Evaluates and applies approaches used to analyse the financial and non-financial impact of management decisions. Interprets management reports and utilises a variety of media, including verbal communciation to deliver advice that impacts management decisions. K15, S15. Applies management accounting techniques to assist decision making within the organisation. S14. Evaluates the use of digital technology to provide management reports to assist decision making. K16. Compares and contrasts strategic planning techniques that are used by organisations to analyse, develop, and implement strategy and evaluate strategic options, taking into account the impact of internal and external factors. K22, S21. Demonstrates how they develop, communicate and deliver operational plans that meet strategic objectives; set targets and KPIs, manage resources, and monitor and measure outcomes to establish operations effectively, efficiently and economically. S22. Evaluates approaches to digital technology used to analyse, communicate, monitor and report on implementing strategy and meeting strategic objectives. K23. Summarises approaches to identify and evaluate quantitative and qualitative factors that influence business performance. K24. Evaluates the use of technology to collect, analyse and communicate quantitative and qualitative data. Interprets that data to assess business performance and utilise a variety of media, including verbal communication, to make recommendations. K25, S23. Evaluates how they analyse and interpret the process of how data is collected, extracted, analysed and reported. S24. |
Critically evaluates judgements based on interpretation of financial and non-financial management reports. including:
|
|
Digital Security and Systems
K6 K7 K9 S5 S6 S8 B4 |
Demonstrates how they interpret and implement the latest guidance on secure data management to satisfy the requirements of the Data Commissioner and GDPR. K6,S5. Evaluates digital technology and protocols to protect data from cyber attacks and data corruption how they implement protocols and technology that minimise risks to data integrity and cyber security. K7, S6. Appraises how they apply the principles of digital systems management to ensure continued compliance with all relevant frameworks applicable to the organisation including continuous improvement of internal and external relationships and reviewing their own performance and that of their team. K9, S8, B4.
|
Critically evaluates how they apply the principles of digital systems management to ensure continued compliance with all relevant frameworks applicable to the organisation including continuous improvement of internal and external relationships and reviewing their own performance and that of their team. S8, B4. |
|
Legal Compliance
K8 S7 B6 |
Demonstrates evaluation of internal and external factors relevant to the operational compliance of the organisation with all necessary legal, professional and ethical frameworks including regulations regarding money laundering, criminal finance, data protection, health and safety, computer misuse and cybercrime and apply ethical standards in making informed decisions about the courses of action that are appropriate to their business or their client including acting in the public interest. K8, S7, B6.
|
Critiques their approach to evaluation of internal and external factors relevant to the operational compliance of the organisation with all necessary legal, professional and ethical frameworks. S7. |
|
Finance, Credit and Risk
K30 K31 S29 S30 B7 |
Applies the principles and practice of analysing, designing, implementing communicating and maintaining internal controls that mitigate risk and prevent issues, such as with quality, accuracy, fraud, cyber-attacks, or other irregularity with consideration for the control environment. K30, K31, S29. Explains how they document organisational manual and digital internal controls, identify weaknesses, and make practical recommendations for improvement and that are creative, innovative and enterprising when seeking solutions to business needs. S30, B7.
|
Critically evaluates how they document organisational manual and digital internal controls, identify weaknesses, and make practical recommendations for improvement and that are creative, innovative and enterprising when seeking solutions to business needs. S30, B7. |
Fail - does not meet pass criteria
|
Theme
KSBs
|
Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors
|
Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
|
|---|---|---|
|
Financial Accounting
K1 K2 K10 S1 S2 S9 B2 |
Demonstrates application of accounting concepts and standards in UK GAAP and IFRS as applicable to sole traders, partnerships, companies, charities, and public sector organisations in the preparation of financial statements or extracts thereof. K1, K2, S1. Explains the principles and significance of reconciling internal system records with external information sources such as banks and suppliers. K10. Evaluates how they identify and use appropriate digital technology to achieve desired outputs in the context of producing statutory of financial reports. S2. Defends how they analyse and interpret the reasons for differences between internal and external source documentation and produce reconciliations that clearly identify those differences and required actions taking a rigorous and empirical approach to the analysis of data, researching the facts and gathering expert opinion before recommending action. S9, B2.
