ACCA Professional Accountant Apprenticeship

Programme structure

The typical duration of this programme is four years with approximately 500 hours of tuition, however, there are multiple entry points allowing apprentices with recognised prior learning to join the programme to complete their studies and training towards the ACCA qualification.

Apprentices engage with the university one day per week during term time, which provides the opportunity to use the facilities and meet with programme staff. Outside of term time apprentices undertake independent study and develop their knowledge and skills through practical application in the workplace. Assessment takes place through coursework and exam and apprentices will then need to pass through the Gateway to take the End Point Assessment (EPA) in order to achieve their qualification.

With support from the employer, apprentices are required to spend 20% of paid working hours on studies and be able to evidence this. This is a statutory requirement for apprenticeships and the funding is conditional on this being met. Off-the-job learning includes activities which have not previously been a part of the role or furthers apprentices development into new areas.

Entry requirements

• Apprentices joining the programme must have passed the ACCA Applied Knowledge modules or an equivalent level of qualification recognised by the ACCA. Typically this can be an AAT Level 4 qualification
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be considered for individual applicants in line with the University of Brighton RPL policy
• Apprentices wishing to join the programme at the Strategic Professional level of study will be required to have completed the Applied Skills modules

Core modules and skills 

Year 1

• Corporate and Business Law
• Performance Management
• Financial Reporting

Year 2

• Taxation
• Audit and Assurance
• Financial Management

Year 3

• Strategic Business Reporting
• Option Module 1

Year 4

• Option Module 2
• Strategic Business Leader (EPA)

Upon completion of the programme, apprentices will be equipped to:

• apply appropriate analytical and problem-solving techniques to a range of business and accounting problems
• add value to an organisation by anticipating future needs and requirements 
• communicate effectively their understanding of the current practices and regulatory frameworks 
• apply a questioning mind to a range of business and accounting issues
• communicate complex quantitative and narrative financial data in an appropriate form to a range of stakeholders
• analyse data and information, to evaluate their relevant and validity
• identify ethical dilemmas and understand their implications and how to appropriately behave.

Teaching and assessment 

The programme places emphasis on encouraging the group to explore different perspectives from their diverse backgrounds and varied experiences. Approaches to teaching vary depending on the module, but will be practice-led and research-informed, introducing apprentices to concepts and issues from specific subject areas.

Each module has 48 hours of scheduled tuition. In addition there are 64 hours of scheduled tuition on the Strategic Business Leader module, which forms part of the EPA.

A blended learning approach will be adopted through the university's student intranet My Studies. This enables the provision of learning resources specific to modules, the ‘study skills’ resource and provides access to the online library.

A range of summative assessment methods are used throughout the programme. These are related to module aims and learning outcomes, and include:

• coursework assignments
• exams.

Upon completion of the qualification apprentices must complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) comprised of:

• a portfolio of workplace evidence
• demonstration of practice
• professional discussion.

Employer and apprentice commitments 

In order to deliver the programme, the employer undertakes to:

• conduct a workplace induction and set out a contract of employment
• provide a workplace mentor to supervise and monitor the progress of the apprentice
• release apprentice for scheduled off-the-job training
• ensure apprentices have continued protected time outside of term for off-the-job training
• provide opportunities in the workplace to meet work-based learning requirements.

Throughout the programme, apprentices will:

• attend the workplace for the agreed pattern as set out in the employment contract 
• record all training sessions and off-the-job learning 
• attend scheduled university learning sessions and complete all assessments as required by the university and End Point Assessment Organisation
• behave in a safe and responsible manner at the workplace and university
• engage with regular progress reviews 
• complete, throughout the apprenticeship, a professional development portfolio.

Staff profile

Dr Ali Elharidy, Course Leader

Dr Ali Elharidy is the course leader for the ACCA MSc, PG Diploma and the Professional Accountant Apprenticeship. He has been a Senior Lecturer at the University of Brighton since 2019. He teaches Financial Reporting, Research Methods, Management Accounting and Advanced Performance Management.

Ali has a PhD in Accounting & Finance from the University of Manchester, an MSc in Accounting and Finance from the University of Birmingham and BSc (Hon) from Alexandria University, Egypt. Ali’s research interests include financial and risk disclosures, earnings management, financial distress and corporate governance. He served as a course leader at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and has taught in the UK, New Zealand, Egypt and Lebanon.

Fees and funding information for apprentices 

Course fees

As an apprentice the cost of your learning programme is covered by your employer through their Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account.

Student finance

Higher and degree level apprentices are not eligible for any element of student finance. This is because they receive a salary instead of the student loan package. However, if you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 642 888.

Learning support

Apprentices studying at Higher and degree level may be able to access funding in relation to additional support but this is available through the university and not Disabled Students Allowance. Apprentices may also be able to apply for Access to Work funding for work-based equipment and software. Please contact the Disability and Dyslexia team on 01273 643 799.