Specialised Learning courses

4 units

Course description

This course demonstrates the importance of fully understanding a range of key techniques and features as set out in the ICAEW 20 Principles of Good Spreadsheet Practice, to help students design and create more reliable and efficient spreadsheets throughout their professional careers.

Learning outcomes

• Apply the 20 Principles of Good Spreadsheet Practice.
• Demonstrate the ability to navigate the Excel interface.
• Perform basic arithmetic operations using formulas in accordance with the 20 Principles.
• Appreciate how important an adequate understanding of these basic techniques is to create reliable and efficient spreadsheets.
• Effectively manage and manipulate datasets by sorting, filtering, and validating data entries within Excel.
• Apply formatting techniques to enhance spreadsheet readability and customise the Excel environment for efficient workflow.
• Understand key Excel formulas and functions relevant to chartered accountants.
• Accurately summarise, visualise, and interpret financial data using Excel’s data analysis tools, including Charts, Sparklines, Quick Analysis Tool, PivotTables, and PivotCharts.
• Understand the use and application of Power Query for importing and transforming data.
• Manage workbook security to protect sensitive financial information.

4 units

Course description

Focused on the essentials of carbon accounting, this course covers everything from emissions calculations to setting science-based targets. Students will learn the practical steps needed to create a carbon footprint report, understand the various emission scopes and develop a decarbonisation strategy for their organisation or clients.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the drivers of global warming and climate change.
• Understand activities that fall under scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions.
• Be able to find sources of emissions and assess date gaps and uncertainty.
• Calculate a carbon emissions footprint for an organisation using the latest standards. 
• Develop a decarbonisation plan for an organisation based on its emissions hotspots.

2 units

Course description

This course provides an overview of corporate finance, giving essential insights into key finance activities, the deal cycle and the roles of various players within the corporate finance ecosystem.

Learning outcomes

• Identify and summarise different types of corporate finance activities.
• List and summarise the roles of the main participants in the corporate finance ecosystem.
• Outline the key stages of the deal cycle.
• Identify and summarise the purpose of core legal documents in a deal cycle.
• Outline the role of chartered accountants in key stages of the deal cycle.
• List the main types of due diligence in corporate finance and briefly explain their purposes.

1 unit

Course description

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of forensic accounting, equipping students with an overview of this area. Students will gain a clear understanding of how forensic accountants differ from other finance professionals, such as auditors and fraud investigators, and the unique areas of engagement in fraud detection, bankruptcy investigations, and business valuation, among others.

Learning outcomes

• Differentiate forensic accounting from other finance roles.
• Recognise key areas of forensic accounting engagement.
• Understand techniques and technology used in forensic accounting.
• Examine the ethical, legal and regulatory environment.
• Understand the role of forensic accountants in legal proceedings.
• Identify the specialised skills required for success.

2 units

Course description

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the treasury function, focusing on its role and importance within a firm. Students will explore the global, legal and regulatory frameworks governing treasury operations, including cash management, financial and risk management, funding and capital management.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the strategic role of treasury, the importance of the treasury function, and how it contributes to the success of other business operations.
• Describe the Legal and Regulatory framework in which treasury operates and the impacts of financial regulations.
• Understand the principles of cash management, including forecasting, liquidity management and cash flow optimisation.
• Explain the concepts of financial and risk management in treasury, including foreign exchange risk and liquidity risk, the key methods for mitigating these risks and control risks (delegations, authorities etc) used to manage risks.
• Understand the principles of funding and capital management covering both short term and longer-term funding options.
• Explain the importance of effective treasury policies and internal controls in ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.

4 units

Course description

This course provides insights into valuing and managing non-financial capitals such as natural, social and human capital. Students will learn to evaluate measurement frameworks, engage stakeholders and apply methodologies to assess these capitals in decision-making, helping them influence organisational change.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the significance of non-financial capitals.
• Master the use of key frameworks and principles for valuation.
• Apply measurement methodologies for natural capital.
• Develop comprehensive assessments using robust methodologies.
• Utilise transparent reporting for strategic decision-making.
• Embrace continuous improvement in managing capitals.
• Advocate for recognising value in non-financial context.

1 unit

Course description

This course introduces students to the role and responsibilities of a company secretary of both public and private companies, explaining how a company secretary promotes and sustains good corporate governance practice. It explores the duties of the company secretary in relation to the board, the company and its shareholders, dealing specifically with those incorporated in the UK and the relevant UK legislation and regulations.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the role and responsibilities of the company secretary.
• Appreciate the importance of compliance with the legal and statutory framework.
• Identify the key provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code.
• Recognise the key legislative reforms affecting the role of company secretary.

1.5 units

Course description

The aim of this course is to show how business operations work across organisations and how business operations relate to the accountancy function generally and how chartered accountants work with other areas of the business.

