Accounting Finance Manager
Develop future-ready finance talent with IFA accreditation and professional recognition that boosts careers and business productivity.
The Accounting Finance Manager degree apprenticeship is ideal for individuals entering the accountancy profession for the first time, or professionals who are already working in finance and want to develop or enhance their career opportunities.
For employers, this apprenticeship is a cost-effective way to develop capable finance professionals who can improve efficiency, support strategic decision-making and strengthen compliance.
For apprentices, it’s an opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining practical experience alongside a recognised degree. You’ll build confidence to manage day-to-day operations, enhance your career prospects and progress towards professional recognition with bodies such as ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA and ICAEW.
Why apprenticeships at ARU?
We’ll help you reap the benefits of talent acquisition through apprenticeships.
-
Cost-effective way to develop capable finance professionals
-
Accredited by The Institute of Financial Accountants
-
Recognised by professional bodies including ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA and ICAEW
-
Build strong technical, digital and interpersonal skills to drive efficient operations
-
Flexible delivery that mixes online study with short in-person teaching blocks
-
Applicable across various industries both SMEs and large multinational corporations alike
of apprentices learnt new skills to contribute to their workplace in a practical way.
Source: ARU degree apprenticeships impact report
-
Grow your workforce: Discover how employers are developing talent, closing skills gaps and creating future-ready teams through apprenticeships.
-
![Construction Site Supervisor degree apprentice Nieve and her employer, Mark, on site in hi vis on a sunny, clear day]()
Grow your workforce: Discover how employers are developing talent, closing skills gaps and creating future-ready teams through apprenticeships.
We’ll help you launch and progress your career in accounting and finance.
-
Earn a degree, accredited by The Institute of Financial Accountants, whilst working
-
Build in-demand accounting, tax and financial management skills
-
Achieve recognised certifications with Microsoft, Sage and Xero
-
Learn from industry-informed teaching and real business scenarios
-
Develop confidence to manage finance operations and strategy
-
Progress towards ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or ICAEW recognition
believe they make a significant contribution to their workplace.
Source: ARU degree apprenticeships impact report
-
Our apprentices share how degree apprenticeships are helping them earn while they learn, develop career-ready skills and build confidence alongside their work and personal commitments.
-
![An employer and two degree apprentices sitting at computers in an office]()
Our apprentices share how degree apprenticeships are helping them earn while they learn, develop career-ready skills and build confidence alongside their work and personal commitments.
Talent development
Develop your finance talent with a programme designed to build technical expertise, digital capability and strategic thinking.
Ideal for employees progressing into management roles or enhancing existing responsibilities, this apprenticeship supports confident, work-ready professionals who can drive performance, improve processes and contribute to informed business decision-making.
You can attract and develop new talent into your organisation and diversify your teams or upskill current promising employees for succession planning.
Recruitment support for employers
Our dedicated apprenticeship team is on hand to help you attract the best candidates for your organisation. We can help with:
- crafting job advertisements
- promoting your vacancy to our quality candidate mailing lists
- adding your vacancy to the National Apprenticeship Service
- sharing opportunities across our social media channels.
Our consultants can also help you to assess candidates' suitability.
Speak to our consultants
We're on-hand to guide you through the process, from initial interest to onboarding.
You’ll develop the competencies required of professionals who manage and implement accounting, finance systems and processes.
It’s for those already in a financial management role, either new in post or someone with experience but looking to consolidate their knowledge and gain a recognised and accredited degree. You’ll be working in an accountancy firm or an accounts / finance department of an organisation, and the apprenticeship is broad enough to apply to various types of organisations – public, private, global, third sectors.
Programme content
Entry requirements
Employers set out the person specifications for the role, but apprentices will need to meet our entry requirements to be accepted onto this course.
- GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and maths or equivalent Level 2 qualifications
- Evidence of Level 3 study or work experience demonstrating skills that are broadly equivalent (e.g., A levels, BTec National Diploma, International Baccalaureate, T levels)
All applicants will be asked to complete a skills scan and initial assessment.
Applicants who do not meet the above requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may require extra assessments and/or an interview.
All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules applicable at the start of the course. If you have any questions about these entry requirements, please contact [email protected].
Fees and funding
Degree apprenticeships are a smart investment. You can reinvest Growth and Skills Levy funds to cover the cost of an apprenticeship and receive funding support from the Government.
If you operate in England and your annual payroll is over £3 million, you will pay the Growth and Skills Levy at a rate of 0.5% of the payroll value in excess of £3 million, into a government-provided digital account.
Apprenticeships are paid for by your employer. You won’t pay any tuition fees on this course.
Our team of experts is here to help form your organisation’s apprenticeship offering and guide you through the process.
Speak to your employer about this course and how it could be beneficial for your development.
Our expert consultants can meet with you and your employer to make setting up simple and straightforward.
Finding an apprenticeship role
To start an apprenticeship, you need to be in a suitable role and have the support of your employer.