|
Critically evaluates how they analyse and interpret the reasons for differences between internal and external source documentation and produce reconciliations that clearly identify those differences and required actions taking a rigorous and empirical approach to the analysis of data, researching the facts and gathering expert opinion before recommending action. S9, B2. |
|
Management Accounting
K11 K12 K13 K14 S10 S11 S12 S13 B5 |
Explains the purpose and techniques of budgeting and forecasting required to manage revenue, expenditure and cash flow. K11. Defends their application of digital technology to compile, manage and report on budgets. K12, S10. Compares and contrasts approaches to creating cash flow forecasts and the use of digital technology to forecast, monitor and report on movements in an organisation's cashflows. K13, K14. Explains how they interpret budget reports to evaluate the reliability of forecasts and to identify variances which require further action. S11. Explains how they calculate and interpret cash flow forecasts and reports and identify action required to manage cash balances being alert to conditions which may indicate a possible misstatement due to error or fraud and a critical assessment of evidence. S12, S13, B5.
|
Critically evaluate how they calculate and interpret budgets, forecasts and reports. Appraise how they identify action required to manage cash balances being alert to conditions which may indicate a possible misstatement due to error or fraud and a critical assessment of evidence. S11, S12, S13, B5. |
|
Human Resources and Stakeholder Relationship Management
K32 K33 K34 K35 S31 S32 S33 S34 B3 |
Explains their approaches to managing internal and external relationships that affect the organisation. K32, S31. Evaluates approaches to digital technology to produce relevant information for stakeholder reports such as Integrated Reporting or Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) reports and how they identify relevant information to be included in reports used by stakeholders including keeping up to date with latest technologies and requirements. K33, S32, B3. Explains how they apply the principles of effective staff recruitment, training, appraisal, mentoring and management and how they identify potential improvements. K34, S33. Explains approaches to the use of digital technologies to appraise, monitor and manage staff and how they evaluate the effectiveness of digital technology used to appraise, monitor and manage staff. K35, S34.
|
Critically evaluates approaches to the use of digital technologies to appraise, monitor and manage staff and how they evaluate the effectiveness of digital technology used to appraise, monitor and manage staff that lead to recommendations for improvements in the organisation. K35, S34. |
|
Tax Compliance
K17 K18 K19 K20 S16 S17 S18 S19 |
Explains the importance of taxation in society and its impact on government policy. K17. Analyses the relationship of UK taxation to the accounting and finance function within organisations. K18. Explains the implications for taxation reporting and obligations of organisational or client decision making. K19. Summarises the principles of digital technology used to process data and fulfil organisational and HMRC digital taxation reporting requirements. K20. Explains how they interpret and apply HMRC rules and guidance to produce tax calculations and statutory returns. S16. Explains how they implement and manage systems and processes that gather the information required by HMRC. S17, S19. Explains how they analyse and summarise organisational or client decision making and the impact on taxation reporting and obligations. S18.
|
N/A |
|
Audit Compliance
K21 S20 |
Evaluates the importance of the internal and external audit function and the significance of providing information requested from the audit teams to fulfil their duties. K21. Explains how they produce the information required by internal and external auditors in a clear format. S20. |
N/A |
|
Finance, Credit and Risk
K26 K27 K28 K29 S25 S26 S27 S28 |
Compares and contrasts the sources of finance that are available to organisations. K26. Explains how they evaluate the impact of different sources of finance on an organisation, including risk and recommend appropriate finance options. S25. Evaluates approaches to using technology to identify and apply for finance and maintain credit relationships. K27. Explains how they advise organisations and implement technology to raise finance and maintain credit relationships. S26. Explains the legal and organisational framework for managing receivables, credit control, and internal and external relationships. K28. Evaluates approaches to using technology that manages credit control for internal and external stakeholders. K29. Explains how they design and manage a compliant credit control system that meets strategic objectives regarding customers, insurers, and cash flow. S27. Explains how they implement technology that enables delivery of a credit control system that meets strategic objectives. S28. |
Critically evaluates how they implement technology that enables delivery of a credit control system that meets strategic objectives. S28. |
Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:
An independent assessor must individually grade the: project report with presentation, questions and answers and professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio in line with this EPA plan.
The EPAO must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.
If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they will be awarded an overall fail.
To achieve an overall pass, the apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods. To achieve an overall EPA merit, the apprentice must achieve a pass in either assessment method and a distinction in the remaining assessment method. To achieve an overall EPA distinction, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in both assessment methods.