Learning outcomes

• Have a clear understanding of how business operations work, including supply chains, market dynamics, and core processes.
• Understand how different departments – like operations, HR, procurement, and legal – interact and influence both daily operations and strategic goals.
• Understand how business operations relate to the accountancy function generally and to how individual accountants communicate with other areas of the business.

1.5 units

Course description

The aim of this course is to provide foundation knowledge about the general insurance industry, including key practices, concepts, terminology and products.

Learning outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of general insurance and its principles, practices, terminology and functions including different classes of general insurance.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of how premiums are determined by general insurers, including the importance of risk pools.
• Explain how insurance claims are recorded and estimated by general insurers, including claims notified, claims incurred but not reported (IBNR) and claims incurred but not enough reported (IBNER).

2 units

Course description

This course describes the structure and types of agriculture businesses within the agricultural sector, as well as explaining the key agricultural policies and regulations that impact the industry. Students will be able to recognise the environmental and sustainability issues affecting the agricultural sector, identify the role of technological innovations in shaping agricultural practices and evaluate the supply chains and market dynamics that influence agricultural products.

Learning outcomes

• Describe the structure and types of agriculture businesses within the sector.
• Explain the key agricultural policies and regulations that impact the industry.
• Recognise the environmental and sustainability issues affecting the agricultural sector.
• Identify the role of technological innovations in shaping agricultural practices.
• Evaluate the supply chains and market dynamics that influence agricultural products.

2 units

Course description

The aim of this course is to define the technology sector, understand financial reporting and analysis in technology and the management accounting approach in this sector, as well as looking at the relevant trends and challenges.

Learning outcome

• Explore the evolving landscape of technology in the accounting profession, including identifying and describing a wide range of current and emerging technologies influencing the accounting profession, gaining a foundational understanding of the digital tools and systems shaping modern financial practices.
• Analyse the impact of Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cybersecurity and Data Analytics/Digital Transformation (ABCD) on Accounting Practice and evaluate their specific applications, benefits and challenges within the context of accounting.
• Evaluate how technology is transforming the delivery of accounting services. Assess the ways in which digital technologies are changing how accounting services are performed, including automation of routine tasks, remote collaboration, cloud-based accounting systems and real-time financial reporting.
• Explore accounting principles to technology-centric business models and transactions, including accounting and financial reporting principles to technology companies and digital business models e.g. considerations around SaaS revenue recognition, valuation of intangibles, merger and acquisition accounting and risks associated with fast-evolving control.

3 units

Course description

This course will help students understand the charity sector and its role in society, the different types of charitable organisations, the legal and regulatory framework, the basis of charity accounting and financial management, the role of governance, and relevant ethical considerations.

Learning outcomes

• Define a charity; explain different roles a charity can play within society; and list the stakeholders a charity might have.
• Explain the types of legal structure a charity might adopt; compare and contrast the pros and cons of the different types of legal structure a charity can have; and explain the features of other types of organisations that are not-for-profit or place a significant emphasis on social or environmental issues.
• Explain the role of the Charity Commission, which regulates charities in England and Wales; identify the main types of excepted and exempt charities which are not required to register with the Charity Commission; state the main regulations and legislation with which charities must comply; and identify the principal tax considerations for a charity.
• Describe the aims of charity of accounting and the challenges charities may face in achieving these objectives; distinguish between receipts and payments accounts and accruals accounts for charities; explain the following terms in relation to a charity’s finances: restricted funds, unrestricted funds, reserves, investments, grants; and discuss the issues to be considered when setting a charity’s reserves policy.
• Explain why a charity needs good financial management; describe the financial controls a charity should have in place; and explain the need for external review of charity accounts.
• Outline the contents of a charity's governing document; explain the voluntary nature of trusteeship; and explain how impact can be demonstrated by charities.
• Describe how the ICAEW code of ethics would apply to a member volunteering with a charity; explain how a charity can support ethical behaviour, equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the organisation and its work; and outline why and how charities should have a culture of openness and accountability.

2 units

Course description

The aim of this course is to describe the sector and explain its significance to the economy. Students will be able to identify the different sub-sectors within the sector, outline the roles of key players, including major companies, regulatory bodies and institutions, explain the processes of energy production and distribution, and evaluate the impact of renewable energy and sustainability initiatives within the industry.

Learning outcomes

• Describe the sector and explain its significance to the economy.
• Identify the different sub-sectors within the industry.
• Outline the roles of key players, including major companies, regulatory bodies and institutions.
• Explain the processes of energy production and distribution.
• Evaluate the impact of renewable energy and sustainability initiatives within the industry.

3 units

Course description

This course will help students understand the role and significance of financial services in the UK economy, the structure/ function of UK financial markets, the basic characteristics of financial instruments and key financial services sector participants and understand their roles.

