Overview

Our Work Placement program is designed to provide learners with invaluable, hands-on experience in an accounting or finance-related role. Through this module, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge of bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, and financial management in a professional environment. The experience will help you develop essential workplace skills, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving while building a strong foundation for a career in finance.

Duration: 3 Months (13 weeks-one a week training)

Course fee: £1200

Learning Objectives

By the end of your placement, you will have gained the ability to:

• Apply accounting principles in real-world situations.
• Perform core accounting tasks, from processing invoices to preparing financial statements.
• Use industry-standard accounting software to handle payroll, VAT returns, and financial records.
• Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
• Prioritise and manage tasks efficiently in a busy work environment.
• Gain exposure to a range of financial processes, including reconciliations, tax submissions, and payroll management.

Work Placement Structure

• Introduction & Orientation
• Overview of the company’s finance department and processes.
• Introduction to team members and stakeholders.
• Health and safety briefing.
• Bookkeeping & Financial Record-Keeping
• Maintain accounts payable and receivable ledgers.
• Process invoices, payments, and receipts.
• Record transactions using accounting software like VTR software, Dext, QuickBooks, or Xero and Taxcalc.
• Assist with petty cash management.
• VAT Returns & Compliance
• Prepare VAT returns and maintain accurate records.
• Understand VAT reporting schedules and deadlines.
• Apply VAT schemes with supervision.
• Payroll Processing
• Assist in payroll calculations and processing.
• Handle statutory deductions (e.g., National Insurance, PAYE).
• Generate payslips and manage payroll records.
• Bank Reconciliation
• Reconcile bank statements with financial records.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Support month-end and year-end reconciliation processes.
• Preparation of Financial Statements
• Assist with preparing profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Contribute to trial balance preparation and audits.
• Software Training
• Gain hands-on experience with leading accounting software.
• Manage digital records in line with Making Tax Digital (MTD) regulations.
• Generate financial reports for analysis.
• Compliance & Ethical Standards
• Ensure accuracy and compliance in all financial activities.
• Adhere to ethical standards in financial reporting and auditing.
• Progress Review & Feedback
• Regular feedback sessions with a supervisor.
• Reflect on your progress and set goals for improvement.
• Receive mentorship to enhance your professional competencies.

Assessment & Certification

Upon completing the work placement, you will:

• Maintain a reflective journal documenting your experience.
• Receive detailed feedback from your supervisor.
• Present a final report summarising your tasks, skills gained, and knowledge acquired.
• Earn a certification, marking your readiness for entry-level roles in finance, bookkeeping, and accounting.