Grades from individual assessment methods must be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.
| Project report with presentation, questions and answers | Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio | Overall Grading |
|---|---|---|
| Fail | Any grade | Fail |
| Any grade | Fail | Fail |
| Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Pass | Distinction | Merit |
| Distinction | Pass | Merit |
| Distinction | Distinction | Distinction |
If the apprentice fails one or more assessment methods they can take a re-sit or a re-take at their employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does.
The apprentice should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.
The employer and EPAO agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 2 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 4 months of the EPA outcome notification.
Failed assessment methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.
Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.
The apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of distinction for a re-sit or re-take, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.
| Roles | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Apprentice |
As a minimum, the apprentice should:
|
|
Employer |
As a minimum, the apprentice's employer must:
|
|
EPAO (HEP) |
As a minimum, the EPAO (HEP) must:
|
|
Independent assessor |
As a minimum, an independent assessor must:
|
|
Training provider (HEP) |
As a minimum, the training provider (HEP) must:
|
|
External examiner |
As a minimum, the external examiner must:
|
The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.
This should include:
Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.
Internal quality assurance refers to the strategies, policies and procedures that EPAOs must have in place to ensure valid, consistent and reliable end-point assessment decisions.
EPAOs for this EPA must adhere to all requirements within the roles and responsibilities table and:
Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:
This apprenticeship aligns with:
| Knowledge | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
K1
The regulatory framework of financial accounting that apply to sole traders, partnerships, companies, charities, and public sector organisations. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K2
Accounting concepts and standards in UK GAAP and IFRS as applicable to sole traders, partnerships, companies, charities, and public sector organisations. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K3
The technology available for financial accounting, reporting, and internal controls. For example, iXBRL. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
K4
Approaches to analysing issues relating to competitors, stakeholders and market trends. For example ratio analysis, trend analysis, stakeholder analysis, competitor analysis. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
K5
Approaches to data analytics using technology to visualise findings from the analysis of financial and non-financial data from internal and external sources. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
K6
The requirements of the data commissioner under GDPR, and other stakeholders. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
K7
Digital technology and protocols to protect data from cyber attacks and data corruption. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
K8
The principles of legal, professional, and ethical frameworks including regulations regarding money laundering, criminal finance, data protection, health and safety, computer misuse and cybercrime. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
K9
The principles of digital systems management to ensure they are compliant with all relevant legal, professional and ethical frameworks. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
K10
The principles and significance of reconciling internal system records with external information sources such as banks and suppliers. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K11
The purpose and techniques of budgeting and forecasting required to manage revenue, expenditure and cash flow. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K12
The use of digital technology to compile, manage and report on budgets. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K13
Approaches to creating cash flow forecasts. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K14
The use of digital technology to forecast, monitor and report on movements in an organisations' cash flows. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K15
Approaches used to analyse the financial and non-financial impact of management decisions. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
K16
The use of digital technology to provide management reports to assist decision making. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
K17
The importance of taxation in society and its impact on government policy. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K18
The relationship of UK taxation to the accounting and finance function within organisations. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K19
Implications for taxation reporting and obligations of organisational or client decision making. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K20
Principles of digital technology used to process data and fulfil organisational and HMRC digital taxation reporting requirements. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K21
The importance of the internal and external audit function and the significance of providing information requested from the audit teams to fulfil their duties. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K22
Strategic planning techniques that are used by organisations to analyse, develop, and implement strategy. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
K23
Approaches to digital technology used to analyse, communicate, monitor and report on implementing strategy and meeting strategic objectives. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
K24
Approaches to identify and evaluate quantitative and qualitative factors that influence business performance. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
K25
The use of technology to collect, analyse and communicate quantitative and qualitative data. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
K26
The sources of finance that are available to organisations. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K27
Approaches to using technology to identify and apply for finance and maintain credit relationships. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K28