Learning outcomes

• Define the financial services sector and its key components.
• Explain its significance to the economy, citing relevant economic indicators.
• Describe the structure and primary functions of the main financial markets, including equity, bond, foreign exchange, money, and derivatives markets.
• Identify and describe the basic characteristics and typical uses of key financial instruments traded in the financial markets.
• Identify the key participants in the financial services sector and explain their distinct roles and functions.
• Differentiate between the roles and objectives of key regulatory bodies in the financial services sector, specifically, in the UK context, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA).
• Explain core financial concepts such as the relationship between risk and return, basic principles of diversification and portfolio management, and the different motivations (speculation, hedging, arbitrage) behind financial services transactions.
• Identify and briefly describe the nature and potential impact of current issues affecting the UK financial services sector, such as technological innovation, the use and regulation of data, and the growing importance of Sustainability and ESG factors.

2 units

Course description

The aim of this course is to identify the different sectors within the life sciences sector, its legal and regulatory framework, the research and development process, and the importance of intellectual property and patents.

Learning outcomes

• Identify the different sub-sectors within the industry.
• Describe the legal and regulatory framework, including key regulatory bodies.
• Summarise the roles of the NHS, MHRA and NICE in the UK healthcare system.
• Explain the Research and Development process in this sector.
• Recognise the importance of intellectual property and patents.
• Evaluate the sustainability and environmental impact of the sector.

2 units

Course description

The course aims to help students understand the manufacturing sector and the impact of industry trends and challenges; the fundamental principles of performance management in manufacturing will also be reviewed.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the manufacturing sector.
• Understand industry trends and challenges (impacting industry).
• Discuss the fundamental principles of performance management in manufacturing.

3 units

Course description

Students will be able to define and understand the scope of the public sector, including the key elements and functions of the UK central government structure and how these fit together. The course also covers the role of the civil service in implementing government policy and in supporting the government and the role of local government and key public corporations. Other non-departmental public sector bodies, sources of funding in the public sector and the factors contributing to funding pressures will also be identified.

Learning outcomes

• Define the public sector and understand the scope of the public sector.
• Explain the key roles of the public sector.
• Explain the key elements of the UK central government structure and how these fit together.
• Explain the functions of the UK government.
• Explain the role of the civil service in implementing government policy and in supporting the government.
• Explain the role of local government.
• Explain the role of key public corporations.
• Identify other non-departmental public sector bodies.
• Identify the sources of funding in the public sector.
• Identify the factors contributing to funding pressures in the public sector.
• Explain the key areas of public sector spending in the UK.
• Explain why some authority is delegated and who can create regulations.
• Explain the limitations on the powers of public bodies in the UK.
• Explain the ethical standards for public services.
• Briefly consider what is meant by the public interest.
• Explain the ethical issues that arise within the public sector.
• Identify ways that the public sector can reduce the risks of unethical behaviour.
• Explain the key principles in Managing Public Money Evaluate how working in the public sector might differ from work in the private sector.
• Compare and contrast the role of the accountant in the public and private sectors.
• Analyse the wider environmental influences on the public sector.
• Explain the impact of the wider context on accountants working in the public sector.

2 units

Course description

The aim of the course is to introduce you to the property sector and explore what it does and how it operates. You will be able to: describe common business models used in the industry; outline key trends and challenges affecting the sector; summarise key legal and regulatory issues impacting property businesses; explain the fundamental financial reporting issues arising in the sector; and describe the role of management accounting in supporting property businesses.

Learning outcomes

• Identify the key attributes of the property sector.
• Describe common business models used in the industry.
• Outline key trends and challenges affecting these sectors.
• Summarise key legal and regulatory issues impacting businesses in property.
• Explain the fundamental financial reporting issues arising in this industry
• Describe the role of management accounting in supporting the property sector.

2 units

Course description

This course will provide students with the tools to become great report writers. The course highlights the importance of identifying the target audience and identifies the research skills required to write a compelling report. The course provides a framework for effective report writing.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the importance and benefits of writing a professional report.
• Identify the stakeholder groups to present the report to.
• Apply the characteristics of report writing.
• Learn the fundamental principles of report writing.
• Follow a chronological approach of the important research skill requirements.
• Apply the techniques and frameworks associated with producing a report.
• Appreciate the evolving generative AI techniques and the risks and the benefits involved.

1 unit

Course description

This one-hour course aims to help students understand what being a finance business partner means for them as a finance professional, how to make their reports and presentations interesting, build key relationships and turn data into insights.

Learning outcomes

• Understand what being a business partner means for a finance professional.
• How to make reports and presentations interesting, engaging and fun.
• Build key relationships, but enable them to challenge effectively and deal with conflict.
• Turn data into insights.

