ICAEW Level 4 Apprenticeship: Professional Accounting
Start your journey in accounting and finance
Earn while you learn on the job
Gain essential technical knowledge and practical skills
Begin your accounting career while gaining valuable experience
The ICAEW Level 4 Apprenticeship: Professional Accounting programme at Reed Business School is ideal for those starting their journey in accounting and finance, particularly those aspiring to build a strong foundation in the profession.
Ideal for aspiring finance professionals seeking a solid foundation
Learn through a combination of on-the-job training and guided learning
Prepare for roles such as assistant accountant, accounts technician, or junior auditor
Expert support from experienced tutors & access to a wide range of learning resources
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Apprenticeship overview
- Duration : 18-24 months
- RQF Level: 4
The ICAEW Level 4 Apprenticeship: Professional Accounting is designed to equip apprentices with essential technical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical awareness needed for junior accounting roles. Delivered through expert-led tuition, interactive resources, and workplace experience, the programme prepares learners for the ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting, and Business (CFAB).
With dedicated support, flexible study options, and a focus on practical application, this apprenticeship is perfect for those beginning their accounting career while gaining valuable workplace experience.
Who is it for?
The ICAEW Level 4 Apprenticeship: Accounting programme is ideal for:
Aspiring finance professionals seeking a solid foundation in accounting principles.
School leavers or early-career individuals starting their journey in the accountancy field.
Professionals aiming to formalise their skills and gain an industry-recognised qualification.
Individuals transitioning into accountancy, keen to develop competencies in financial reporting, bookkeeping, and taxation.
Apprenticeship details
The ICAEW Level 4 Apprenticeship: Professional Accounting is a foundational programme combining structured learning with practical, on-the-job experience. Here’s what’s involved:
Comprehensive training: Develop knowledge in core areas such as bookkeeping, financial reporting, and management accounting, providing a solid foundation for a career in accounting.
On-the-job learning: Integrate workplace experience with formal study, applying your knowledge in real-world settings and building essential professional skills.
Exams & qualifications: Progress through structured assessments to achieve the ICAEW Level 4 Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB), a recognised qualification for aspiring accounting professionals.
Ethics & professional development: Build an understanding of ethical principles and professional standards, preparing you for trusted roles in the finance industry.
Flexible delivery options: Choose from Residential, Classroom, Online Classroom, or Live Online learning to fit your schedule and preferences.
Upon completion, apprentices will be well-prepared for junior finance roles or to progress to higher-level apprenticeships, further enhancing their accounting careers.
Certificate Level: Fundamentals of accountancy, finance, and business.
Accounting (AC)
Assurance (AS)
Business, Technology and Finance (BTF)
Law
Management Information (MI)
Principles of Taxation (PTX)
These modules will be examined via on-demand computer-based exams (e-assessments, 1.5 hours each).
These exams can be taken at Reed Business School or at a local Pearson VUE centre. Students will be permitted a maximum of four attempts at each module. These six modules are also available as a standalone certificate, the ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (ICAEW CFAB)
Accreditation: Approved by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), providing a strong foundation in accounting principles and practices.
Provider status: Delivered by a trusted provider listed on the government register of apprenticeship training providers.
Comprehensive curriculum: Covers key topics such as bookkeeping, financial accounting, tax compliance, and principles of audit and assurance.
Innovative learning approach: Combines expert-led tuition, hands-on workplace experience, and digital resources for flexible and practical learning.
Dedicated support: Access to experienced tutors, one-on-one coaching, and a supportive network to help apprentices excel at every stage.
Professional Qualification: Achieve a recognised ICAEW Level 4 qualification (CFAB).
Career Advancement: Gain the knowledge and skills necessary for career progression in the accounting field.
Practical Experience: Apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on work experience.
Flexibility: Structured to accommodate working professionals, ensuring a balance between study and work commitments.
Completing the ICAEW Level 4 Apprenticeship: Professional Accounting programme can lead to:
Roles such as assistant accountant, accounts technician, or junior auditor.
Progression into higher-level qualifications, including the ICAEW Level 7 Apprenticeship.
Opportunities to gain hands-on experience in financial accounting, reporting, and management.
A strong foundation for a rewarding career in finance across various industries.
The ICAEW Level 4 Apprenticeship: Accounting Professional programme typically takes 18 to 24 months to complete, depending on prior qualifications and individual progress. This timeframe allows apprentices to build essential technical knowledge, complete exams, and gain practical experience in accounting.
Each apprentice progresses through the programme at a pace suited to their learning and career needs, with ongoing support from experienced tutors to ensure success and development.
There are various pathways to begin the ACA qualification. However, ICAEW states that there are no set entry requirements so this apprenticeship is open to all!
Interested in advancing your accounting career? Enquire today about our ICAEW Level 4 Accounting Technician Apprenticeship and take the next step towards becoming a skilled professional.
For more details, you can view the ACA entry routes here: ACA entry routes
As an ICAEW-approved learning partner since 1972, Reed Business School has a strong legacy of delivering world-class accountancy tuition, helping learners achieve consistently high pass rates above the national average. With a commitment to excellence, we go above and beyond ICAEW best practice benchmarks for institution and course management, delivery, and student support.
Reed Business School is listed on the Government Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers and is fully approved to deliver apprenticeship training. This means that we offer the ICAEW Level 4 apprenticeship, combining professional skills development with hands-on experience to equip apprentices with the expertise needed to excel in senior finance roles.
The three core elements of the Apprenticeship: Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours
Knowledge
You’ll gain the technical knowledge needed to pass your professional exams, mapped out in a personalised Training Plan tailored to your study needs and exemptions. The programme culminates in a Case Study exam, which forms part of your End Point Assessment.
Skills
Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll develop essential professional skills required for success in your role. These skills are assessed during the End Point Assessment and supported by online modules designed to meet specific criteria.
Progress is tracked using an online e-portfolio platform, including your ‘off-the-job’ training. Each apprentice is paired with a dedicated learning coach who meets quarterly with both the apprentice and their line manager to provide support and guidance.
Behaviours
The apprenticeship also focuses on developing professional behaviours essential for success. These are assessed during the End Point Assessment and supported by the same online modules and quarterly coaching sessions.
Ongoing evaluation
Your 20% off-the-job training will be evaluated throughout the programme, focusing on the development of your Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs).
Once you’ve completed the on-programme requirements, you’ll submit an End Point Assessment, which evaluates your combined Skills, Knowledge, and Behaviours.
Reed Business School is an approved Computer-Based Exam (CBE) centre, and all apprentices must register with ICAEW before starting.
ICAEW Level 4 Apprenticeship: Accountancy Professional - £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 ICAEW 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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