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  • ACCA Professional Accountant

ACCA Professional Accountant Apprenticeship

ACCA Gold Learning Partner status makes University of Brighton the place to further your career in accountancy.

This apprenticeship is aligned with the professional ACCA qualification. Over the four-year programme, apprentices will develop an advanced understanding of the theory and practice of financial reporting, performance management, taxation, financial management, assurance and corporate governance, and ethics together with organisational leadership and professional skills.

Apprentices will apply their knowledge and understanding of accounting and financial regulation to business management to improve the financial management and accountability of organisations. There is also the opportunity to study specialised areas of accounting of greatest relevance to their area of interest. This is achieved through a mix of workplace learning, formal off-the-job training, blended learning and the opportunity to develop new skills.

On successful completion of the programme and the practical experience requirement, apprentices:

  • gain a postgraduate certificate
  • qualify for membership of the ACCA
  • become fully qualified accountants.

Make sure that you’ve read the FAQs, and that you meet the eligibility criteria, before you submit an application.

key information

University of Brighton awards Accounting ACCA PGCert, Diploma in Professional Studies in Accounting

Apprenticeship standard Accountancy/Taxation Professional

Level 7

Start date September 2023

Application close date June 2023

Duration 4 years

Location Moulsecoomb

Accreditation Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Submit an application

Ask us about apprenticeships 

Programme details

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 study 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.

ACCA logo

Accreditation
The course is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). As an ACCA Gold Learning Partner, we have 20+ years' experience delivering ACCA tuition.

Modules

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)

Option modules

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Advanced Performance Management
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Advanced Audit and Assurance

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Core skills 

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.

Course leader

Nigel Padbury

Nigel is a principal lecturer and the course leader on our ACCA Professional Accountancy programmes. 

He is a qualified chartered accountant and spent a number of years working at KPMG followed by considerable experience in the commercial sector in various managerial roles.

Nigel joined the University of Brighton in 2013. In addition to his Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) qualification, he's also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

Nigel Padbury

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.

Living costs and benefits

Higher and degree level apprentices must fulfil the standard eligibility criteria in order to apply for means tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit. If you have any questions about entitlement to benefits, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 643888.

Higher and degree level apprentices who are undertaking a full-time mode of study can be treated as being exempt from paying Council Tax. Although some programmes require study on a day-release arrangement, this can still be classed as full-time study. You will need to obtain a letter from the Student Information Desk at any campus and send this to your Council Tax department when you enrol on the programme.

Other

Brighton & Hove bus discount

NUS card

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.

Location

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Over the last four years Moulsecoomb has undergone a major transformation, planned with accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability in mind.

On campus you’ll find professional-standard facilities and learning resources for all of our subjects and a brand new academic building Elm House, alongside the library, student centre, fitness facilities and the Students’ Union.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains and to all the exciting things happening in our home city.

Two people walking past Mithras halls of residence

Why choose us?

  • Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
  • An experienced and established teaching team with a mixture of professional and academic qualifications and experience.
  • A career-focused university with core values of sustainability and social responsibility.
  • Apprenticeships rated 'Good' by Ofsted.
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