2 units

Course description

After completing this course, students will be able to explain the importance of wellbeing and its role in building resilience. Students will be able to apply effective stress management strategies and assess their impact in different scenarios.

Learning outcomes

• Explain the importance of wellbeing and its role in building resilience.
• Identify the key elements of resilience and apply them to personal and professional situations.
• Apply effective stress management strategies and assess their impact in different scenarios.
• Recognise how to manage change through resilience-building techniques.
• Set meaningful personal and professional goals to enhance self-management.

1 unit

Course description

This course highlights the benefits of curious thinking for students, both personally and professionally, taking them through the different types of curiosity, their relevance and how to apply them over time.

Learning outcomes

• Recognise the benefits of curious thinking in your personal and professional development.
• Distinguish between different types of curiosity and their relevance in your professional environment.
• Apply strategies to cultivate your professional curiosity through questioning and research.
• Evaluate your levels of curiosity and reflect on how they have developed over time.
• Adopt practices that support a growth mindset.

2 units

Course description

The aim of this course is for students to understand the fundamentals of project management in the context of accountancy, including project planning, risk management within projects, decision-making, accountability and project evaluation.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the fundamentals of project management.
• Understand introductory project planning.
• Understand the important of risk management, monitoring and control within projects.
• Decision making and problem solving.
• Accountability and managing expectations.
• Understand the need for effective project closeout and evaluation.

2 units

Course description

This course enables students to recognise what makes conversations challenging and provides tool and techniques to plan effectively for a range of challenging conversations students may encounter.

Learning outcomes

• Recognise what makes conversations challenging and adopt a positive mindset.
• Implement strategies to plan effectively for a range of challenging conversations you may encounter.
• Identify how emotional intelligence through empathy and active listening can shape a conversation.
• Evaluate your level of assertiveness and apply strategies to reach a level that will benefit your daily interactions.
• Use conflict management techniques.

1 unit

Course description

The aim of this course is to enable students to assess their current time management practices and identify patterns and areas for improvement. Students will be able to select appropriate tools to organise tasks and track progress, apply prioritisation techniques based on urgency and importance, implement strategies to effectively handle interruptions and overcome procrastination, and create a personalised time management review process.

Learning outcomes

• Assess your current time management practices to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
• Select appropriate tools to organise tasks and track progress.
• Apply prioritisation techniques based on urgency and importance.
• Implement strategies to effectively handle interruptions and overcome procrastination.
• Create a personalised time management review process.

2 units

Course description

The aim of this course is to explain the verbal and non-verbal principles of effective communication. Students will be able to recognise when and how to use different communication methods and styles and apply best practice for communication and messaging, including giving and receiving feedback for workplace development.

Learning outcome

• Explain the verbal and non-verbal principles of effective communication.
• Recognise when and how to use different communication methods and styles for effective results.
• Apply best practice for digital communication to ensure clear and professional messaging when using this channel.
• Apply best practice when giving and receiving feedback to foster growth and development within the workplace.

2 units

Course description

The course explains the importance of presentation skills in making complex or dry information accessible and engaging. It provides tools and techniques to help students handle nervousness and build confidence and explores techniques to create an authentic communication style during presentations. The course also explores ways to engage and connect with the audience and use visual aids effectively.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the importance of presentation skills in making complex or dry information accessible and engaging.
• Handle nervousness and build confidence.
• Understand how to adapt presentations to different settings.
• Explore techniques to create an authentic communication style during presentations.
• Explore ways to engage and connect with the audience.
• Design and use visual aids effectively.

2 units

Course description

This course defines diversity and explains its relevance and importance in professional settings, including recognising unconscious bias, stereotyping and systemic barriers to inclusion. It will also help students facilitate practical approaches to fostering inclusive workplaces.

Learning outcomes

• Define diversity and explain its relevance and importance in professional settings.
• Recognise unconscious bias, stereotyping and systematic barriers to inclusion.
• Learn practical approaches to fostering inclusive workplaces.
• Explore the role of allyship and advocacy for unrepresented groups.
• Consider legal and ethical considerations.
• Understand the communities and resources available for you to explore inclusion further.

• Choice of business structure (tax)
• The legal framework of UK taxation and tax avoidance/evasion (tax)
• Employee incentives – shares and share options (tax)
• Off payroll working (tax)
• Tax planning with groups (tax)
• AI governance
• Introduction to FRS under UK GAAP
• Introduction to FRS 105 accounting and disclosures
• FRS 102
• The banking sector
• Financial statements of banking
• Introduction to life insurance
• Financial statements of insurers
• How to learn

• Introduction to hospitality and leisure sector
• Introduction to retail sector
• Introduction to healthcare and medical sector
• Introduction to LLP accounting

• In the mind of the manager
• Psychological safety
• Business development and client relationship management
• How to learn