The legal and organisational framework for managing receivables, credit control, and internal and external relationships. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K29
Approaches to using technology that manages credit control for internal and external stakeholders. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K30
The principles and practice of designing, implementing and maintaining internal controls that mitigate risk and prevent issues, such as with quality, accuracy, fraud, cyber-attacks, or other irregularity. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
K31
Approaches to internal controls for both manual and digital systems and processes, with consideration for the control environment. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
K32
Approaches to managing external relationships that affect the organisation. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K33
Approaches to digital technology to produce relevant information for stakeholder reports such as Integrated Reporting or Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) reports. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K34
Principles of effective staff recruitment, training, appraisal, mentoring and management. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
K35
Approaches to use of digital technologies to appraise, monitor and manage staff. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
| Skill | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
S1
Prepare financial statements, or extracts thereof, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP). Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S2
Identify and use appropriate digital technology to achieve desired outputs in the context of producing statutory of financial reports. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S3
Analyse financial and non-financial internal data and compare with benchmark data such as from competitors, stakeholders, and market trends. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
S4
Use data analytics tools, visualise findings, make evidenced-based recommendations for future action and communicate them. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
S5
Interpret and implement the latest guidance on secure data management to satisfy the requirements of the Data Commissioner and GDPR. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
S6
Implement protocols and technology that minimise risks to data integrity and cyber security. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
S7
Evaluate internal and external factors relevant to the operational compliance of the organisation with all necessary legal, professional and ethical frameworks. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
S8
Apply the principles of digital systems management to ensure continued compliance with all relevant frameworks applicable to the organisation. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
S9
Analyse and interpret the reasons for differences between internal and external source documentation and produce reconciliations that clearly identify those differences and required actions. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S10
Create budgets and forecasts using the most appropriate tools and techniques. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S11
Interpret budget reports to evaluate the reliability of forecasts and to identify variances which require further action. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S12
Calculate and interpret cash flow forecasts. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S13
Interpret cash flow reports and identify future action required to manage cash balances. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S14
Apply management accounting techniques to assist decision making within the organisation. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
S15
Interpret management reports, and utilise a variety of media, including verbal communication, to deliver advice that impacts management decisions. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
S16
Interpret and apply HMRC rules and guidance to produce tax calculations and statutory returns. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S17
Implement and manage systems and processes that gather the information required by HMRC. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S18
Analyse and summarise organisational or client decision making and the impact on taxation reporting and obligations. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S19
Implement and manage the technology to satisfy HMRC reporting requirements for digital taxation. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S20
Produce the information required by internal and external auditors in a clear format. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S21
Evaluate strategic options, taking into consideration the impact of internal and external factors. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
S22
Develop, communicate, and deliver operational plans that meet strategic objectives; being able to set targets and KPIs, manage resources, and monitor and measure outcomes to establish operations effectively, efficiently and economically. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
S23
Ability to interpret quantitative and qualitative data in order to assess business performance, and utilise a variety of media, including verbal communication that demonstrates emotional intelligence, to make recommendations. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
S24
Analyse and interpret the process of how data is collected, extracted, analysed and reported. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
S25
Evaluate the impact of different sources of finance on an organisation, including risk and recommend appropriate finance options. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S26
Advise organisations and implement technology to raise finance and maintain credit relationships. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S27
Design and manage a compliant credit control system that meets strategic objectives regarding customers, insurers, and cash flow. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S28
Implement technology that enables delivery of a credit control system that meets strategic objectives. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S29
Analyse, design, implement, communicate, monitor and review internal control systems and processes that mitigate risk, including error, fraud, and cyber risks. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
S30
Document organisational manual and digital internal controls, identify weaknesses, and make practical recommendations for improvement. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
S31
Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S32
Identify relevant information to be included in reports used by stakeholders. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S33
Identify potential improvements to HR policies and activities such as recruitment, training, appraisal, mentoring or management. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
S34
Evaluate the effectiveness of digital technology used to appraise, monitor and manage staff. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
| Behaviour | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
B1
Conscientious and diligent attention to detail that strives for completeness and accuracy. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
B2
Rigorous and empirical approach to the analysis of data and research the facts and gathering expert opinion before recommending action. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
B3
Committed to continuing professional development (CPD) by keeping up to date with the latest legislation, releases from standard setters, the latest advances in, and applications of, digital technology as applicable to accounting and finance and guidance from HMRC. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
B4
Objective and capable of independent and team working, committed to a reflective approach and therefore continuous improvement of internal and external relationships, including reviewing their own performance and performance of their team. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
B5
Act with professional scepticism including a questioning mind, being alert to conditions which may indicate a possible misstatement due to error or fraud and a critical assessment of evidence. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio |
|
B6
Act with professional judgment and values. Apply ethical standards in making informed decisions about the courses of action that are appropriate to their business or their client including acting in the public interest. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
|
B7
Creative, innovative and enterprising when seeking solutions to business needs. Positive and adaptable, responding well to feedback and need for change. Open to new ways of working and new management theories. Back to Grading |
Project report with presentation, questions and answers |
| KSBS GROUPED BY THEME | Knowledge | Skills | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Financial Accounting
K3 K4 K5 S3 S4 B1 |
The technology available for financial accounting, reporting, and internal controls. For example, iXBRL. (K3) Approaches to analysing issues relating to competitors, stakeholders and market trends. For example ratio analysis, trend analysis, stakeholder analysis, competitor analysis. (K4) Approaches to data analytics using technology to visualise findings from the analysis of financial and non-financial data from internal and external sources. (K5) |
Analyse financial and non-financial internal data and compare with benchmark data such as from competitors, stakeholders, and market trends. (S3) Use data analytics tools, visualise findings, make evidenced-based recommendations for future action and communicate them. (S4) |
Conscientious and diligent attention to detail that strives for completeness and accuracy. (B1) |
|
Management Accounting
K15 K16 K22 K23 K24 K25 S14 S15 S21 S22 S23 S24 |
Approaches used to analyse the financial and non-financial impact of management decisions. (K15) The use of digital technology to provide management reports to assist decision making. (K16) Strategic planning techniques that are used by organisations to analyse, develop, and implement strategy. (K22) Approaches to digital technology used to analyse, communicate, monitor and report on implementing strategy and meeting strategic objectives. (K23) Approaches to identify and evaluate quantitative and qualitative factors that influence business performance. (K24) The use of technology to collect, analyse and communicate quantitative and qualitative data. (K25) |
Apply management accounting techniques to assist decision making within the organisation. (S14) Interpret management reports, and utilise a variety of media, including verbal communication, to deliver advice that impacts management decisions. (S15) Evaluate strategic options, taking into consideration the impact of internal and external factors. (S21) Develop, communicate, and deliver operational plans that meet strategic objectives; being able to set targets and KPIs, manage resources, and monitor and measure outcomes to establish operations effectively, efficiently and economically. (S22) Ability to interpret quantitative and qualitative data in order to assess business performance, and utilise a variety of media, including verbal communication that demonstrates emotional intelligence, to make recommendations. (S23) Analyse and interpret the process of how data is collected, extracted, analysed and reported. (S24) |
N/A |
|
Digital Security and Systems
K6 K7 K9 S5 S6 S8 B4 |
The requirements of the data commissioner under GDPR, and other stakeholders. (K6) Digital technology and protocols to protect data from cyber attacks and data corruption. (K7) The principles of digital systems management to ensure they are compliant with all relevant legal, professional and ethical frameworks. (K9) |
Interpret and implement the latest guidance on secure data management to satisfy the requirements of the Data Commissioner and GDPR. (S5) Implement protocols and technology that minimise risks to data integrity and cyber security. (S6) Apply the principles of digital systems management to ensure continued compliance with all relevant frameworks applicable to the organisation. (S8) |
Objective and capable of independent and team working, committed to a reflective approach and therefore continuous improvement of internal and external relationships, including reviewing their own performance and performance of their team. (B4) |
|
Legal Compliance
K8 S7 B6 |
The principles of legal, professional, and ethical frameworks including regulations regarding money laundering, criminal finance, data protection, health and safety, computer misuse and cybercrime. (K8) |
Evaluate internal and external factors relevant to the operational compliance of the organisation with all necessary legal, professional and ethical frameworks. (S7) |
Act with professional judgment and values. Apply ethical standards in making informed decisions about the courses of action that are appropriate to their business or their client including acting in the public interest. (B6) |
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Finance, Credit and Risk
K30 K31 S29 S30 B7 |
