ICAEW Level 7 Apprenticeship: Accountancy Professional
Advance your career in accounting and finance
Earn while you learn on the job
Gain advanced technical knowledge and practical skills
Work towards senior roles while gaining valuable experience
The ICAEW Level 7 Apprenticeship: Accountancy Professional programme at Reed Business School is ideal for those who are ready to advance their career in accounting and finance, particularly those working toward senior roles.
Ideal for aspiring chartered accountants ready to advance their careers
Learn through a combination of on-the-job training and guided learning
Prepare for roles such as chartered accountant, financial analyst, auditor, or finance manager as well as more senior roles.
Expert support from experienced tutors & access to a wide range of learning resources
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Important update
The government has recently announced significant changes to the funding of Level 7 apprenticeships for those aged 22 and over.
There are two options available for a Level 7 qualification after government funding for the apprenticeship route for those aged 22 or over is withdrawn.
1. Combination route of government-funded Level 4 apprenticeship followed by employer-funded or self-funded remaining units to complete Level 7 standards
How is this funded? The Level 4 apprenticeship portion (either AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting, ACCA Applied Knowledge Level or ICAEW Certificate Level) is funded via the apprenticeship levy. The remaining units needed to complete Level 7 standards are funded by the employer or the learner.
How long does it take? The Level 4 apprenticeship will take 15-18 months, subject to start point and End Point Assessment dates. The remaining units will take an additional 18-21 months, subject to start point and available exam sittings.
2. Fully employer-funded or self-funded Level 7 qualification (non-apprenticeship)
How is this funded? Employer or learner pays in full for the full Level 7 course.
How long does it take? This course takes 3-3.5 years, subject to available exam sittings.
Apprenticeship overview
- Duration : 36-48 months
- RQF Level: 7
The ICAEW Level 7 Apprenticeship: Accountancy Professional is designed to equip aspiring accountants with advanced technical knowledge, professional skills, and ethical behaviours required for leadership roles in the industry. Delivered through a blend of expert-led tuition, digital resources, and practical work experience, the programme prepares apprentices for the ACA qualification and a successful career in accountancy.
With tailored support, flexible study options, and real-world application, this apprenticeship is suited for finance professionals looking to gain highly respected qualifications while acquiring practical experience in the workplace.
Who it is for?
The ICAEW Level 7 Apprenticeship: Accountancy Professional programme is ideal for:
Aspiring chartered accountants ready to advance their careers.
Recent graduates looking to specialise in finance and accounting.
Finance professionals seeking to deepen their expertise and qualifications.
Individuals transitioning into accountancy from other fields, eager to develop financial reporting, auditing, and strategic decision-making skills.
Apprenticeship details
The ICAEW Level 7 Apprenticeship: Accountancy Professional is an advanced program combining rigorous academic study with practical, real-world experience. Here’s what’s involved:
Comprehensive training: Gain in-depth knowledge across core areas of accountancy, including audit, tax, financial reporting, and business strategy. This apprenticeship is designed to prepare you for a career as a Chartered Accountant.
On-the-job learning: As an apprenticeship, the programme integrates hands-on experience in the workplace, allowing you to apply what you learn in real time while developing key professional skills.
Exams & qualifications: The programme includes multiple stages of assessment leading to the prestigious ICAEW Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification, recognised globally for excellence in accountancy.
Ethics & professional development: In addition to technical skills, you’ll complete modules on ethics and professional responsibility, essential for success as a trusted finance professional.
Flexible delivery options: Our program is offered in five delivery modes - Residential, Classroom, Online Classroom, and Live Online, allowing you to tailor your learning to your schedule and preferred style.
Upon completion, apprentices will be fully prepared for senior-level finance roles and eligible for ICAEW membership, opening doors to a range of rewarding career paths.
Please note: this course structure will change in September 2025. For more information, please contact our team
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. Learners will be permitted a maximum of four attempts at each module. These six modules are also available as part of the ICAEW Level 4 Accounting Technician Apprenticeship (CFAB)
Professional Level: Builds on fundamentals, testing technical knowledge in real-life scenarios.
Audit and Assurance (AA)
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
Financial Management (FM)
Tax Compliance (TC)
Business Planning Taxation (BPT)
Business Strategy and Technology (BST) (Reed teaches to the FAR UK GAAP variant)
These exams will be set nationally and held at ICAEW appointed exam centres four times a year in March, June, September and December, Reed Business School mainly work towards the June and December sittings.
Advanced Level: Three papers to be taken in the final year of training.
Corporate Reporting (CR)
Strategic Business Management (SBM)
Case Study
CR and SBM are 3.5 hours each, whilst the case study is 4 hours. All exams are taken as computer-based exams using bespoke software developed by ICAEW. There are two sittings a year in July and November. The three papers can be sat together or separately. The Case Study must be the last exam attempted, and when a student has entered their final year of training.
Accreditation: Approved by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), culminating in the prestigious ACA qualification.
Provider status: Delivered by a trusted provider listed on the government register of apprenticeship training providers.
Comprehensive curriculum: Encompasses advanced topics including financial management, corporate reporting, taxation, law, and professional ethics.
Innovative learning approach: A blend of expert-led tuition, practical workplace experience, and digital resources for flexible learning.
Dedicated support: Access to experienced tutors, one-on-one coaching, and a supportive network to guide you through every stage.
Professional Qualification: Achieve a recognised ICAEW Level 7 qualification.
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 7 Apprenticeship and achieving ACA qualification can lead to:
Roles such as chartered accountant, financial analyst, auditor, or finance manager.
Senior leadership positions, including finance director or chief financial officer (CFO).
Opportunities across diverse industries, from corporate finance to public practice.
Global career prospects with the highly regarded ACA credential.
There are various pathways to begin your journey toward the ACA qualification. Completing AAT Level 4 or equivalent accountancy qualifications may grant exemptions for certain units, enabling faster progress through the program.
Before starting the ACA program, there are minimum entry requirements, but our team is here to guide you through them.
You’ll need to be employed and have your employer’s consent to enrol.
For more details on entry pathways, please view the ACA entry routes or enquire today to discuss your options with us.
As an ICAEW-approved learning partner, we have been providing world-class accountancy tuition since 1972.
The ICAEW Level 7 Apprenticeship: Accountancy Professional program at Reed Business School provides advanced training toward the prestigious ICAEW Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification. 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 7 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 Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours.
Reed Business School is an approved Computer-Based Exam (CBE) centre, and all apprentices must register with ICAEW before starting.
ICAEW Level 7 Apprenticeship: Accountancy Professional - £21,000
- 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.
As of 1st January 2026, government-levy funding is unfortunately no longer available for this option for those aged 22 and over. Our team will be happy to talk you through funding options.
Enquire today to discuss your apprenticeship needs and discover how our tailored programs can enhance skills, boost careers, and drive growth for both individuals and businesses.
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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