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 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.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 21/02/2023 | Not set |
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