How can I become an accountant?

Depending on what type of accountancy you want to practice, there are a few options available to you.

If you want to become a chartered accountant, you will have to achieve the ACA qualification. This is set by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales and is a globally-recognised qualification. The ACA qualification is done on the job with an authorised employer. You will need 450 days’ work experience and will have to pass a number of exams before you become chartered.

If you want to become chartered certified accountant, then you will have to undertake the ACCA qualification. This qualification covers all the essential skills needed to understand the financial activities and performance of a company. There are 14 exams in total, and how many you have to complete depends on what prior qualifications you have. However, to become a Certified Accounting Technician you have to have at least one year’s practical work experience.

To become a management accountant, you will need to achieve your CIMA Professional Qualification which you can do alongside your work. You should ideally have around three years of professional experience to gain your professional qualification. You can read more about CIMA here.

So those are just some of the ways you can become an accountant. For more information, read our article here.

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Can I become a chartered accountant without a degree?

It is a common misconception that, to become a chartered accountant, you need a degree, but this is not the case. You do not have to have a degree to become a chartered accountant, but you will often have to gain additional qualifications before you can become chartered.

How do I become a chartered accountant without a degree?

If you train to become a chartered accountant after university, you will often go straight into working towards your ACA qualification. However, if you are joining straight out of school, you will most likely have to study for one of the following qualifications first:

• ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB)
• Higher Apprenticeship in Assurance/Audit
• Association of Accounting Technical qualification (AAT)

Once you have completed your initial qualification, you will be able to move onto your ACA qualification.

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The ICAEW Student Scheme (USS) is an online training resource that helps you develop the workplace skills that employers want. Whether you want to strengthen your degree, enhance your CV or simply stand out from your peers, it can benefit you. It will also entitle you to study the ICAEW CFAB at no extra cost. Your university may offer it already, but you can sign up independently.

The ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (ICAEW CFAB) covers the first six modules of the ACA and provides an excellent introduction to what the qualification is really like.
Once you’ve qualified, the ACA is a passport to opportunity, giving you access to an amazing range of careers. To find out more and see how the ACA  has helped the careers of our students and members click here.