ACCA Level 4 Apprenticeship: Professional Accounting
Build your finance career
Earn while you learn on the job
Gain practical experience and accounting skills
Advance into technical accounting roles
The ACCA Level 4 Apprenticeship: Professional Accounting programme provides a structured pathway for aspiring accountants.
This program is designed to prepare apprentices for successful careers in accounting, offering a solid foundation for progression to higher levels within the profession.
Ideal for professionals seeking to develop advanced technical skills
Learn through a combination of on-the-job training and guided learning
Prepare for roles such as Assistant Accountant, Management Accountant, or Finance Officer
Expert support from ACCA-qualified tutors & access to a wide range of learning resources
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Apprenticeship overview
- Duration : 18 months
- RQF Level: 4
This apprenticeship integrates practical work experience with comprehensive ACCA qualifications, equipping apprentices with essential skills in financial accounting, management accounting, and taxation. Apprentices benefit from mentorship by qualified professionals, gaining hands-on experience while studying towards achieving ACCA membership.
Alongside the apprenticeship, this pathway embeds 3 of the 13 professional exams that ACCA future members need to pass in order to obtain their ACCA membership; on completing the 3 papers and the Foundations in Professionalism (FiP) module, they will be awarded ACCA’s Diploma in Accounting and Business
Why is it for?
The ACCA Level 4 Apprenticeship: Professional Accounting programme is designed for those looking to advance their career in accounting, particularly in technical roles. It’s ideal for:
Building a career in accounting, leading to roles like Assistant Accountant, Management Accountant, or Finance Officer.
Professionals seeking to develop advanced technical skills in accounting and finance, with a focus on financial management and reporting.
Individuals wanting to gain practical experience while earning a recognised qualification.
Those interested in earning while learning through an apprenticeship route, combining hands-on experience with structured training.
Employers looking to upskill team members in key areas like financial reporting, management accounting, and auditing.
Apprenticeship details
The ACCA Level 4 Apprenticeship: Professional Accounting programme provides a solid foundation in accounting practices, preparing apprentices for essential roles in accounting and finance. Here’s what to expect:
Foundational training: Gain key knowledge in areas such as financial reporting, management accounting, and taxation, establishing a strong base for a career as an accounting technician.
Practical, on-the-job learning: Combine workplace experience with structured study, applying new skills in real-world scenarios to gain valuable insights into everyday accounting practices.
Exams & qualifications: Complete assessments to earn the ACCA Level 4 qualification, a widely recognised credential that prepares you for essential roles in accounting and finance.
Flexible learning options: Choose from Residential, Classroom, Online Classroom, or Live Online learning to fit your schedule and preferences.
Upon completion, apprentices will have the skills, experience, and qualification to thrive in accounting technician roles or progress to higher levels of professional development in the finance industry.
The ACCA Level 4 Apprenticeship: Professional Accounting programme focuses on developing key skills and knowledge for a career in accounting, aimed at individuals looking to pursue or advance their role in finance. The syllabus includes foundational topics in financial accounting, management accounting, and business technology. Apprentices will cover subjects such as:
Financial Accounting: Understanding financial statements, preparing accounts, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Management Accounting: Learning how to interpret financial data to inform business decisions.
Business Technology: Gaining proficiency in digital tools and technologies relevant to accounting tasks.
The apprenticeship also emphasises ethics, professionalism, and business awareness. Apprentices work towards achieving the ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business, a qualification that opens doors to further professional opportunities. The apprenticeship combines practical experience with academic learning and includes structured assessments and an end-point assessment for certification
Accreditation: Fully approved by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), this programme provides a strong foundation in key accounting techniques and principles.
Provider status: Delivered by a trusted and accredited provider listed on the government register of apprenticeship training providers, ensuring high-quality, compliant training.
Comprehensive curriculum: Covers essential topics such as financial accounting, management accounting, business law, and taxation, equipping apprentices with the technical expertise needed in the field.
Innovative learning approach: Integrates expert-led tuition, practical workplace experience, and advanced digital learning tools, offering a flexible and engaging learning environment.
Dedicated support: Apprentices receive continuous guidance, including access to experienced tutors, one-on-one coaching, and a supportive network to help them succeed throughout their apprenticeship.
Professional qualification: Achieve a respected ACCA Level 4 qualification, recognised in the accounting industry.
Career advancement: Develop the technical expertise and skills needed to progress in your accounting career.
Practical experience: Gain real-world experience while applying accounting principles in the workplace.
Flexibility: Designed to support working professionals, offering a balanced approach to studying and career commitments.
Completing the ACCA Level 4 Apprenticeship: Professional Accounting programme opens doors to:
Progression to advanced accounting qualifications, including the ACCA qualification.
Practical experience in key accounting tasks such as financial reporting, management accounting, and auditing.
A strong foundation for a successful, long-term career in accounting and finance across various industries.
This programme will typically take 18 months, including EPA.
Applicants must be 18 years or older.
