Become an Accountant

There are a number of ways that you can become an accountant; by doing an accountancy or mathematics degree or, if you don’t have the necessary qualifications to go to university, you can also do a recognised course with the Institute of Chartered Accountants or the Association of Accounting Technicians and even study while you work.

Accountancy jobs

Rather than drab number crunchers, accountants are business experts, boasting a broad range of knowledge and skills while working in a demanding job. The most dynamic types tend to work as management accountants – or finance analysts, as they are also known.

Such positions can command hefty salaries of up to £250,000 a year. However, as the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants admits, it is not a job that will suit everyone. There are many aspects of the job that are extremely complex and sometimes hold a great deal of responsibility, as the in-house accountant helps a company manage its finances.

This is, however, only one area of accounting. Many jobbing accountants work for chartered – or certified – firms or for themselves, taking contracts to assist businesses and organisations of all sizes in a wide range of finance issues, such as keeping books in order – known as auditing – calculating tax bills, planning budgets, mergers, takeovers and acquisitions.

While this may sometimes lack the dynamism of financial analysis, it can provide a very steady and secure career with decent pay, flexible hours and good prospects of advancement. It can also lead to high-level management positions and sought-after consultancy roles.

Accountancy qualifications

You don’t have to be a graduate to become an accountant, though a degree is preferable. The vast majority of those taking the broad-based ACA (Associated Chartered Accountant) exam – the UK’s best-recognised accountancy qualification – were graduates. ACA entry level requirements include two A-levels and three GCSEs, including good grades in maths and English.

However, an increasing number of organisations are willing to take on school leavers who fulfil the necessary criteria, and who are then trained in-house or by an outside agency.

There are more than 2,000 organisations providing authorised training in the UK. The size or influence of the accountancy firm that trains you is irrelevant; the final qualification is the same. Nearly 40 per cent of trainees work for a business with 20 or fewer partners.

Training takes a minimum of three years and requires that you complete 450 days of technical work experience and pass both examination stages – with 11 exams in total.

If you're training as you work, your employer will pay for your course, as well as providing a modest salary for which you will be expected to help in the office in a variety of areas, including general admin.

For more information visit the Institute of Chartered Accountants website.

Further Reading

1. No matter how qualified you are as an accountant, you'll still need a great resume. Read our guide to writing a CV.
2. Want to do a degree relevant to accountancy but fear it's too late? Read our guide to becoming a mature student.
3. If you require the services of an accountant read our guide to choosing an accountant.

9 comments

Iona
28/04/2012

Hi, I'm currently studying 3 a levels (including Maths), I would prefer to become an account through an apprenticeship, any tips? Thank you

 

Tahmeed Chaudhury
27/04/2012

Hello, I'm an A level student in Bangladesh. I have 2 A level subjects currently (Mathematics and Physics). I want to study Chartered Accountancy in the UK. Should I go for earning a degree from a university first or should I just go for studying CA? I'm really confused about what to do and a little help would do me a world of good. Thank You

 

David
20/04/2012

Hi, I've just completed a science degree as a mature student, and got a 2:2 so graduate schemes are not open to me. I didn't have A-levels, did a foundation year, so have no UCAS points. I worked in insurance for nearly 10 years before returning to education, so have a lot of relevant experience. What's the best way for me to become an accountant? Thanks, David

 

UK Net Guide
16/04/2012

Hi Jamie, If you have decent GCSE and A level grades you don't need a degree. You'll need to pass the ACA exam to become a qualified accountant. You can study for this whilst at a company that has taken you on as a trainee, or you can obtain it through an outside agency. Best, UK Net Guide

 

jamie
14/04/2012

Hi I am currently a teacher I received a b'ed Hons in primary education and currently specialise in maths however didn't do my degree in it. What route would I need to take to make the transition and to gain the necessary qualifications?! How would I do this?! Would it take long. Many thanks

 

UK Net Guide
02/04/2012

Hi Jessica, Employers who you'd train with would be fine with the fact that you gained your degree in America as long as it's in a numeracy based subject and your grade was the equivalent of what we in the UK call a 2:1, which in America would roughly be 3.3 GPA or better.

 

jessica
31/03/2012

I am living in america and wanting to move to the uk. I am studying accounting in america, am i going to be able to use my degree from america in the uk? Thank you Jessica

 

UK Net Guide
26/03/2012

Hi Federico, Your next step should probably be to gain the ACA qualification. You can find more from the Institute of Chartered Accountants site. Kind Regards, UK Net Guide

 

Federico Labò
23/03/2012

Hello, I'm an italian student from university of Pavia. I had my first three-year degree in business administration and now I'm finishing a two-year specialization in international business and economics. I want to be an accountant in England and I'd like to know exactly what I have to do. Can you help me? Thank you. Regards, Federico.

 

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