Prepare for a Career in Accounting with Practical, Hands-On Training

Our Accounts Assistant training module is designed to equip you with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to perform essential accounting duties. Whether you’re just starting your career in finance or looking to expand your accounting skills, this course will prepare you for entry-level roles, focusing on bookkeeping, financial record-keeping, and essential accounting processes.

Course Overview

The Accounts Assistant module covers a wide range of accounting tasks, providing you with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. You’ll learn how to maintain financial records, process invoices, assist with payroll, and prepare VAT returns, all while gaining hands-on experience with leading accounting software.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Understand and apply basic accounting principles.
• Perform bookkeeping tasks, such as maintaining ledgers and managing accounts payable/receivable.
• Process invoices, payments, and receipts accurately.
• Reconcile bank accounts and assist in preparing financial statements.
• Support payroll and VAT processing duties.
• Use accounting software for efficient financial record-keeping.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations.

Module Content

1. Introduction to Accounting and Bookkeeping
Overview of the accounting cycle and the role of an Accounts Assistant. Key accounting terms: assets, liabilities, equity, income, and expenses.

2. Recording Financial Transactions
Master double-entry bookkeeping principles. Create and maintain general ledgers. Post transactions to the correct accounts and manage petty cash.

3. Accounts Payable and Receivable
Process supplier invoices and payments. Manage customer invoices, receipts, and credit control. Handle overdue accounts, issue credit notes, and resolve disputes.

4. Bank Reconciliation
Understand bank statements and match financial records. Identify and correct discrepancies. Reconcile cash, credit card accounts, and bank transactions.

5. Payroll Assistance
Perform basic payroll tasks, such as entering timesheets and calculating wages. Manage statutory deductions (PAYE, NI) and issue payslips. Keep accurate payroll records and manage employee data.

6. VAT Processing
Learn VAT (Value Added Tax) principles and how they apply to businesses. Prepare VAT invoices, process payments, and record VAT transactions. Assist with VAT returns and submissions to HMRC.

7. Using Accounting Software
Get hands-on experience with accounting software like VTR, Xero, and QuickBooks, Taxcalc. Set up accounts, enter transactions, and generate financial reports. Maintain data security and ensure compliance within accounting systems.

8. Financial Statements
Assist in the preparation of key financial reports: profit & loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Prepare trial balances and assist with month-end and year-end closing.

9. Compliance and Ethical Standards
Understand the importance of financial accuracy, ethical standards, and compliance in accounting. Learn about relevant regulations, tax laws, and the role of audits in financial record-keeping.

10. Final Assessment

Upon completing the module, learners will:

• Complete scenario-based exercises that simulate real-world bookkeeping and accounting tasks.
• Perform practical tasks using accounting software.