The minimum entry requirements are three GCSEs with grades A-C (or grades 4 and above) and two A-Levels with grades A-C, or equivalent qualifications.
Subjects must include Maths and English at either level. Equivalent qualifications from Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland are also accepted.
Previous accounting related qualifications may also provide exemptions from elements within the course which can be discussed during onboarding
At Reed Business School, we have a long history of delivering industry-leading results, based on over 50 years in the business. We provide the very highest standard of professional accountancy training for anyone looking to advance in their accounting career. When you learn with us, you’ll get access to:
Support from an ACCA-qualified tutor - Our ACCA tutors will be there to support you throughout your studies with us. You’ll be able to ask them questions in class or on Microsoft Teams during business hours
A variety of delivery options to suit your needs - We offer a variety of delivery options including 100% online, classroom learning at our conveniently located training centres, and residential study programs at our iconic 11th-century manor
Study materials to help you pass first time - All our ACCA courses include access to additional online study materials including Green Light Tests, webinars, and practice assessments for each unit
Recognised accreditation - We take a specialised approach to teaching based on over 50 years' delivering accounting qualifications. It’s helped thousands of students pass their exams and succeed in their careers
The assessment for the ACCA Level 4 Apprenticeship: Professional Accounting programme primarily revolves around the Technician Role Simulation (TRS) exam. Here’s an overview of the assessment process:
Technician Role Simulation (TRS) Exam: This is the final assessment for apprentices completing the Level 4 apprenticeship. The TRS exam is designed to simulate real-world scenarios that accounting technicians are likely to encounter in their roles. It tests apprentices’ ability to apply their technical knowledge and skills to practical situations. The exam assesses competencies across various areas covered in the apprenticeship modules, such as financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, and ethics.
Format: The TRS exam may consist of case studies, practical tasks, and scenario-based questions. Apprentices are expected to demonstrate their understanding of accounting principles, problem-solving abilities, and professional judgment in handling complex situations.
Preparation: Apprentices typically prepare for the TRS exam through structured study sessions provided by their training provider. They revise key concepts, practice sample questions, and participate in mock exams to familiarize themselves with the exam format and enhance their readiness.
Grading and Certification: Successful completion of the TRS exam, along with meeting the requirements of the apprenticeship modules and work experience, leads to certification as an ACCA Accounting Technician. This certification demonstrates that apprentices have achieved the necessary skills and competencies to perform effectively in accounting roles.
Overall, the TRS exam is a critical component of the ACCA Level 4 apprenticeship assessment, assessing apprentices’ readiness to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world accounting settings.
You will also complete a training portfolio, which is a separate assessment, comprising of a training log and written statement, and will be also reviewed and assessed.
Successful completion leads to the ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business and an apprenticeship certificate.
ACCA Student Help
This section provides help on relevant topics for example examination progression rules, study materials, PER, minimum entry, exemptions, study guides, past examinations papers and the ethics module.
ACCA Contact Details
Address: ACCA Connect, 110 Queen Street, Glasgow, G1 3BX, United Kingdom
Phone number: 0141 582 2000
You can view the website here
Complaints
Any student that wishes to make a complaint to ACCA regarding RBS will be advised to first go through our complaints procedure.
If the complaint is not handled to your satisfaction, you (the student) then have the option to escalate the complaint to ACCA. If both RBS and ACCA’s processes have been exhausted, then escalate to the appropriate regulator. Details can be found on the ACCA website
ACCA Level 4 Professional Accountant Apprenticeship - £8,000
- For levy-paying employers, the programme can be fully funded through the Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account.
- For non‑levy payers, 95% of the apprenticeship cost is funded by the government.
- Eligible organisations may also be able to receive a levy transfer from Reed
You can explore your funding options here. Alternatively, get in touch if you’d like to speak with one of our apprenticeship advisors.
Why choose Reed Business School?
As an experienced, RoATP‑approved provider, we make it easy for employers to run effective apprenticeship programmes.
Employers choose Reed Business School because we:
tailor apprenticeship solutions to your organisation’s needs
have a proven track record, reflected in our Good Ofsted rating
are trusted and fully approved on the RoATP
work alongside your teams to support workforce development
provide access to specialists across our specialism (HR, L&D, Leadership & Management, and Accounting)
As your apprenticeship partner, we help you address the main challenges employers face, including:
designing programmes that meet regulatory and quality requirements
recruiting suitable apprentices
balancing training needs with day‑to‑day operations
managing compliance and funding documentation
preparing learners for end‑point assessment and selecting providers
achieving a strong return on investment
Testimonials
John Lewis and Partners - Apprenticeship
Centrica - Graduate Scheme
Baroness Cox, Founder of Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART)
Trusted by leading accountancy practices
Top organisations trust Reed Business School for their accountancy training and development.
Useful links
If you're currently a student or considering ACCA with us, you'll find find all essential resources here, from course outlines to application forms.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our support team. We're here to help ensure your success every step of the way. Remember to return your forms to rbs.reed@reedbusinessschool.co.uk.
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