The principles and practice of designing, implementing and maintaining internal controls that mitigate risk and prevent issues, such as with quality, accuracy, fraud, cyber-attacks, or other irregularity. (K30) Approaches to internal controls for both manual and digital systems and processes, with consideration for the control environment. (K31) |
Analyse, design, implement, communicate, monitor and review internal control systems and processes that mitigate risk, including error, fraud, and cyber risks. (S29) Document organisational manual and digital internal controls, identify weaknesses, and make practical recommendations for improvement. (S30) |
Creative, innovative and enterprising when seeking solutions to business needs. Positive and adaptable, responding well to feedback and need for change. Open to new ways of working and new management theories. (B7) |
| KSBS GROUPED BY THEME | Knowledge | Skills | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|
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Financial Accounting
K1 K2 K10 S1 S2 S9 B2 |
The regulatory framework of financial accounting that apply to sole traders, partnerships, companies, charities, and public sector organisations. (K1) Accounting concepts and standards in UK GAAP and IFRS as applicable to sole traders, partnerships, companies, charities, and public sector organisations. (K2) The principles and significance of reconciling internal system records with external information sources such as banks and suppliers. (K10) |
Prepare financial statements, or extracts thereof, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP). (S1) Identify and use appropriate digital technology to achieve desired outputs in the context of producing statutory of financial reports. (S2) Analyse and interpret the reasons for differences between internal and external source documentation and produce reconciliations that clearly identify those differences and required actions. (S9) |
Rigorous and empirical approach to the analysis of data and research the facts and gathering expert opinion before recommending action. (B2) |
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Management Accounting
K11 K12 K13 K14 S10 S11 S12 S13 B5 |
The purpose and techniques of budgeting and forecasting required to manage revenue, expenditure and cash flow. (K11) The use of digital technology to compile, manage and report on budgets. (K12) Approaches to creating cash flow forecasts. (K13) The use of digital technology to forecast, monitor and report on movements in an organisations' cash flows. (K14) |
Create budgets and forecasts using the most appropriate tools and techniques. (S10) Interpret budget reports to evaluate the reliability of forecasts and to identify variances which require further action. (S11) Calculate and interpret cash flow forecasts. (S12) Interpret cash flow reports and identify future action required to manage cash balances. (S13) |
Act with professional scepticism including a questioning mind, being alert to conditions which may indicate a possible misstatement due to error or fraud and a critical assessment of evidence. (B5) |
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Human Resources and Stakeholder Relationship Management
K32 K33 K34 K35 S31 S32 S33 S34 B3 |
Approaches to managing external relationships that affect the organisation. (K32) Approaches to digital technology to produce relevant information for stakeholder reports such as Integrated Reporting or Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) reports. (K33) Principles of effective staff recruitment, training, appraisal, mentoring and management. (K34) Approaches to use of digital technologies to appraise, monitor and manage staff. (K35) |
Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. (S31) Identify relevant information to be included in reports used by stakeholders. (S32) Identify potential improvements to HR policies and activities such as recruitment, training, appraisal, mentoring or management. (S33) Evaluate the effectiveness of digital technology used to appraise, monitor and manage staff. (S34) |
Committed to continuing professional development (CPD) by keeping up to date with the latest legislation, releases from standard setters, the latest advances in, and applications of, digital technology as applicable to accounting and finance and guidance from HMRC. (B3) |
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Tax Compliance
K17 K18 K19 K20 S16 S17 S18 S19 |
The importance of taxation in society and its impact on government policy. (K17) The relationship of UK taxation to the accounting and finance function within organisations. (K18) Implications for taxation reporting and obligations of organisational or client decision making. (K19) Principles of digital technology used to process data and fulfil organisational and HMRC digital taxation reporting requirements. (K20) |
Interpret and apply HMRC rules and guidance to produce tax calculations and statutory returns. (S16) Implement and manage systems and processes that gather the information required by HMRC. (S17) Analyse and summarise organisational or client decision making and the impact on taxation reporting and obligations. (S18) Implement and manage the technology to satisfy HMRC reporting requirements for digital taxation. (S19) |
N/A |
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Audit Compliance
K21 S20 |
The importance of the internal and external audit function and the significance of providing information requested from the audit teams to fulfil their duties. (K21) |
Produce the information required by internal and external auditors in a clear format. (S20) |
N/A |
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Finance, Credit and Risk
K26 K27 K28 K29 S25 S26 S27 S28 |
The sources of finance that are available to organisations. (K26) Approaches to using technology to identify and apply for finance and maintain credit relationships. (K27) The legal and organisational framework for managing receivables, credit control, and internal and external relationships. (K28) Approaches to using technology that manages credit control for internal and external stakeholders. (K29) |
Evaluate the impact of different sources of finance on an organisation, including risk and recommend appropriate finance options. (S25) Advise organisations and implement technology to raise finance and maintain credit relationships. (S26) Design and manage a compliant credit control system that meets strategic objectives regarding customers, insurers, and cash flow. (S27) Implement technology that enables delivery of a credit control system that meets strategic objectives. (S28) |
N/A |
Contact us about this apprenticeship
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date | Latest end date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 21/02/2023 | Not set | Not set |