Accounting & Finance

    The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
    End-Point Assessment

    Specification: 610/3318/2

    The THE-INSTITUTE-OF-CERTIFIED-BOOKKEEPERS End-Point Assessment Accounting & Finance specification covers 4 topics with 26 learning objectives (610/3318/2). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    4

    Units

    26

    Learning Outcomes

    19

    Assessment Guidance

    20

    Key Skills

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Miscalculating average weekly earnings for statutory payments by using incorrect reference periods or omitting relevant pay elements.
    • •Failing to update tax code changes promptly, leading to over- or under-deduction of tax.
    • •Confusing the treatment of different National Insurance category letters, especially for employees with multiple jobs or special statuses.
    • •Submitting RTI returns with incorrect year-to-date figures after correcting a payroll error, causing misalignment with HMRC records.
    • •Overlooking the impact of salary sacrifice schemes on gross pay and consequent tax/NI calculations.
    • •Mixing up debits and credits, especially when recording expenses and revenues.
    • •Omitting or misclassifying closing stock in cost of goods sold.
    • •Forgetting to reverse accruals and prepayments in the next accounting period.

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Practice manual payroll calculations regularly to build speed and accuracy; use past-paper scenarios and timed exercises.
    • •Familiarize yourself with current HMRC guidance on statutory payments, tax codes, and RTI submission rules before the assessment day.
    • •During the professional discussion, explain your decision-making process clearly, referencing relevant legislation (e.g., Employment Rights Act, GDPR).
    • •For the practical test, double-check all data entries against source documents and use reconciliation processes to catch errors early.
    • •Stay updated with annual changes to tax thresholds, NI rates, and pension auto-enrolment triggers, as questions often reflect the current year's figures.
    • •Practice under timed conditions using mock EPA tasks to build speed and accuracy.
    • •Always show workings for adjustments to gain partial credit even if the final figure is incorrect.
    • •Familiarise yourself with the specific accounting software and its shortcuts approved by the ICB.

    Qualification Units

    4 units

    How this qualification is graded

    Vocational qualifications are marked against criteria, not an exam percentage. Each unit is assessed across three bands - build up from Pass by applying your knowledge to realistic workplace scenarios.

    Pass

    Accurately describe and explain the core knowledge for the unit and link it to the given scenario.

    Merit

    Apply and analyse that knowledge in detail, showing why it matters in the workplace context.

    Distinction

    Evaluate and justify decisions, weigh up alternatives and make well-reasoned professional recommendations.

    ICB Level 3 Payroll Administrator EPA - Core Content

    This element covers the foundational knowledge and practical competencies required for payroll administration at Level 3. It ensures apprentices can accurately process payroll, handle statutory deductions, comply with HMRC reporting obligations, and apply ethical principles in real-world scenarios. The core content forms the basis for demonstrating occupational competence in the end-point assessment.

    ICB Level 3 Payroll Administrator EPA

    7 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    ICB Level 3 Assistant Accountant EPA - Core Content

    The core content for the ICB Level 3 Assistant Accountant EPA encompasses essential bookkeeping and accounting competencies required to perform accurate financial record-keeping, preparation of final accounts, and regulatory reporting. It integrates practical application of double-entry principles, adjustments, VAT, and software use to ensure readiness for the end-point assessment and professional practice.

    ICB Level 3 Assistant Accountant EPA

    7 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    ICB Level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant EPA - Core Content

    This subtopic covers the essential knowledge and practical skills required for an accounts/finance assistant, including double-entry bookkeeping, bank reconciliation, VAT calculations, trial balance preparation, payroll processing, and drafting basic financial statements. It equips learners to accurately record day-to-day financial transactions and support the accounting function within a business environment.

    ICB Level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant EPA

    6 learning outcomes12 guidance points

    ICB Level 5 Payroll Assistant Manager EPA - Core Content

    This subtopic encompasses the essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours required of a payroll assistant manager, including in-depth understanding of payroll legislation, compliance, and ethical practices. It focuses on the practical application of managing payroll operations, leading a team, and ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing within an organisation. Mastery of these core competencies ensures the apprentice can effectively contribute to organisational financial integrity and employee satisfaction.

    ICB Level 5 Payroll Assistant Manager EPA

    6 learning outcomes8 guidance points

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    The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers End-Point Assessment Accounting & Finance